About the Author
Anatomy of a Creative.
As a music industry veteran of more than 25 years, Kenery Kent Smith is part of a rich tradition of World Class Chicago bassists. His performance resume showcases the Chi-Town musical trademarks of extraordinary talent, and a versatility to work in any musical genre. Kenery’s experience includes performances with artists ranging from international Neo Soul recording artist Erykah Badu, to world renowned Jazz vocal diva Dee Alexander. Kenery has provided low end grooves for Acid Jazz pioneers Liquid Soul, and he has laid down a funky groove or two behind world famous comedian Bernie Mac. And he has toured extensively throughout Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Luxembourg with the inspirational voices of Sue Conway and the Victory Singers, and with Pierre Walker & Project: Sanctified. Kenery has also performed locally with Gospel legend Kim Stratton, Grammy winning recording artist Darius Brooks, Gospel recording artist Phil Tarver.
Kenery has worked in many other diverse musical settings including performing music with the world-renowned tap dance ensemble MADD Rhythms, touring nationally with Jackie Taylor’s Black Ensemble Theater, and with Chicago’s Free Street Theater (most notably at The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.). Most recently, Kenery appeared in, and wrote and produced original music for the independent film “The Rise and Fall of Miss Thang”. And for 15 years Kenery was co-founder and bassist of Chicago’s very own Nu-Jazz legends Detour JazFunk, with whom he shares writing, arranging, and co-production credits on their debut CD entitled JazFunk. Kenery can currently be seen and heard each week in the role of first chair bassist on the syndicated weekly Sunday morning broadcast of Victory Apostolic Church in Matteson IL., as part of their extraordinary music ministry.
Whether Kenery is writing music, lyrics… poetry or prose; the heart and mind of this Creative will always speak its truths in the most authentic, unique…and unapologetic manner. Because for Kenery, creativity through art is all about communication. It’s all about expression. And it’s all about sharing himself with the world, in order to answer the likely unasked question: who is Kenery Kent Smith? And his humble contribution to “Lessons For the Little Boy” gives you, the reader, a tiny peek into the process of answering that question.
Author's Book
Lessons For the Little Boy Summary
What does it mean to be a man? For many, that definition and description may vary.
Lessons For the Little Boy presents the stories of 13 amazing men ranging in age from 23-66. They share their transparent stories of dreams, hopes, struggles and successes. Through their personal reflections you will experience their journey in life, love, business, friendship, family, and fatherhood.
We invite you to journey with these men, embracing the lessons they have learned on their paths to, from and through manhood.
Their stories are not just just for men and young men, but for anyone who desires to seek to learn life lessons through the eyes of men.
I Said What I Said: Observations, Declarations, Rants, Missives and Musings of a Black, Semi-Successful Bass Player from the Projects, Living in a Mostly White Right World
Everyone has a story to tell that someone else needs to hear. It's how we as human beings connect, how we relate, how we communicate, and how we pass on wisdom AND learn.
One day not too long ago, I decided that it was time for me to tell my story. Because as Black Men, we are CONSTANTLY being told that we need to "be more communicative," or that we need to "become more open with our feelings," especially when it comes to how we communicate those feelings with Black Women--and women in general.
I Said What I Said is my humble attempt to tell that story--MY personal truth. But it is also a story that has enough commonalities with many of my brethren, that it goes beyond my small corner of personal experiences. It is my attempt to tell my honest and open version of the larger universal truths of Black Men needing to be told--even to one another. I am writing this book to help bring clarity, understanding about us to anyone; Black, White, male, female, or other. I want people to understand that the story of the Black Man in America, relates and connects on a level that transcends beyond race and gender.
One of my truths is that I am not fearful of honesty and vulnerability; that's the easy part for me. We are born; then we live--and ultimately, we die. But each and every one of us has importance and purpose. Someone should have the privilege of knowing who we truly are. Here, I'm choosing EVERYONE to have the chance to know me.
I have lots and LOTS of words. And I'm not afraid to use them.