Matt Kimbrell, percussionist with the Taylor Hicks Summer Tour Band, passed away early Thursday morning. He was only 51.
Matt Kimbrell brought 28 years of experience to the drum chair. He didn't learn his techniques overnight - his father: pianist, vocalist and arranger, Henry Kimbrell, gave Matt his first paying gig at the age of 12 and Matt never left the stage or studio. He fronted a couple of successful indie-rock bands in the 70s and 80s, Jim Bob and The Leisure Suits and The Ho-Ho Men. The Ho-Ho Men matured into Mambo Combo, a band that enjoyed 10 years of success in and around Birmingham, Alabama, during the late 80s and into the 90s. During that time Matt was a sideman in several new-wave, pop, roots, and party bands. These bands included: Tim Lee, The Sugar La-La's, Bud Green and The Hurlers. Working with these bands, Matt played in every state in the union and Canada.
Matt was involved with the band Levee Breaker for about a year and half and proved to be more than a reliable time-keeper for the band. Not only was he said to be the best meter in Birmingham, but he also had a terrific sense of melody and the ability to play great parts. Because Matt listened to great music, he played great music.
With the kick-off of Taylor Hicks’ Summer Tour in July, Matt joined the band in a 25-city tour from coast to coast. His final performance was this past weekend with Taylor and the Band in Orlando, Florida, at Epcot Center’s “Eat ToThe Beat” concert series Saturday and Sunday with three shows each evening.
It was my pleasure to watch Matt walk onto the stage with a smile and a wave to the crowd for each show at Epcot. He was an integral part of the immense musical talent and magic that bought down the American Gardens Theatre last weekend.
Matt Kimbrell brought 28 years of experience to the drum chair. He didn't learn his techniques overnight - his father: pianist, vocalist and arranger, Henry Kimbrell, gave Matt his first paying gig at the age of 12 and Matt never left the stage or studio. He fronted a couple of successful indie-rock bands in the 70s and 80s, Jim Bob and The Leisure Suits and The Ho-Ho Men. The Ho-Ho Men matured into Mambo Combo, a band that enjoyed 10 years of success in and around Birmingham, Alabama, during the late 80s and into the 90s. During that time Matt was a sideman in several new-wave, pop, roots, and party bands. These bands included: Tim Lee, The Sugar La-La's, Bud Green and The Hurlers. Working with these bands, Matt played in every state in the union and Canada.
Matt was involved with the band Levee Breaker for about a year and half and proved to be more than a reliable time-keeper for the band. Not only was he said to be the best meter in Birmingham, but he also had a terrific sense of melody and the ability to play great parts. Because Matt listened to great music, he played great music.
With the kick-off of Taylor Hicks’ Summer Tour in July, Matt joined the band in a 25-city tour from coast to coast. His final performance was this past weekend with Taylor and the Band in Orlando, Florida, at Epcot Center’s “Eat ToThe Beat” concert series Saturday and Sunday with three shows each evening.
It was my pleasure to watch Matt walk onto the stage with a smile and a wave to the crowd for each show at Epcot. He was an integral part of the immense musical talent and magic that bought down the American Gardens Theatre last weekend.
His drums rocked Epcot!
Matt Kimbrell did not go quietly into that dark night!!!
God speed, Matt Kimbrell. You will be greatly missed.
Matt Kimbrell did not go quietly into that dark night!!!
God speed, Matt Kimbrell. You will be greatly missed.
Our deepest sympathy go to Matt’s family and friends.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
~~~
Thanks to RagsQueen for the great picture of Matt Kimbrell at Epcot!
We share more about Matt here:
http://s1.zetaboards.com/connections/topic/3861068/1/#new
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9 comments:
Even though I did not have the pleasure of meeting Matt, I feel a deep sadness of loss within my heart. Maybe a big part of this feeling is I had planned to speak with Matt at the Sequim concert, but was unable to go at the last minute. He was just so good at what he did & I wanted him to know how much I enjoyed his ability to make those drums 'sing'.
I remember the 'solo' during 'Bulletproof' in Chicago (I wasn't there, but in the video) & remember so well the wonderful music that came from those drums. It will take time to heal from this tragic news.
May God comfort his loved ones.♥
You are right, Gr8fulheart. He made the drums sing. His drums gave "Bulletproof" the beat and foundation that "MADE" it's sound over the top!!! I can't imagine it without him. His drums will be hard to fill!
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts. Matt and his music will be missed.
I hope his family and friends know how much we appreciated his talent.
Such a loss. Thank you so much for writing this beautiful goodbye. When Taylor played Coarsegold, my Dad saw Matt and said, "Hey, that could be me up there - if I only had talent." Matt had talent, he had it in spades. I am glad I had the opportunity to enjoy his gifts. We'll pray for his family and for all of his friends. God Bless.
The image of Matt , wearing a whimsical grin, walking on and off stage as he waved meekly to the crowd lingers on. Matt didn't smile large at concerts . He seemed to enjoy being part of a "band of musical brothers" and apparently relished his role as " percussive master".
I firmly believe that his addition to the band added extra depth to many of the songs featured by Taylor during his Summer Tour. Matt's calm demeanor exploded ; however, when behind his percussive instruments.
Heartfelt sympathies to his family and friends. He will be remembered fondly.
cath
My deepest sympathy to Matt's family and friends. I can't imagine the shock experienced by his band-mates since they were just with him and have been throughout this tour.
It seemed like "this" band had formed so much camaraderie during this tour and they seemed to have so much fun.
I hope that those close to him will find comfort in knowing that he literally "lived for the music" and enjoyed the past few months doing what he was born to do - make music. No doubt, he touched many people throughout his performances and not many of us can say that we touch as many people as we walk through our normal day-to-day life.
Gone too soon.
My old girlfriend died of breast cancer Tuesday. So I was remembering the Ho Ho Men at The Nick in Birmingham, dancing with her at midnight to the Midnight Dance, and put Matt's name into google and found this news.
She's gone and I thought the world couldn't seem older and emptier. But now it does.
Anonymous,
I am sorry for your loss. I hope that your old girlfriend was still dancing at midnight just as Matt was still playing great music.
Life IS short and it deserves to be lived!!!
San
San,
Thank you, you've eased my pain. Katie truly lived. She knew the Kimbrell brothers, Dr. Iguana, the Bondarenkos (think there were more than one) a lot better than I did, wrote about them for the old Post Herald. Matt tackled every performance with passion even in crappy little hotel bars where half his band didn't show.
I am so glad that you and Katie "lived"...
"...tackled every performance with passion" sounds like Taylor Hicks. No wonder they ended up on the same stage. You probably know that Leif Bondarenko (same family I assume) toured with Taylor and Matt last summer and still plays with Taylor.
I hope that YOU are still dancing! Take care.
San
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