Blue Note Sessions [Import]

Nigel Kennedy, Nigel Kennedy | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 28, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Blue Note Records
• ASIN: B000FVR5DY
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #194,701 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

2006 Album from the Renowned and Accomplished Violinist who Takes a Break from his Traditional Classical Recordings to Dabble in Jazz for this Very Special Set of Recordings. The Radical Musician (Sporting a Mohawk Haircut) Presents a Varied Repertoire Composed by Kenny Burrell, Duke Pearson, Lonnie Liston Smith, Ron Carter, Jack Dejohnette, Horace Silver and Kennedy Himself.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kennedy's genre-crossing abilities sould not be questioned, May 3, 2007

By 

Robert Knowles "109Rob" (Cardiff, Wales, UK) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Blue Note Sessions (Audio CD)

I think that anybody questioning Kennedy's ability should spend a few hours viewing him on YouTube - or better still, in concert. He has quite understandably been hailed as the world's greatest musical performer by some. I admit that the Blue Note Sessions are quite laid-back, but having seen some of the material performed live by Kennedy only five days ago at Ronnie Scott's Jazz club in London, and having purchased this particular album, I can only say that my respect for Kennedy grows almost daily. Nobody should even begin to question Kennedy's genre-crossing abilities. I doubt anybody except Kennedy could pull off the performance at the Brits classics awards that can be viewed on YouTube. His abilities are stunning. Watching him perform the Blue Note and other material live was overwhelming - best live performance I've ever seen.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Blue Note Sessions [3.5 stars], June 1, 2008

By 

Keegan R. Lerch "classytrumpet" (Bethlehem, PA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Blue Note Sessions (Audio CD)

I was excited to see that Nigel Kennedy had a jazz album; I have heard his violin chops, and they are very impressive. Kennedy has amassed an incredible backup band for this album, and it is the saving grace of it all. This is not to say that Kennedy does not have jazz chops, but, when you have a band with Ron Carter, Jack DeJohnette, Joe Lovano, Kenny Werner, etc...playing behind you, it is noticeable that you don't play jazz as much as the others.

It is NOT a bad album though, it just lacks energy and drive at times; the little spark that makes the jazz come alive through your speakers. The tunes Kennedy wrote have an old time feel to them, and there is a slight resemblance to Grapelli (only slight). His two originals are mixed with jazz standards by Horace Silver, Kenny Burrell, and compositions of group members. One of the reasons this album is listenable is because of Ron Carter's groovin' bass, Lucky Peterson's funky b-3 organ, Kenny Werner's piano, and of course, Jack DeJohnette's awesome drumming (as always).

Raul Midon sings on "Expansions," and adds a little pop and Latin to the mix with his performance. It is somewhat lackluster performance of the song, and Kennedy uses electronics and delay effects on his violin which give the song an even weirder feel. Kennedy adds an electric violin feel to this album that is reminscent of Jean-Luc Ponty at times, and also has somewhat of a Rock feeling at other times. Quite a difference from his Classical playing!

Overall, this album is enjoyable because of the musicians Kennedy has enlisted. It's probably not an album I'll listen to over and over again, but it is nice to hear a little electrified violin jazz every now and again!

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting for some folks, October 31, 2007

By 

Michael Laird (Pittsford, NY USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Blue Note Sessions (Audio CD)

This is an interesting CD, but better jazz is out there. Its interesting to anyone who wants to follow Kennedy's amazing talents. Its interesting to people who enjoy and explore violin jazz. Kennedy has a jazz style - maybe heavy on virtuosity and moderate on swinging and jazz idioms. I found Kennedy's blues tracks to be the most enjoyable. He has a strong sense of drama in the blues. The rest of the band is terrific. Kennedy chose well when assembling the band.