Jason Keiser - Kind of Kenny (CD)

Seeking to interpret trumpeter/composer Kenny Wheeler's music with the boundless sense of adventure and nuance needed to honor his unique writing, Bay-Area guitarist Jason Keiser was particularly intrigued by Wheeler's penchant for assembling unusual instrumental configurations as he made preparations for Kind of Kenny. Teaming with the one-of-a-kind, master guitarist John Stowell as the ensemble's rhythmic and harmonic base, Keiser enlisted lyrical improvisors, trumpeter Erik Jekabson & saxophonist Michael Zilber, and vocalist Danielle Wertz, acting as a horn-like melodic voice and as a singer on Wheeler & Norma Winstone's "For Jan." "There are many young musicians who are making jazz connoisseurs sit up and take notice with their debut albums. This is the case with the guitarist Jason Keiser... " Jazz'N'More (Switzerland).... a heartfelt tribute to Kenny Wheeler featuring inspired, compassionate guitar soloing by the leader and John Stowell. The intricate and intuitive interplay... brings to mind the pivotal collaborations between Ralph Towner and John Abercrombie. - Minor 7th Acoustic Guitar Magazine.