Background
Kilson was born in Washington, District of Columbia
Kilson was born in Washington, District of Columbia
He studied at the Berklee College of Music from 1980 to 1985 and took private lessons from Alan Dawson during 1982-1989.
He started on trumpet at ten, switched to trombone at 11, then to drums at 16. Following this he did a tour of Europe with Walter Davis. He has played with Ahmad Jamal (1989), Dianne Reeves (1989-1995), Greg Osby (1991), George Duke (1991-1998), Steps Ahead (1993), Tim Hagans (1993 and subsequently), Terumasa Hino (1994-1998), Bob James (1995 and subsequently), Dave Holland (since 1997), Bob Belden (1997) and Kevin Mahogany (1998).
Other associations include Kirk Whalum, Freddie Jackson, Chris Botti, Donald Brown and Paula Cole.
Kilson is perhaps best known for his work with Holland. Kilson has also led his own quartet ensemble along with James Genus and Tim Hagans.
His debut release as a leader, Pots and Pans, appeared in 2006.
