Kimj Multi-Instrumentalist

Kimj was born in Glen Cove, N.Y. to Edith and Herbert Jenkins. Her father played guitar, keyboard, and timbales. A salsa lover, her father listened to the music of Willie Colon, Little Vega, and Mongo Sanataria, while her mother listened to MJQ, Carmen McCrea, Sarah Vaughn, Sonny Rollins and Miles Davis. At 9 years old, her Uncle David introduced her to John Coltrane's My Favorite Things, attuning Kimj to the sax. Shortly after that, Kimj found a silvertone alto sax in the attic. She took it to Mr. Hodges, her school music teacher who played bass. Hodges showed Kimj scales and she was hooked. Kimj attended Westbury, Hempstead public schools, and graduated from Fordham University in 1985. She is self-taught. She performed in several bands. In the band Special Assignment, Kimj met Michael Carpenter who introduced her to the EWI. In 2001, she became a  soloist. Over the years, Kimj acquired the passion for other instruments and now she plays 12 instruments. She composes and writes lyrics that she sings during her performances. Kimj moved to Florida in 2009, when her mother passed. Her father died in December 2018. Kimj got her love and passion for music from them. She has a home studio thanks to their support and encouragement. In 2010, Kimj met Dr. Joan Cartwright of Women in Jazz South Florida. She is an active member and has performed with the Amazing Musicwomen Ensemble for three years. She performs throughout South Florida where she resides.

www.wijsf.org