Embracing the Wind

Kevin Kern | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 3, 2001)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Real Music
• ASIN: B00005AVEG
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #62,809 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Kevin's Kern's fifth album, Embracing the Wind, is a collection of inspired emotional themes, deftly articulated through soft piano, warm rhythms, and acoustic guitar. The opening track, "Blossom on the Wind," begins with the gentle sound of a raindrop, a single note of stillness that sets the mood of this effort. For this particular work, Kern and producer Terence Yallop returned to the original source of their inspiration, the piano itself. With a tape continually running to capture each moment of expression, Kern and Yallop tapped into their own familiar wellspring of feeling, from the uplifting "Bathed in Dawn's Light," to the passionate "From This Day Forward," a piece that Kern composed for his fiancé in honor of their wedding day. While Embracing the Wind is a reflection of Kern's self-described "musical journey" through a myriad of influences, it maintains a classic simplicity of sound and arrangement built around a well-balanced framework of song structures. It's plain to see that he's grown considerably out of the first wobbling steps of New Age music into his own right as a composer and a pianist. Embracing the Wind is Kern's own acknowledgement of his coming-of-age as an artist, and like most things that get better with time, "Embracing the Wind" is to be savored slowly, appreciated newly again with each listen. --Leslie R. Marini

Product Description

"It might surprise his listeners to hear that Kevin also plays impassioned jazz, the classics, gorgeous Beatles arrangements, jams alongside anything that moves (recently it was Rio-flavored didgeridoo) and he spontaneously creates melodies from images I offer him in a darkened recording studio -- with the tape running. Like the wind that can churn an ocean, uproot trees and yet be gentle enough to carry pollen on a summer breeze, Kevin has many faces. It has been my profound pleasure to work with and learn from him at the very source of his creative process. He has a love, a passion and a discipline for his craft that is truly inspiring. On Embracing the Wind, Kevin's fifth album, he welcomes some new influences to his musical palette. I know you will enjoy them". ~ Terence Yallop, President, Real Music

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars from Solo Piano Publications, April 3, 2001

By 

Kathy Parsons (Florence, OR United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Embracing the Wind (Audio CD)

Pianist Kevin Kern's fifth album for Real Music is another sweet and soothing musical journey to the gentle side of life. Kern is a master of the simple melody with a heartfelt message, and this is the perfect music to comfort and uplift a tired mind and soul. Kern composes many of his pieces with the idea that they will be used as a backdrop for other activities and for relaxation, so there are no sharp edges or jarring chords. Kern's music is as smooth as silk and as tranquil as a spring breeze.

Most of the pieces on "Embracing the Wind" are upbeat and sunny, but my favorite is "Childhood Remembered", which is melancholy and nostalgic. Joining Kern on this track is Bay Area violinist Jeremy Cohen, whose heart-tugging solo clearly demonstrates why synth strings will never replace the beauty and poignance of the real thing. Guitarist Davis Ramey joins Kern on "Through Your Eyes" (another favorite!), "Bathed in Dawn's Light", and "A Secret Grove". Johnny Marshall on Synclavier provides additional accompaniment to Kern's piano.

Some of the other highlights include the opening track, "Blossom On the Wind" which, as the title implies, gently floats and glides. "Above the Clouds" is very spare, but gorgeous - it reminds me a bit of some of Yanni's minimalist pieces with synth and piano. "Fantasia's Lullaby" is also very lovely, filled with the warmth and joy of a new life. "A Gentle Whisper" is a peaceful closing to an album that could easily be compared to a watercolor painting - washes of many colors without hard edges or defining lines.

Kevin Kern's many fans will probably be happy to know that there is nothing startlingly different about his newest release. It is a continuation rather than an evolution, and there are no real surprises. When you have a winning combination, change is not needed. This is a very beautiful and calming collection of new pieces, and I highly recommend it for a soothing musical experience. Kern is definitely one of the best in this style of music!

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beauty Beyond words., June 18, 2001

By 

D. A Furry "wolfspirit" (El Cajon, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Embracing the Wind (Audio CD)

I cannot express how beautiful Keven Kern's Embracing the Wind CD is. I have an extremely stressful job and after listing to this CD while driving home, for the first time in 11 years I have left the work day at work.

Incredible music that touches my soul.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars He does it again!, June 18, 2001

By 

elizabeth robison (Tucson, AZ United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Embracing the Wind (Audio CD)

This is the fifth album that Kevin Kern has done.Each time, I think he has surpassed his last album,but I think this is the finest one he has done to date.His beautifully arranged pieces take you to a place where peace reigns and you can relax totally. His solo piano has a mix of synclavier,violin and acoustic guitar which make for an exquisite blend of harmonous sounds. You do not want this album to end.Track 7 -"From This Day Forward" was written for his fiance in honor of their June wedding and it is a shining tribute to her.On the jacket is written"Within each of us is a loving,magical,powerful being...a Real Self. Music,friend that it is,coccons us from our worries,enabling that hidden self to emerge".I think this is so profoundly touching and exemplifies this album. If you have not heard Kevin Kern before this is the album to buy.If you have,this will satisfy you beyond belief