Kevin Dorsey is exploring new territory.
Cover photo by Sam Tenney / The Citizen
Kevin Dorsey with his guitar.
Kevin Dorsey with his guitar.
The Auburn musician and educator has long been known for his work as a jazz bassist. But after facing a deeply personal event, Dorsey has been writing songs of a more traditional nature.
Songs with words, for instance.
“People love words,” Dorsey said, half joking, during an interview this week. “I'm going to be singing them, for better or worse.”
Local music fans will be able to hear Dorsey sing those songs Friday, March 27, at the Auburn Public Theater. He and a handful of musicians will come together for the official release party of his newest CD, “FORE!”
The concert will also serve as a benefit for Hospice of the Finger Lakes, an organization to which Dorsey has many personal connections.
The new CD, which was has been available for a few months now, features songs that are influenced by Celtic and Americana traditions. The styles of music were favorites of his father, who Dorsey said he remembers used to sing and play music when he was a child.
So when his father passed away in 2007, Dorsey began playing on his dad's guitar and writing songs based on the memories and experiences that came to the surface, he said.
The songs were a departure for Dorsey on multiple levels.
While Dorsey said he has always been a fan of musicians like Alison Krauss and the Kingston Trio, he has not written many tunes in the past that have been influenced by their work. And he has began to explore influences like Celtic folk, which can be seen as much as heard when he uses unconventional instruments such as the bouzouki, which plays like a large mandolin.
This is also the first time in more than a decade, he added, that he has drawn from such personal, emotional places.
“For me, this was a real cathartic experience,” Dorsey said. “But this is the statement I wanted to make.”
Doresy is also making a statement for Hospice of the Finger Lakes. Dorsey's father was a frequent volunteer for the program, and his step-mother a nurse.
His job as a music educator in Syracuse and his work as a musician take up much of the time and energy that could otherwise go toward volunteering, he said. But he knew there was a way to contribute to what he calls a very worthy and helpful organization.
“I know how to put an instrument in my hand and play,” Dorsey said. “I knew this was the way I could volunteer.”
Christopher Caskey
253-5311 ext. 282
christopher.caskey@lee.net
If you go.
What: Kevin Dorsey CD release show to benefit Hospice of the Finger Lakes
When: 8 p.m. Friday, March 27
Where: Auburn Public Theater, 108 Genesee St., Auburn
Cost: $10
Info: Call 253-6669 or visit www.kevindorsey-music.com
About Hospice of the Finnger Lakes
Founded in 1988, the Hospice of the Finger Lakes provides home care for people in the final stages of incurable disease. The organization serves Cayuga County and parts of Onondaga County. It works with patients and families to manage pain and dietary needs while offering emotional and medical support. The disciplinary organization consists of certified nurses, local volunteers, therapists and other contributors. For more information, call 255-2733.
Songs with words, for instance.
“People love words,” Dorsey said, half joking, during an interview this week. “I'm going to be singing them, for better or worse.”
Local music fans will be able to hear Dorsey sing those songs Friday, March 27, at the Auburn Public Theater. He and a handful of musicians will come together for the official release party of his newest CD, “FORE!”
The concert will also serve as a benefit for Hospice of the Finger Lakes, an organization to which Dorsey has many personal connections.
The new CD, which was has been available for a few months now, features songs that are influenced by Celtic and Americana traditions. The styles of music were favorites of his father, who Dorsey said he remembers used to sing and play music when he was a child.
So when his father passed away in 2007, Dorsey began playing on his dad's guitar and writing songs based on the memories and experiences that came to the surface, he said.
The songs were a departure for Dorsey on multiple levels.
While Dorsey said he has always been a fan of musicians like Alison Krauss and the Kingston Trio, he has not written many tunes in the past that have been influenced by their work. And he has began to explore influences like Celtic folk, which can be seen as much as heard when he uses unconventional instruments such as the bouzouki, which plays like a large mandolin.
This is also the first time in more than a decade, he added, that he has drawn from such personal, emotional places.
“For me, this was a real cathartic experience,” Dorsey said. “But this is the statement I wanted to make.”
Doresy is also making a statement for Hospice of the Finger Lakes. Dorsey's father was a frequent volunteer for the program, and his step-mother a nurse.
His job as a music educator in Syracuse and his work as a musician take up much of the time and energy that could otherwise go toward volunteering, he said. But he knew there was a way to contribute to what he calls a very worthy and helpful organization.
“I know how to put an instrument in my hand and play,” Dorsey said. “I knew this was the way I could volunteer.”
Christopher Caskey
253-5311 ext. 282
christopher.caskey@lee.net
If you go.
What: Kevin Dorsey CD release show to benefit Hospice of the Finger Lakes
When: 8 p.m. Friday, March 27
Where: Auburn Public Theater, 108 Genesee St., Auburn
Cost: $10
Info: Call 253-6669 or visit www.kevindorsey-music.com
About Hospice of the Finnger Lakes
Founded in 1988, the Hospice of the Finger Lakes provides home care for people in the final stages of incurable disease. The organization serves Cayuga County and parts of Onondaga County. It works with patients and families to manage pain and dietary needs while offering emotional and medical support. The disciplinary organization consists of certified nurses, local volunteers, therapists and other contributors. For more information, call 255-2733.
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