James Kennedy: ACROSS THE BORDERS - Wow - jazz has fully penetrated thee
heartlandz' ov' th' midwest, people. This little CD (in from "Heart
Consort Music") presents some very comfortable (yet highly inspired) 6/12
string guitar jazz & contemporary music from James. This is a studio
performance (I've got a tape of live things (from Montreaux & other venues)
that will be reviewed in the next issue), with far more "energy content"
than many studio efforts we listen to. Th' title track would lead one to
place this in a "sort of jazz" field, but that segues in to "Freedom Train",
a rip-rollicking guitar panorama experience on which yer' can hear them ol'
wheels a-rollin' (must be that "midwestern" experience, eh?)! Very
effective use of multiple vistas, making it very hard to attach a "category"
to Kennedy's style. There's a (seemingly) unbounded fountain of energy in
his fingers, & the theme expressed in the liner notes ("people who make
their ways, against all odds, across the borders to freedom") is clearly
illustrated and totally accessible. This is music that can make an
"instant" connection with the listener. Comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by this
reviewer.

James Kennedy - Bits N Pieces
Heart Consort Music - HCM-1008
This latest effort by Iowa?s multifaceted guitarist James Kennedy shows why his versatility and ability to create music that is brimming with life has turned a lot of heads and ears in his direction. The lead track ?Morocco? has a sly backdrop that makes you think of the North Africa nation, but there are elements of contemporary jazz and progressive rock weaved into a tasty stew, with soaring guitar solo work that would do Steve Morse proud. The ethnic feel on this CD continues with the snappy ?That African Song? which laces sweet guitar harmonies with a jazzy, funky rhythm backdrop. ?Through Your Eyes? gets into a sort of smooth groove like an avant-garde take on George Benson. Throughout the album, you feel a certain personality of jangly guitar, demurely plucked at one moment and furiously fingered the next, wonderfully painting the instrumental harmonic qualities of the music without vocals. Although the music has been actually written it has an improvisational quality to it, making it all the more entertaining. This is another tasty effort by an obviously talented musician who is unafraid to draw from a wealth of influences to create music that strays from the norm but in a comforting sort of way.

ROCK N ROLL HEART & TOO MANY PICTURES: Rock N Roll Heart Too Many Pictures are two recent releases from multi-instrumentalist James Kennedy. James is a composer, producer, vocalist, guitarist and bassist. Kennedy has written scores for a number of independent films and video projects. In addition, his music has been licensed by major corporations such as 3M, Disney and Muzak. James a seasoned musician has been playing since a young age and he studied blues and jazz at the University of Iowa. Rock N Roll Heart is an ode to classic rockers such as Cream, Genesis and the Four Seasons to name some of many. It is a diverse blend of psychedelic sounds, driving guitars with acoustic tones, powerful drums/percussions and hip base lines. 'Victory and Honor' is a sixties like instrumental with stirring guitars, weird electronic tricks and a steady solid beat. Far out! 'Michael's Back Door' follows with creative instrumentation that reminds me of avant-garde bands such as Yes. Imaginative bridge changes and first class musicianship carries this ambient song to a satisfying conclusion. Thus, setting the tone for the next four well-crafted and inventive tracks. Too Many Pictures was composed like an impressionistic painting. In other words, the music is a blend of world and jazz in a soundscape of varied styles, textures and tones. James mixes traditional sounds and modern jazz to create a unique genre referred to as midwestern jazz. The musicianship is masterful on all six songs but I really enjoyed the ebb and flow on 'Summer Rain' a soft fluid instrumental with a subtle beat and fine string work. The music gently washes over the listener like light refreshing rain. 'Bailaora Misteriosa' is a saucy song with Spanish overtones, sexy guitars, funky beats and some cool sounds from the electric violin. It is a poignant and flavorful mix. James Kennedy clearly demonstrates his versatile talents on these two unique CDs of rock and jazz-fusion sounds. Either disk is a winner!
? Recommended Tracks: (Disk One 1,2 & Disk Two 2,5) [USA/IA 2002 - web] )