Philip Kuehn

Bassist, Arranger, Composer, Educator

Philip Kuehn is a bassist, arranger, composer and educator who has performed professionally with Harry Connick Jr., Wynton Marsalis, Jonathan Batiste, Branford Marsalis, Carl Allen, Rodney Jones,  Khristian Dentley of Take 6, Cyrille Aimee, Anthony Hamilton, Dr. Billy Taylor and Roy Hargrove, among others. Formerly the regular bassist for Jonathan Batiste’s groups, including the “Stay Human” band, Philip has made several guest appearances on the Late Show with Steven Colbert. Five of Philip’s arrangements for strings and choir appear on “Christmas with Jon Batiste”, featuring artists such as Aloe Blacc, Judith Hill, Sean Jones, and Jason Marsalis. His arrangements have been featured on CBS. The album placed #3 on the Billboard Jazz chart, and #1 on the Heatseeker's chart. He has also recorded with Cyrille Aimee, Khristian Dentley, Kirk Whalum, Justin Kauflin. He currently lives in Ephraim, Utah with his wife and three children, where he is the Director of Jazz Studies at Snow College.

Biography

Godin Bass

 

Philip Kuehn is an accomplished bassist, arranger, composer, audio producer, and educator whose career spans over two decades across the concert stage, recording studio, and classroom. He has performed with world-renowned artistsincluding Quincy Jones, Wynton Marsalis, Jon Batiste, Harry Connick Jr., Take 6, Branford Marsalis, Cyrille Aimée, Anthony Hamilton, Roy Hargrove, Kyle Athayde & Eddie Barbash. His artistry is featured on the Grammy-winning Disney/Pixar film Soul and includes a celebrated collaboration with Quincy Jones to arrange for the Beethoven Orchester Bonn in honor of Beethoven’s 250th Anniversary.

Kuehn’s high-profile performances include appearing alongside Jon Batiste at the White House for President Biden’s 2022 State Dinner, playing regularly with Batiste’s ensembles (including the “Stay Human” band from The Late Show with Stephen Colbert), and contributing five orchestral arrangements for strings and choir to the acclaimed album Christmas with Jon Batiste, which reached #3 on the Billboard Jazz chart.

In addition to his performance career, Philip is an experienced audio producer and audio editor, delivering high-quality recordings, mixing, and post-production for both his own projects and clients worldwide. His work in higher educationincludes faculty and program administration roles at Five Towns College, The University of Scranton, and Snow College, where he directed ensembles, managed major music festivals and events, oversaw program development, recruited and advised students, and created initiatives that supported academic success and student retention. He is highly skilled in project management, event coordination, and stakeholder communication.

Known for blending creative artistry with technical expertise, Philip thrives in roles that demand collaborative leadership, strategic planning, and a commitment to excellence—whether in the arts, higher education, or large-scale program and event management.

Philip’s love for music began at home, nurtured by his parents, both musicians, who encouraged him to explore sound and melody from a young age. By age four, he was singing along to classical compositions, and by twelve, he had already found his place in the vibrant Pittsburgh jazz scene.

His teenage years were shaped by the guidance of respected mentors including Dwayne Dolphin, Jeff Mangone, and Jeff Grubbs, and by the legendary drummer Roger Humphries, who invited him to join jam sessions and gigs that sharpened his skills and deepened his passion for live performance. Alongside childhood friends Joe Saylor and Angelo Versace, Philip formed a trio that played throughout Western Pennsylvania and beyond, building the foundation for his future career.

In the tapestry of his artistic journey, Philip Kuehn acknowledges the providence of God and the indelible impact of individuals who have contributed to his musical narrative. Currently based in Long Island, NY, he continues to perform, teach, and produce while inspiring the next generation of artists and advancing excellence in music education, production, and performance.

Photographer: Lex Anderson, Excellence in the Community, Salt Lake City, UT

Musician: Philip Kuehn