Czech-Ease Artists : Kyle Eastwood

Kyle Eastwood grew up in Carmel, California as the eldest son of actor Clint Eastwood. While doing his homework Kyle remembers listening to records of jazz stars such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Miles Davis playing in the house. His father had been attending the Monterey Jazz Festival since it began in 1958 and when his children were born it became a yearly family outing. Kyle’s childhood had jazz as its soundtrack and he credits his father with introducing him to the joys of the bass line. Kyle’s first memory of playing music was when Clint taught him how to play the left hand bass line of “Boogie Woogie” while he played the right hand solo over the top.   

Initially studying film, Kyle soon realized that jazz was his true passion. After years of paying his dues gigging around Los Angeles and New York, his debut album From Here to There was released on Sony in 1998.

Showing his ability as an accomplished composer, Kyle began working in film with a contribution to the score for Mystic River. The film later won two Academy Awards.

In 2004, Kyle signed to Candid Records, one of the leading independent jazz labels in the UK, and released his second album Paris Blue. It resonates with swing, groove, and funk overtones. Kyle says, “My roots remain in jazz but I like adding all kinds of different flavors.” The album climbed to No. 1 on the French Jazz charts.

Not satisfied with just a critically acclaimed record, Kyle expanded his film work , composing three pieces of music for the 2004 blockbuster Million Dollar Baby. The film won four Academy Awards.

Kyle’s third album Now was released in 2006. It features songs written by Ben Cullum and collaborations with BBC Jazz Award winner pianist Andrew McCormack, as well as other musicians that make up the who’s who of the London jazz scene. With tracks ranging from the post-modern jazz modalities of the title track, through the flirtatious melodies of “Let’s Play” to the moody electronic groove of "September Nights," Now captured listeners worldwide.

In 2007 and 2008, Kyle delivered Now to live audiences on 3 continents. His performances with his live band have sold out venues and received the highest critical acclaim. Kyle has also managed to fit in composing soundtracks for a number of Clint Eastwood films including Flags Of Our Fathers, Letters from Iwo Jima, Gran Torino and Invictus.

Kyle Eastwood’s latest record, Metropolitain, is due to be released in June 2009 in the US. It was recorded in Paris and includes collaborations with some of the artists he admires most on the current scene: drummer Manu Katche, trumpeter Till Bronner, French star vocalist Camille and pianist Eric Legnini.