Kait Dunton

Biography

Kait Dunton is a Los Angeles-based jazz keyboardist, composer, and bandleader known for her expressive, genre-defying approach to modern jazz. Raised in a non-musical household, Dunton was drawn to the piano from the age of four, taking lessons throughout her youth but not initially envisioning a professional career in music. She attended the University of Virginia, majoring in Spanish, but her passion for music led her to join the school band and take numerous music classes. A pivotal moment came when her undergraduate professor, John D’earth, encouraged her to pursue music professionally, planting the seed for her future career.[1][2]

Dunton's career blossomed after moving to Los Angeles, where she became known for her work as a multi-keyboardist and for leading the acclaimed trioKAIT, a jazz trio that blends acoustic and electric sounds with inventive rhythms and emotional depth. Since her debut album 'Real & Imagined' in 2008, Dunton has released eight albums of original music, earning critical acclaim including 4.5 stars from DownBeat magazine and multiple top ten placements on the Jazz Week radio charts. She has performed at major festivals such as the Monterey Jazz Festival and contributed to film soundtracks, including 'A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.'[2][3]

Dunton's musical style is marked by a fusion of jazz with elements of classical, pop, rock, R&B, soul, and gospel, and she is celebrated for her facility on vintage keyboards like the Fender Rhodes and Hammond B3 as well as her nuanced touch on acoustic piano. Her influences include jazz luminaries such as Richard Tee, 01_Projects/PersonalArtistWiki/Artists/Ahmad_Jamal, E.S.T., Brad_Mehldau, Chick Corea, and Herbie Hancock. As Chair of the Piano Department at Los Angeles College of Music, Dunton continues to shape the next generation of jazz musicians, leaving a legacy of innovation, emotional connection, and genre-blending artistry.[1][2][3]

Fun Facts

• Kait Dunton's music has been streamed millions of times on Spotify, with her track 'this one's for you' achieving nearly three million views on Instagram.
• She is known for her mastery of vintage keyboards, including the Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer, Clavinet, and Hammond B3.
• Dunton's music has been featured in major motion pictures, such as the Mister Rogers film 'A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.'
• She is recognized for her energetic and joyful stage presence, often described by fans as a 'joy bomb.'

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• John D’earth - Undergraduate professor at University of Virginia who encouraged Dunton to pursue music professionally; later a collaborator. (Planet D’earth (album)) [2000s, 2020s]
• Bob Mintzer - Saxophonist and Chair of Jazz Studies at USC Thornton; served as a teacher and later collaborated on album. (Planet D’earth (album)) [2020s]

Key Collaborators

• Jake Reed - Drummer in trioKAIT and frequent collaborator on recordings and live performances. (trioKAIT (band), multiple albums) [2010s-present]
• Cooper Appelt - Bassist in trioKAIT, contributing to the group's distinctive sound. (trioKAIT (band), multiple albums) [2010s-present]
• Dane Alderson - Bassist featured on the album Planet D’earth. (Planet D’earth (album)) [2020s]
• Snarky Puppy - Played in an early version of the band, contributing to her exposure to genre-blending jazz. (Live performances (early 2000s)) [2000s]

Artists Influenced

• Students at Los Angeles College of Music - As Chair of the Piano Department, Dunton mentors and influences emerging jazz pianists. (Departmental leadership, master classes) [2020s]

Source: Wikipedia

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. this one's for you (Keyboards)
2. Real & Imagined (Real & Imagined)
3. Wil's Theme (trioKAIT)
4. The Lighthouse (Keyboards)
5. this one's for you (this one's for you)
6. Prelude (trioKAIT)
7. We Wish You a Merry Christmas
8. 50 Freeways (trioKAIT)
9. Epilogue (Real & Imagined)
10. Be Thankful for What You Got (Be Thankful for What You Got)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia