Inspiration behind art is a curious thing. It takes many forms, from personal to universal perspectives. Many times it's unexpected. It is intertwined with one's life and the vicissitudes therein. As Charlie Parker famously said, “If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn."
For pianist/composer/arranger Kenny Werner, music has evolved, over time, into a direct expression of his being, less about a series of notes on paper. His latest release, No Beginning No End (Half Note, 2010), may be his most personal album yet, stemming from the experience that all parent fear: the death of a child, when his daughter, Katheryn, was killed in a tragic car accident in 2006.
With a sweeping, at times emotionally raw work for orchestra, choir, string quartet and small improvising ensemble, Werner, with the help of saxophonists {Joe Lovano}} and singer Judi Silvano, has turned a journey that no one should have to experience into a career-defining record where the tragedy, redemption and hope, experienced by the pianist and his wife, Lorraine, became a shared one for those who performed on the session...and is now, for those fortunate enough to hear it.
Veteran All About Jazz contributor R.J. DeLuke spoke, at length, with Werner, about the long process of finding his way back from the depths of despair through the healing power of music, in a revealing interview that sheds new light on this remarkably creative and deeply spiritual artist. Check out Kenny Werner: New, Transcendent Sounds, published today at All About Jazz.
But there's more. To celebrate the release of No Beginning No End, All About Jazz is providing a wealth of additional features:
For pianist/composer/arranger Kenny Werner, music has evolved, over time, into a direct expression of his being, less about a series of notes on paper. His latest release, No Beginning No End (Half Note, 2010), may be his most personal album yet, stemming from the experience that all parent fear: the death of a child, when his daughter, Katheryn, was killed in a tragic car accident in 2006.
With a sweeping, at times emotionally raw work for orchestra, choir, string quartet and small improvising ensemble, Werner, with the help of saxophonists {Joe Lovano}} and singer Judi Silvano, has turned a journey that no one should have to experience into a career-defining record where the tragedy, redemption and hope, experienced by the pianist and his wife, Lorraine, became a shared one for those who performed on the session...and is now, for those fortunate enough to hear it.
Veteran All About Jazz contributor R.J. DeLuke spoke, at length, with Werner, about the long process of finding his way back from the depths of despair through the healing power of music, in a revealing interview that sheds new light on this remarkably creative and deeply spiritual artist. Check out Kenny Werner: New, Transcendent Sounds, published today at All About Jazz.
But there's more. To celebrate the release of No Beginning No End, All About Jazz is providing a wealth of additional features:
- Read All About Jazz Managing Editor John Kelman's insightful CD review of No Beginning No End, also published today;
- Download “The God Of Time," a free track from No Beginning No End, Today's Free MP3;
- Watch a video that includes some performance footage from the No Beginning No End sessions, and a live interview with Werner, Today's Video;
- Check out Andrea Boccalini's performance shot of Kenny Werner, Today's Photo.
All About Jazz is committed to bringing you the most extensive coverage anywhere surrounding new releases. Be sure to check out all the buzz about Kenny Werner and No Beginning No End at All About Jazz today!
For more information contact All About Jazz.
