CD Reviews: Cormac Kenevey

This is Living, Candid Records, CCD 79846 The front and back covers for This is Living suggest a rather jaded theme. The artist is pictured standing with bow tie undone, while on the reverse a similarly posed shot but dressed in a leather jacket and jeans....

This is Living, Candid Records, CCD 79846

The front and back covers for This is Living suggest a rather jaded theme. The artist is pictured standing with bow tie undone, while on the reverse a similarly posed shot but dressed in a leather jacket and jeans. You cannot help but feel that this has all been done before. Although recently signed by Candid records (who have launched artists such as Jamie Cullum and Stacy Kent) one could be forgiven for thinking that Kenevey is yet another marketing ploy aimed at the ever-increasing smooth jazz sector.

The opening track ‘Just a Day’ does not clarify matters any. One of several Kenevey compositions on the album it consists of a narrative more reminiscent of the beat generation of the 1960s with its adopted rhythms of bop and progressive jazz. Things do become more mainstream with the subsequent ‘Tell me the Truth’ and ‘I Walk a Little Faster’, the latter of which is approached in a most perceptive manner that can only come from insightful examination of the styles of Frank Sinatra and Mel Tormé. Kenevey’s list of influences in the liner notes (from Benny Goodman to Tone Lôc) are somewhat a reflection of the diversity on display here. However, this is not necessarily pandering to the needs of the many, but rather indicative of a carefully selected list of songs designed to demonstrate both his manner of interpretation and the ease with which he slots in to each genre.

Kenevey really comes into his own on ballads and breathes new life into old classics and in particular his rendition of ‘I’m Through With Love’ evokes the plaintive tone of Chet Baker while still making the tune his own. Vocal scatting is a regular feature throughout the album and his solos on ‘No Moon At All’ and ‘We’ve Got a World that Swings’ are both tight and confident. On ‘There’ll be Some Changes Made’ he struggles a little playing catch-up with the rest of the band, but considering the lightening tempo this is merely a minor thing. One of the highlights of the album is the infectiously groovy ‘You Call it Jogging’ to which the band give a New Orleans stomp feel.

In an ensemble context you are only as strong as your weakest link and acknowledgement must be given to the excellent musicianship and production values. Kenevey is sensitively accompanied by the Phil Ware trio throughout. Ware’s horn arrangements are exact and always musical, particularly on ‘It Could Happen to You’.

Candid records may have unearthed a real talent in Cormac Kenevey. Look beyond the album cover and you will discover a fresh and welcome addition to the Irish jazz scene.

Published on 1 January 2007

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