JAMES KENNEDY: The Man Behind The Curtain

James Kennedy

The Man Behind The Curtain

© 2004 2004 (767731101320)

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Classic Rock, da blues, contemporary jazz, pop, bossa nova and more...

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Heart Consort Music performs contemporary and straight ahead jazz , latin, rock/fusion, and more on 6 & 12 string electric & acoustic guitars in a solo, duet, or trio setting. Past performances have included the Montreux, North Sea, and Euro-Disney Jazz Festivals, as well as a variety of other European venues.The group tours regularly in the U.S. The style has been called "Midwestern Contemporary Music" since it combines jazz, contemporary and world influences filtered through the Heartland of the Midwest. This distinctly Midwestern flavor sets HCM apart in a market full of clichés and clones. You will certainly understand why James has received international attention for their performances and recordingsLooking for a fresh breeze of musical excellence to spice up your music repertoire? Look no further. Meet James Kennedy, jazzman/rocker/fusionist extraordinaire. From his home base deep in the American Heartland (Iowa), James brings forth a wonderful, personable style of music that ranges in depth and flavor, often branded a sort of "Midwestern Jazz." Sometimes reminiscent of world music, other times synthesizer-reliant electronic composition?this internationally acclaimed artist can do it all and has. Kennedy has taken his style and shared it with an ever-shrinking world; he has been performed in a medley of shows in America, the Montreux Jazz Festival, the North Sea Jazz Festival, and the Euro-Disney center. From the west coast to the European Continent, Kennedy is an artist that his native Iowa should be proud of. His CD Blind World has been heralded as "original," "masterful," and even "a real midwestern gem." One of America's finest exports, the music and welcome originality of James Kennedy is something sure to catch on in this increasingly shrinking world. Fusion with a sometimes ethnic flavor . . . reminiscent all at once of Jean Luc Ponty, Yes and early Genesis. An off-white wedding; a joyful union of guitar and violin. This is one marriage we hope will last!

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  • Magical!
    author: Laura T Lynch of Kweevak.com

    This eight-track CD is a diverse collection of mostly instrumentals utilizing a variety of styles including blues, bossa nova, modern jazz, pop and rock. Kennedy and his band are musical wizards, crafting a unique sound that combines the guitar and violin in primary roles enhanced by a strong rhythm section. 'Terra Cotta' is the colorful opener, featuring progressive rock guitar leads layered over dramatic beats. 'Dave's Not Here' melds a poignant violin with delicate guitars, enhanced by subtle sound effects and a dynamic rhythm. 'Turn Around' slows the pace a bit as Catherine Lawson on the violin creates a jazz feel before letting the track flow into a different direction. Matt Alles on bass and Joe Patterson on drums add an eloquent groove to the arrangement. 'Café Talk' continues the musical, jazzy conversation with contemporary guitar leads talking with the violin and the percussion keeping time before the song whispers to a close. 'Raw Deal' showcases James guitar chops with some heavy licks strengthened by a brawny beat and some funky effects. 'Bare Bones' is a country-blues song with a twist. The guitar and rhythm section build the backbone of the tale as the violin tells the rest of story. The song reminded me of the improvisational classic 'Little Red Rooster'. 'Just Close Your Eyes' is an instrumental soundscape with diverse tempos, textures and tones. 'Silhouette In Time' is the dynamic closer featuring vocal blends with modern rock/pop arrangements. James Kennedy and his band are magical performers with plenty of musical tricks up their sleeves!

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