Search - Kenny Colman, London Phil, Thielemans :: Dreamscape

A wonderful, astonishing, tender surprise

Ed | Jersey City, NJ | 11/29/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had never hear of this fellow, Kenny Colman, before I caught a wisp of one of the tracks on this fine album on my local jazz station. He sounded like a blend of Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett, with something of Joao Gilberto weaving itself through. The track I heard, a Johnny Mercer tune called 'Where Do You Start' sounded fresh and knowing, free of showmanship and cynicism. His delivery was flawless and went straight to the heart. Technically, he seemed perfect. It made me say, 'Who IS this guy?' I bought the album fearing it was a one-track wonder, but no. The first dozen of the generous 18-track CD were all exceptional. (The others, while fine, seem to have a tacked-on feeling and, to my mind, a notch or two lower than the high bar of the original twelve.) But cuts like 'When Joanna Loved Me'--which connects to the song on an visceral level rarely achieved--makes this CD an indispensible chronicle of tender human emotions by someone who knows what he's talking about. The first dozen arrangements, some by Mandel himself, are lush, intelligent and present this singer like the jewel that he is."

Where is he now?

andrew i. chaplowitz | 07/02/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My wife and I both love Sinatra and Bennett. Now we love Kenny Coleman. First heard him on DSS music channel. Thought he was Andy Williams. Only Williams had never sounded so great. Took us a while to locate the CD. Are there more CD's? Where is he now and is he still performing?As newly married "seniors" the track "I'm glad I never met you" brought tears to our eyes. We also like the progression of the selections on the album. They tell a wonderful love story.This album is just subperb."

Total injustice he wasn't recognized sooner

andrew i. chaplowitz | springfield, nj United States | 07/28/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"heard him for the first time on Sid Mark's radio show.What a find. I think he sounds like Torme more than anybody. No expense was spared in making this recording. "Days of Wine And Roses" will blow you away, with a pinnacle jazz harmonica solo by the incomparable Toots Thielman.I give it highest rating for vocal performance, arrangements, repetoire and production"