Search - Kenny Davern :: One Hour Tonight

Winning

David Saemann | 07/31/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As someone who mainly listens to classical music, Kenny Davern has a particular appeal as a Jazz artist. The scope of his musicianship is quite unusual. His playing is alternately soulful and intricate, totally inhabiting the tunes he chooses. He also is one of the few jazz improvisers to understand the value of playing softly, which he does often to splendid effect. Howard Alden is an excellent counterweight to Davern in this quartet. He plays with delicacy and grace, never becoming overassertive unless his role as soloist requires it. The duo playing between him and Davern is especially sweet as it is unusual. Also, the frequent soft playing of these two enables us to hear more of the splendid bass player, Phil Flanigan, who is charming and inventive. This is the sort of jazz that rewards close listening, yet is basically easy on the nerves and is full of style. I hope it never goes out of fashion."