Customer Reviews

Just You & Me

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is volume I of Bernie Kenerson's EWI series. I also have volumes 2 and 3. "Just You and Me" uses the internal synthesizer of the EWI exclusively whereas the later volumes have branched out into other hardware and software synthesizers. I only give this CD 4 stars since the later volumes are even more versatile and surprising than this one. But the sounds, songwriting, and playing on this disc are all very, very good as well. This is "smooth jazz" at its best. Bernie Kenerson is a great ambassador for the EWI. Any EWI player needs to pick up this CD and any jazz fan would be wise to pick it up as well.

Jim Hanks, [...]

I don't think there is another album out there that spotlights the EWI the way that this one does. Bernie has decided to pursue the EWI as his main instrument, and he shows off a lot of great things about the EWI on this album. It's a great CD to get to know this unique instrument. The tracks are varied in the style of music, so there is something for everyone. It's definitely worth checking out!

The EWI (Electronic Wind Instrument - pronounced "eewee") has been known to spice up a tune as evidenced by some classic Smooth Jazz including many an early Rippingtons' recording. An entire album with EWI as the lead, however, totally moves this instrument to the forefront and gives it some due respect. Enter innovator, composer and multi-instrumentalist Bernie Kenerson of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. His extensive musical background includes saxes, flutes, clarinets and keyboards. Mr. Kenerson started playing Electronic Wind Instruments nearly 30 years ago when he picked up a Lyricon. Now his instrument of choice is the Akai EWI4000s, upon which he displays an incredible facility for expression and artistry. According to Bernie, "The new Akai EWI4000s is the best way I've found to express the music inside me." His new album JUST YOU & ME is strong evidence of that. His playing is brilliant, and with a live rhythm section he completely immerses himself in the improvisation and energy of his instrument and, more importantly, conveys it convincingly to his listeners. This is first and foremost a jazz album, with colors ranging from pensive and haunting ("Glad You Said Yes") to fun and festive ("Grand Strand Samba"). Rhythms range from Reggae ("Honeymoon Flight") to Smooth contemporary ("She Said"), and if you need any cajoling into accepting the EWI as a bona fide lead instrument, Bernie Kenerson and his new album JUST YOU & ME are the ones to do it ~SCOTT O'BRIEN