Kenny Werner improvised ballads that reflect his impressions of New York City for this 2009 solo piano session. The Brooklyn native's lyrical touch is present throughout this delightful recording, capturing the stillness of early morning in his moving "First Light/East River." Anyone who has visited the World Trade Center and since returned to view the starkly empty spot where it once stood can't help but be moved by Werner's poignant "Ground Zero," a piece conveying anguish at the terrible loss of life. His delicate, touching "Song of the Heart [For Lorraine and Katheryn]" subtly conveys his unconditional love for his family (Katheryn tragically died in a car crash several years earlier at the age of 16). Werner's lush extended work "Central Park Suite" and melancholy "Hudson Lament" are also among the CD's highlights. Kenny Werner has long established himself as a brilliant solo pianist and composer, and this French release is well worth acquiring. ~ by Ken Dryden, AMG.
Out
Note Records, ONT 003, 2010
Recorded
6th December, 2009 at Studio La Buissonne, Pernes-Les Fontaine, France
Tracks:
1.
First Light / East River (6:59)
2. Ground Zero (3:53)
3. Song Of The Heart [For Lorraine And Katheryn] (6:32)
4. Scenes From Grand Central [For Bonnie] (6:24)
5. Central Park Suite (13:40)
6. Hudson Lament (4:18)
7. Twilight / Riverside (5:02)
8. Back Home Again [For Barbara And Wesley] (4:58)
Total Time: 51:40
All Compositions by Kenny Werner
Credits:
Producer,
Photography [Cover] - Jean-Jacques Pussiau
Engineer, Mixing - Gérard de Haro
Assistant Engineer, Mastering - Nicolas Baillard
Piano Tuner - Alain Massonneau
Photography [Portraits] - Andrea Boccalini
Cover Design - Little Spoon
English Translation - Eve Judelson
Liner Notes - Alain Gerber
