Just You & Me

Album Review

Michael Brecker prominently used the EWI woodwind synthesizer, but realized his voice on the tenor saxophone was more true to himself. Bernie Kenerson, though adept at acoustic saxes, clarinets, and flute, is dedicating his sound to the EWI, feeling it is closer to his soul. This date demonstrates a good variety of music in the contemporary jazz vein, but is only a starter set in imaging the potential sounds the Akai EWI can claim. Kenerson is content to adopt basic styles of fashionable commercial jazz, dipping a bit into modernized swing. The neo-bop tunes "Stayin' In Shape" and "B.W." add some blues in the former stance, with good forward motion adding bass clarinet on the latter tune, both tracks realizing the influence of Brecker succinctly. A typical N.Y.C./L.A. funk identifies the title track and "Afterglow," whereas a clock-tock rhythm drives "She Said," sporting an introduction similar to Duke Pearson's famous tune "Jeannine." Everything is pretty much in 4/4, there's nothing metrically challenging, except for the light reggae on "Honeymoon Flight" or the hot Brazilian style of "Grand Stand Samba." The rhythm section inserts push-pull force somewhat, but does not drive the sounds past third gear. Overall it's a laid-back approach more identifiable with California than the South Carolina studio where this was recorded. To his credit, Kenerson expands on the ballad material, especially the reverent spirit song "Glad You Said Yes." An entry point or aperitif before a main course, certainly Kenerson's subsequent efforts will offer more depth and substance. ~ Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide