Werner, Kenny
Half Note, 2014, CD
Instrument: Piano
Issue: 21.1
Jazz Ruler Type: Fusion
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 
O’s Notes: Composer and pianist Kenny Werner built this band around Miguel Zenon (as) and Lionel Loueke (g, b, vocals) seeking to infuse their genius into his new works. Benjamin Koppel (as, bs, ss) and drummer/percussionist Ferenc Nemeth round out the team. The Kenny Werner Quintet became a Coalition during the course of the project and that title is truly befitting, as this unit is seamless and powerful. The sound is tilted a bit towards the lower registers providing a strong foundation for the brass with Werner holding it all together. The result is an energetic upbeat infusion of modern jazz. Among the best are “Flying” with scatting from Loueke and the intricate “Swan Song”.
Publicist: Half Note
