I've recently released my new CD Just You & Me The Art of The EWI with 10 tracks of original jazz tunes and all songs feature the Akai EWI 4000s as the main lead and solo instrument and a wonderful live rhythm section. The tracks are instrumentals and cover a variety of jazz styles. I'm really pleased with how this project turned out and I think you'll like it too. Clips and more info are available on my website.
Reviews
By George Harris
There are very few reedmen who are willing to put it on the line to face the daunting challenge of trying to master the formidable EWI (pronounced eewee). Keyboard players and guitarists seemingly have no qualms about electronically tinkering with their instruments, but such experimentation seems rare among woodwind musicians. Bernie Kenerson puts his creativity to good use on his latest release, Just You & Me, a varied collection of synthesized sounds sure to soothe the soul. Funky songs like “Stayin' In Shape" have an arresting mixture of '40s swing and '70s Stevie Wonder. The driving drum work of Art Weiss, mixing with Kenerson's clavinet sounding horn gives a Weather Report groove to the attractive “She Said." If you are listening to this with earphones, your cochlea will get a definite workout on the full bodied intro to “Glad You Said Yes," sounding like an amalgamation of Bach organ and Moody Blues. Kenerson with his highly flexible rhythm section of Jim Schneider (keyboards), Weiss and Gary Craddock (bass) is able to make bebop sound absolutely other wordly on the crisp and snappy “B.W." Fun, funky and ferocious, Just You & Me is a find for groove fanatics.
By Edward Blanco
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 sax, flute and bass 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.
Reviews
By George Harris
There are very few reedmen who are willing to put it on the line to face the daunting challenge of trying to master the formidable EWI (pronounced eewee). Keyboard players and guitarists seemingly have no qualms about electronically tinkering with their instruments, but such experimentation seems rare among woodwind musicians. Bernie Kenerson puts his creativity to good use on his latest release, Just You & Me, a varied collection of synthesized sounds sure to soothe the soul. Funky songs like “Stayin' In Shape" have an arresting mixture of '40s swing and '70s Stevie Wonder. The driving drum work of Art Weiss, mixing with Kenerson's clavinet sounding horn gives a Weather Report groove to the attractive “She Said." If you are listening to this with earphones, your cochlea will get a definite workout on the full bodied intro to “Glad You Said Yes," sounding like an amalgamation of Bach organ and Moody Blues. Kenerson with his highly flexible rhythm section of Jim Schneider (keyboards), Weiss and Gary Craddock (bass) is able to make bebop sound absolutely other wordly on the crisp and snappy “B.W." Fun, funky and ferocious, Just You & Me is a find for groove fanatics.
By Edward Blanco
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 sax, flute and bass 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.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
