Chien Kwok
Started playing piano in 3rd grade, took up guitar in 9th grade and had my first band when I was 16. Grew up in New York City and formed a variety of bands and performed original music around the northeast through high school and college. Styles I played include funk, reggae, ska, rock. Wrote or co-wrote a number of songs with my band mates which are posted here.
My last band was Thick As Thieves and we were together from around 1987-1991. We had been part of the early 3rd wave Ska revival in New York which was made famous by the Toasters. However, we developed our own sound and identity to play different styles of music.
I stopped performing and the pursuit of a musical career in 1991 and have worked at my day job since. Based in Asia for past 14 years.
As someone nearing 40, I'm playing music more often again and now trying to learn jazz and bossa nova to compose, record and perform anew.Band/artist history
Sudden Death (1984)
The Boilers (1985-1986)
Kingpin (1987)
Thick As Thieves (1987-1991)Your musical influences
Blues/Rock - Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, The Beatles, Rolling Stones, David Bowie
Funk/R&B/Jazz - Nile Rodgers, Sade, John Legend, Earth Wind & Fire, Jackson 5, Michael Jackson, Gamble and Huff, George Benson, Wes Montgomery, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Bill Evans
Reggae/ ska - Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Sly & Robbie, Desmond Dekker, Toots and the Maytals, Melodians
Alternative/Post-Punk/Modern/Electronic - The Police/Andy Summers, The Smiths/Johnny Marr, U2, REM, Seal, Squeeze, Lou Reed, Roxy Music, Brian Eno, Robert Fripp
Bossa nova, Samba - Antonio Carlos Jobim, Joao Gilberto, Astrud Gilberto, Vincius Moraes, Luis Bonfa, Baden Powell, Ellis Regina, Stan GetzWhat equipment do you use?
Fender 1979 Stratocaster, Fender 1962 re-issue, Sigma steel-string acoustic, Takamine electro-classical, Yamaha upright pianoAdmin
Chien
@kwokchien
