“Wood Tickles Ivories in O.C., Long Beach

It was a semi-chilly Tuesday afternoon. The Hot Java coffee shop in Long Beach was filled with patrons, typing furiously on their wireless computers and chatting idly with one another. Off to the side, Kevin Wood sat comfortably with a very composed but relaxed look on his face at a table for two near the door.
Wood is a singer, songwriter and performer - an all-around musician. Born and raised in Wyoming, this small-town native moved to Boston to attend Berklee College of Music. During college, Wood performed showcases and various club gigs in Boston and gained favorable recognition.
In 2000, Wood received an honorable mention in the John Lennon Songwriting Competion. Wood shares some of the main ingredients in his music: strength, passion, determination and emotion.
"I write a lot about what I'm feeling," he said. "I aspire to move people." So far, he has succeeded.
His first album, Haven't Had Enough, contained 12 of his original pieces. He has earned rave reviews for his unique blend of sounds and poetic lyrics.
"Every song is a bookmark of my life," he said. " I would fall in love with a popular song, but parts of a line would never seem to fit. That's why I write songs about my life. I write because I love doing it." In fact, a history course Wood was taking inspired his song "Renaissance."
Classified as a "contemporary piano man," Wood has incorporated sounds of his country roots, folk and pop. Undefined by any certain genre, Wood draws his inspiration from a large range of musicians: Elton John, Billy Joel, Indigo Girls, Paula Cole and Rascal Flatts, just to name a few.
After the release of Haven't Had Enough, Wood auditioned for the national cast of Rent. After nearly a year of callbacks and auditions, Wood earned an understudy part.
Upon leaving the national tour, Wood moved to Long Beach, Calif., and returned to his own music. He has contributed his talents to Indie by Design showcases and Pride festivals in Los Angeles and San Diego.
"I'm most at home [behind a piano] as I'll ever be," he said with a smile. "If I could do this for the rest of life, I'd be the happiest person ever."
Nearly four years later, Wood's sophomore album Finding Me will be released in fall of 2006.
Currently, Wood is in his second year with Men Alive, the gay ment's chorus of Orange County. At the upcoming April performances, Men Alive will feature music inspired by gay artists, including Wood's piece "Stand Firm" from his sophomore album.
For live performances, Wood plays in piano bars and coffeehouses throughout Orange County. Long Beach residents can catch Wood at the Silver Fox every other Friday, the Paradise Cafe every Sunday night from 5 to 8, the Library Coffeehouse every second Friday of the month, and at a special performance at DiPiazza's on April 27. Orange County residents can keep an eye out at Hamburger Mary's, where Wood has entertained patrons several times.
At the end of the interview, Wood paused and looked up. "I'm here to sing and write music," he said. "This is my destiny."
For more information on this talented singer and songwriter, visit his official website at www.SeeKevSing.com or listen to streaming files at www.CDBaby.com/kevinw.”

- Blade of Orange County - Long Beach, CA