3 Central, consisting of Russell Moore, Everett Moore, and Ken Anderson perform with unparalleled passion. Their music kindles new beginnings and hope with joyful rhythms through an array of brilliant heartfelt musical compositions. The amazingly-gifted band is taking the world by storm with their unique style of inspirational smooth jazz. Hailing from St. Louis, MO, the award-winning group is receiving rave reviews from fans and radio programmers alike for their spirited and life-changing music and live performances.
Ken Anderson, keyboardist, got his start in music as a youngster. His first instrument was the trombone and he was awarded numerous times for his proficiency with the horn. As a teen, he toured internationally and played at the Montreux Jazz Festival. At the University of Kansas, he became the pianist for the school’s gospel choir and played with the jazz band and trombone choir. Upon graduation, Ken returned to St. Louis and ultimately ended up playing for the former Temptations singer, Dennis Edwards and writing and producing songs that aired on ABC‟s All My Children. Ken provides a unique flair to 3 Central. “As it pertains to our sound, I feel I bring creative direction through colorful themes and melodies throughout the music in addition to technical knowledge to present polished recordings,” says Ken. As the group‟s producer, his expertise is responsible for the slick and clean sound that listeners hear on the group‟s CD.
KEN ANDERSON
The second son and fourth child of 11 children, Russ discovered his natural ability to play music at an early age. With a father as a pastor and a guitarist, he would frequently emulate him by creating contraptions to make music. By the age of 8, Russ was playing guitar at his father‟s church. One of his fondest memories as a guitarist was accompanying the popular gospel quartet group, Mighty Clouds of Joy, when they came to his hometown of St. Louis. Although he initially wanted to learn the saxophone, he was denied because other children at school had chosen the instrument first. He opted for other horns and woodwind instruments instead and learned the trumpet, French horn, clarinet and flute, but never forgot about the saxophone. His interest in the instrument was piqued when he heard gospel saxophonist, Rosie Haynes. Eventually, he purchased a saxophone and as they say, the rest is history. A self-taught musician, Russell sites sax players such as Kirk Whalum, Richard Elliott and Kenny G as influences.
RUSSELL MOORE
Everett began his love affair with music at a young age. With an affinity for the drums and guitar, he found himself creating instruments at the age of five. One of 11 children, and the product of a pastor, he is an expert at many instruments, but the drums “are his heart”. Hailing from a long line of singers and musicians, he honed his skills at church as a youth, but his shyness prevented him from participating in junior high or high school bands. Later on, he became a member of “Truth Band”, where he met Ken Anderson. He also had a chance to meet world-renowned drummer, Sonny Emory, who heard Everett play at a wedding reception and was quite impressed. Emory helped him sharpen his skills and style as a drummer, while Atlanta-based musicians Marcus Williams (drums) and Ronnie Garrett (bass) helped him develop versatility. Everett is grateful to be a part of 3 Central and knows clearly what the group‟s mission is. “Being a part of 3 Central has helped me understand that this is not about me,” says Everett. “In understanding this, I can cycle thru life‟s changes to be a help to someone else.
