An
all-star event, Just Play features drummer Dave Weckl, with whom Kennedy has a
long friendship and recording history; guitarists Mike Stern and Lee Ritenour;
pianist Renee Rosnes, tenor saxophonists George Garzone and Steve Wirts,
trombonist John Allred, and trumpeter Tim Hagans.
Recorded
in one day at the legendary Nola Studios in NYC, with most of the tunes
captured on the first take, Kennedy's fourth CD as a leader is a testament to
the prowess and virtuosity of all the musicians involved. The album is also a
testament to the transformative power that occurs when superior players find
themselves in a shared comfort zone. Goading each other to new heights on
classic material that can bring out the best in a committed improviser, the
song standards "What is this Thing Called Love" and "The Night
Has a Thousand Eyes," as well as such jazz standards as
"Airegin" (complete with a wailing solo by Garzone),
"Moanin'" (a slow and soulful rendition featuring Ritenour), "In
a Sentimental Mood," Lee Morgan's "Ceora" and Cedar Walton's
"Bolivia" inspire both snapping solos and deeply in-the-pocket
support by the rhythm section. Throughout, Kennedy acts as both the rock-solid
foundation on which the action rides and, when he steps into the spotlight, an
imposing soloist.
As
Thomas Burns, President of Capri Records states, "I first worked with Tom
Kennedy on Ken Peplowski's In Search ofŠ recording. I was astounded with his
playing and his ability to link up with all the other cats on the date. Most
bassists I've heard emulate another's style.
But while Tom is deeply rooted in the tradition of legendary bassists
like Ray Brown and Paul Chambers, he solos more like a horn player."
A
personal project that tellingly exhibits the trust and creative interaction
that Kennedy enjoys with his A-list musician friends, Just Play also speaks of
the St. Louis native's deep respect for his brother Ray, with whom Kennedy has
previously recorded. "I've dedicated this recording to my brother for so
many reasons. He has always been such an inspiration to me, as a phenomenal
pianist, composer and arranger, and even more, through his incredible spirit of
giving. Music has always been such a sharing, nurturing experience between Ray
and anyone he performed with. The beauty of what music really is remains in his
soul to this day, despite his inability to perform after the onset of multiple
sclerosis in 2008. Ray Kennedy is a true hero to me and everyone else having
the good fortune to share in his music."
Just
Play makes it obvious that Tom Kennedy shares with his brother - and each of
the excellent players who enliven the project -- a similar understanding of the
essence of music. Beauty and excitement are in plain sight -- just play the
album and hear it for yourself.
