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by John Ferrara
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 Democracy | | Personnel:Kenny Werner: piano, Brian Blade: Drums, Scott Colley: bass, David Sanchez: saxophone, Matt Shulman: trumpet, Kenny Wheeler: trumpet | | Tracks:1. Democracy Now
2. Fish Gotta Fly
3. Untitled Lament
4. One For Joni
5. Intro to Hedwig’s Theme
6. Hedwig’s Theme | |
Title : Democracy
Artist: Kenny Werner
Label: Half Note
Kenny Werner is a consistent producer of innovative jazz, a musician that has strived to keep his individuality and creativity on a par with other legends of jazz. He has again demonstrated those traits in the release of “Democracy” on the Half Note label. In addition to his own contributions, he has enlisted some of the best musicians available in today’s playing arena.
There are six compositions on the CD of which five were written by Kenny. All are unique in flavor and style. The fact that it was recorded live at the NYC Blue Note club palpably contributes to the creativity of each solo and group performance. Kenny’s piano style is not definable via comparison to others. His technical ability, choice of notes and orchestral use of the piano keyboard rank him as one of the best jazz pianists around. To quote Kenny, “I don’t feel like I have a style that I am attached to or that I have to defend”.
There is a true group persona emanating from this session. The interplay evident here before a club audience might not have been as expansive if it had been recorded within the stifling environment of a studio. That plus extended explorations of each tune is evocative of a symphonic experience within the framework of each composition. There is a great breadth of dynamics displayed by all of the performers which gives life to the music and the solos. One could compare the group efforts to that of the Miles Davis consortiums of the past.
“Democracy Now”, the first offering, is a 6/8 tune with an A Phrygian sound alternating with a major/minor third. Kenny’s solo intro is a masterpiece. “Fish Gotta Fly” is a medium swing piece that recalls the Trumpet/Tenor albums of the old Blue Note Record sessions; and some excellent trumpet work by Matt Shulman. The solo by David Sanchez is spotlighted here and is accompanied by a very responsive rhythm section. The trio follows with Kenny soloing with the superb support of Brian Blade on drums and Scott Colley on bass. Mr. Colley’s playing shows unmistakable intimations to another Scott – he shows the brilliant LaFaro influence here.
“Untitled Lament”, a ballad, skirts the thematic notes of “How Deep Is The Ocean”. This again features Mr. Sanchez in a gorgeous tenor solo, followed by an extended impressionistically styled piano solo which, although it is improvised, has the earmarks of a beautifully written piece. Kenny’s piece “One For Joni” is a funky tribute to Joni Mitchell. It is reminiscent of a pop tune but way too hip to categorize.
John Williams’ “Hedwig’s Theme” is the focus of the last portion of the CD. It features Kenny Wheeler performing the intro with an E Phrygian feel. The tune, in 6/8, features Mr. Sanchez and Mr. Wheeler improvising over an E minor tonal base.
Looking back on Kenny Werner’s past, I note that he checked into the Berklee College of Music as a student the same year as I checked out to go into the army (1970). It is amazing to me how quickly the time seems to have passed and Kenny has achieved such a high level of musicianship and stature in the jazz world. It is totally deserved and so readily evident on this CD. This is not a “commercial” jazz recording but one full of musical exploration both compositionally and improvisationally. There is no overt attempt to please a producer or create a crowd pleasing track. Jeff Levenson, the co-producer, is known for his ability to showcase creative musicians in a non-compromising way. This attitude lets the performers choose their own music and one which makes Half Note records such an innovative label. Have a listen to this CD; I highly recommend it.
John Ferrara
September 2006 |
John Ferrara |
| About the author: |
| John Ferarra is a former Faculty member at the Berklee School of
music, veteran performer in NYC and has written two jazz piano
instruction books (fundamental and advanced) which are widely
available. |
| Read More >> | |
