BERNIE KENERSON - JUST YOU & ME (2007)
The Art of the EWI
Bernie Kenerson: Akai EWI 4000s,
Tenor Sax, Flute & Bass Clarinet
Jim Schneider: Keyboard
Gary Craddock: Bass
Art Weiss: Drums & Percussion
Vince Peeples: Guitar (track 1 & 7)
Nemil Chabebe: Percussion (track 8)
many thanks to Lisa Reedy Promotions
more tracks can be heard on Vinilemania's Radio Channels
review by Edward Blanco - courtesy www.ejazznews.com
The first in a series of albums being recorded featuring the electric wind instrument (EWI), this CD features multi-instrumentalist Bernie Kenerson playing the Akai 4000s electric horn on ten original compositions. An unusual recording that captured my interest almost immediately. The sound is definitely different and one that jazz audiences may not be use to hearing but, should be, in my opinion, quite receptive to the music found hear. The music blends contemporary jazz with smooth and fusion jazz colors delivered with an electric twist.
Kenerson plays with a quartet consisting of Jim Schneider (keyboards), Gary Craddock (upright and electric bass), and Art Weiss (drums and percussions), and adds Vince Peeples who plays guitar on two tracks and Nemil Chabebe playing percussion on one track. Kenerson also plays the tenor, flute and clarinet.
The opening title number and the second track, “She Said,” clearly establishes the EWI’s dominant lead role on the album with a couple of very nice light jazz almost smooth in texture. “Stay in Shape,” moves to a more traditional jazz groove featuring more of Kenerson soloing on the EWI.
There’s a two-minute fusion type intro to “Glade You Said Yes,” which is all Kenerson stretching the horn making airy sounds before giving way to a slow and beautiful ballad in one of the best tunes here. My vote for the liveliest cut has to be the samba-shaded “Grand Strand Samba,” that moves quickly with terrific percussions and one heck of a performance by the leader.
Other notable pieces include “Honeymoon Flight,” and “Summer Release.” Well that just about does it; this is one interesting musical experience that this listener enjoyed without any reservations. The EWI may not be taking over the Jazz world just yet, but Bernie Kenerson does a fine job bringing it out to the forefront. Well done
