BERNIE KENERSON - JUST YOU & ME (2007)
The Art of the EWI
Variety of contemporary jazz styles featuring the Akai EWI4000s (Electric Wind Instrument). Fresh new sounds that you'll really enjoy
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)
more tracks can be heard on Vinilemania's Radio Channels
review by Scott O'Brien - courtesy SMOOTHJAZZ.COM
The EWI (Electronic Wind Instrument - pronounced “eewee”) has been known to spice up a tune as evidenced by some classic Smooth Jazz including many an early Rippingtons’ recording. An entire album with EWI as the lead, however, totally moves this instrument to the forefront and gives it some due respect. Enter innovator, composer and multi-instrumentalist Bernie Kenerson of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. His extensive musical background includes saxes, flutes, clarinets and keyboards. Mr. Kenerson started playing Electronic Wind Instruments nearly 30 years ago when he picked up a Lyricon. Now his instrument of choice is the Akai EWI4000s, upon which he displays an incredible facility for expression and artistry. According to Bernie, “The new Akai EWI4000s is the best way I’ve found to express the music inside me.” His new album JUST YOU & ME is strong evidence of that. His playing is brilliant, and with a live rhythm section he completely immerses himself in the improvisation and energy of his instrument and, more importantly, conveys it convincingly to his listeners. This is first and foremost a jazz album, with colors ranging from pensive and haunting (“Glad You Said Yes”) to fun and festive (“Grand Strand Samba”). Rhythms range from Reggae (“Honeymoon Flight”) to Smooth contemporary (“She Said”), and if you need any cajoling into accepting the EWI as a bona fide lead instrument, Bernie Kenerson and his new album JUST YOU & ME are the ones to do it.
