As well as his own band, Steve Kimock has played guitar, acoustic, lap and pedal steel guitar with Zero, KVHW, Phil Lesh & Friends and the Rhythm Devils.
Albums:
- Here Come the Noisemakers – guitar on End of the Innocence
- Big Swing Face (album) – guitar on The Chill, Big Swing Face, This Too Shall Pass
Instruments:
Steve Kimock’s early years
Steve Kimock, an American guitarist born on October 5, 1955, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, grew up with a passion for music, particularly rock and blues. He started playing guitar at an early age, with influences from various genres shaping his distinct style. As a young musician, Kimock moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, where he would later become a central figure in the jam band and improvisational music scene.
Musical style and influences
Kimock is widely known for his versatile and expressive guitar playing, which blends elements of rock, jazz, blues, and psychedelic music. His technique often incorporates intricate improvisation, making him a highly regarded guitarist in the jam band circuit. He is often praised for his unique ability to evoke emotions through his melodic phrasing and tonal precision. Some of his major influences include Jerry Garcia, John Coltrane, and blues legends such as B.B. King.
Key bands and collaborations
Zero
In the 1980s, Kimock co-founded Zero, a San Francisco-based band that became central to the improvisational rock movement. Zero’s music blended jazz fusion and rock, gaining a dedicated following. The group featured multiple collaborations with lyricist Robert Hunter (of Grateful Dead fame) and helped elevate Kimock’s reputation as a premier improvisational guitarist.
Steve Kimock Band
In the early 2000s, Kimock formed the Steve Kimock Band, showcasing his original compositions and allowing him more creative control. The band explored a range of styles, from funk and jazz to jam and world music, with long, improvised live performances becoming a hallmark of their shows.
Collaborations with Grateful Dead members
Kimock has a long history of collaboration with members of the Grateful Dead. He worked closely with drummer Mickey Hart in several of his projects, including the Other Ones, which featured many former members of the Grateful Dead. In 1998, he was invited to join Phil Lesh & Friends, further cementing his connection to the Grateful Dead family. His ability to channel the spirit of Jerry Garcia’s guitar work while bringing his own voice to the music made him a respected figure within the Deadhead community.
Notable performances and recognition
Over the years, Steve Kimock has played at some of the most iconic music festivals and venues around the world. Known for his masterful live performances, he has headlined shows at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, High Sierra Music Festival, and Jam Cruise. His collaborations extend to artists such as Bruce Hornsby, Keller Williams, and Bonnie Raitt.
Kimock’s work has earned him praise for his technical ability and creative mastery. Guitar Player magazine described him as one of their “Guitar Players of the Year” and called him the “guitar monk” for his dedication to the craft.
Continued influence and legacy
Even after decades in the music scene, Steve Kimock continues to inspire musicians and audiences alike. His contributions to improvisational music and his seamless blending of genres have left an indelible mark on the jam band world. Though his music often remains under the radar of mainstream audiences, Kimock is highly respected by those in the know, particularly for his live performances, which continue to evolve with new projects and collaborations.