|
MyJazzMail |
Over 3500 Users to date!
|
|
|
Who's Online |
We have 75 guests and 0 members online
Welcome Guest, become a member today.
|
|
|
CD Reviews: Brian Kelly, “Afterplay”
|
Posted by: editoron Monday, December 22, 2008 - 09:30 AM |
|
By Edward Blanco
Pianist and composer Brian Kelly features eleven new charts blending statements of mainstream with a primarily smooth jazz repertoire to craft a unique album of varied styles that works quite well. This is not your typical smooth jazz recording as Kelly, who is known to stretch the boundaries with his compositions, expands the music using elements of fusion and world genres to structure an interesting sound. For example,the up beat and lively “Celtic Fire” featuring Kelly's superb play on the piano, comes across almost minstrel-like in the beginning with the sound of the pennywhistle or flute.
Kelly opens the music with a mainstream burner on “River Rush,” titled to express the sounds of fast flowing water over rocks in which Kelly throws in the sounds of gurgling water to start the music. This one is by far the best piece on the album featuring Kelly's nimble finger play on the keys, saxophonist Eric Crystal gorgeous solos and I swear I heard the vibes but it's not listed in the liner notes.
The percussive “Smiling South” showcases drummer David Rokeach and Tim Bolling on percussions and enlists the help of Ross Wilson on trumpet in support of Kelly's firm piano lines on this lively cut. The pianist mans the keyboards and offers a sensitive light smooth jazz number on “Snowflakes Rising” and changes gears with the funky beat “Flavor Seven.” The title piece offers strong melodic lines with Crystal helping out on the alto once again.
The softer music includes the heavenly sounds of flautist Carol Alban on the light “Heaven On Earth and “Reach For The Stars” which has that airy and spacious feel to it clearly falling within the smooth jazz context and is without a doubt one of the most beautiful tunes on this disc. Other notable tracks include “Stone Shine” and the bristling finale “Sunchaser” with guitarist James Robinson making a presence.
Pianist Brian Kelly continues his exploration of modern and smooth jazz music with a brilliant performance on Afterplay, a session of soft flowing grooves and a New Age sound culminating in one of the more unique jazz albums around.
Year: 2008
Label: Skylight Music
Artist Web: www.briankelly.com
|
|
/images/spacer.gif) |
| |
|
| Brian Kelly, “Afterplay” | Login/Create an account | Comments |
|
| | Comments are owned by the poster. We aren't responsible for their content. |
|
|
