Kendoll is somewhat of a savant when it comes to the guitar. In his younger years he listened to the music of Jimmy Hendrix and Eric Clapton; at age 12 he received his first guitar.

"Those first few months I didn't know what the heck I was doing," Kendoll said.

A family friend taught him a few simple chords and he was off and running. At first blues and rock mainly influenced him, he said. But over time his style adapted to incorporate a wider variety of musical genres. He now composes his own music.

A few years ago he took his show on the road and started performing at local venues. He is a regular at Border's Books -- as well as many of the area wineries and coffee shops.  

"In music, as in life, I try to be open-minded and creative," Kendoll said. "I'm often inspired by new things I hear or people I meet."
Salem can expect great things from this local boy in the years to come.

For a schedule of Kendoll's upcoming shows, e-mail jcniles@teleport.com. A Web site is in the works.