absolutely amazing masterful jazz Tom Kennedy – NEW START: It’s been a while since Tom’s “Just Play” album was reviewed in our pages… his new release will hit the streets on 22 March, 2024, and it’s jam-packed with absolutely amazing masterful jazz… to get you started (especially if you haven’t seen him perform before) is an earlier performance (from a couple years back) of “Espiritu del Songo” (different players than on the album)…
You can also watch several enchanting performances when you SUBSCRIBE to Tom’s channel on YouTube.
In addition to Tom’s high-talent bass playing, you’ll also hear Dave Weckl – drums; Stu Mindeman – keyboards; Bob Franceschini – saxes; Mike Stern – guitar; Eric Marienthal – alto sax; Randy Brecker – trumpet; Bill Evans – tenor sax; Roger Squitero – percussion; Matthias Biston – trumpet, and Jason Swagler – alto sax… Stu’s fantastic organ and Mike’s stellar guitar leads on the down and funky “The Rocker” definitely makes the album worth the purchase… clocking in at 7:41, it’s a true jazz gem!
What truly made the album stand out from all the others is the “improvisational” aspects of each tune… that’s best represented (for me) on my choice for personal favorite, the 5:57 “Hand In Hand”… twists and turns abound, gently guided by Tom’s superb bass work… I simply loved the song, and you will, too.
I give Tom and each of his players a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) score of 4.99. Get more information on Tom’s website, or the label website. I’m sure the album will appear on Tom’s Spotify (below) as it gets closer to the release date.
