J.C. grew up in his hometown of Baltimore MD. He began playing saxophone at the age of nine, and continued through his high school days at Archbishop Curley. Adding flute and clarinet to his repertoire, he moved on to Towson State University where he majored in Jazz/Commercial Music.

After Towson, J.C. began his professional career. He gained exposure to Jazz, Funk, R & B, and Latin music through his work as a studio musician, and by sitting in at clubs in the Baltimore/Washington DC area. In the summer of 1995, J.C. made his way down to the Richmond area by way of King’s Dominion theme park, where he played in a variety show called, “Summer Rhythms.” It was during those weekends that he traveled to Richmond and sat in at various clubs and met area musicians. Through these interactions, he met Brian Jones, Andrew Winn, and Stewart Myers, collectively - Agents of Good Roots.

In September of 1995, J.C. joined Agents of Good Roots, an eclectic rock band that fused many different styles including jazz, hip-hop, and classical. They toured incessantly for six years playing over 200 shows a year. In 1997, they were signed by RCA records and achieved moderate success with their major label debut, “One By One.” The song, “Smiling Up the Frown,” went to number 2 on AAA Radio charts across the country and MTV placed their video for their second single, “Come On,” into rotation. Over the course of their career, Agents released a total of 5 records. J.C. believes this to be the most pivotal time in his career, where he matured the most as a musician within the business and politics of the industry.

In August of 2001, J.C. joined forces with Modern Groove Syndicate. Says J.C., “I knew those guys from living in Richmond and other projects that we were involved in together. I jumped at the chance to play with them. They’re great people as well as great musicians, and that is hard to come by.

Things are clicking so quickly, that the possibilities could be endless.” J.C. continues to reside in Richmond, V.A. where he plays regularly with the Devil’s Workshop Big Band, the experimental trio Jones, Kuhl, McCavitt, Boots of Leather (interpretations of the Velvet Underground), the Brian Jones/J.C. Kuhl Duo, and singer/songwriter Regan.

Some of his influences include, John Coltrane, Joe Henderson, the Brecker Brothers, Jerry Bergonzi, Chris Potter, Kenny Garrett, Keith Jarrett, Tim Bern, Chris Speed, Dave Douglas, Stevie Wonder, Steeley Dan, and Radiohead.

J.C.’s recorded discography

w/ Agents of Good Roots: Where’d You Get That Vibe, Straightaround, One By One, Seed, Needle and Thread

w/ others

Modern Groove Syndicate: (Self-titled)

Pat McGee Band: Revel

MOE: Tin Cans & Car Tires

Chris Keup: The Subject of Some Regret

Ringsend: Vertigo

Zakiyah: Eclecticizm

Brian Jones/J.C. Kuhl: Moment-Um, Blue Book