Mike Kennedy - Idle Afternoon

Local Philadelphia Jazz Guitarist Mike Kennedy’s debut CD “Idle Afternoon” is a stirring session of eight original compositions featuring Kennedy in a swingin’ quartet session that showcases fluid, straight-ahead playing alongside inspired compositions.

Kennedy’s guitar style is a wonderful combination of wistful lines and harmonic integrity reminding me of Joshua Breakstone, Peter Bernstein and Emily Remler. His guitar tone is smooth with a just a small bite allowing notes to subtly pop when accented enthusiastically.  And Kennedy’s chops, while displayed nicely for all to hear, come more from his musical intellect than a series of rote finger exercises. The tunes “I’ll Take Two”, “Territory” and “News To Me” are good examples of this as Kennedy plays through the changes with just the right amount of technical dexterity and creative reflection needed to get what he has to say across to the listener. Not surprisingly, the rest of the tunes on the CD, “Walk In The Park”, “Gilded Garden”, “Pale Flying Feet”, and the title track, also receive the same consistency in performance, making Mike Kennedy a very enjoyable cat to listen to.

One other tune that deserves mention is the last tune “Days End”, a tender tune arranged for solo guitar. Kennedy does a fine job on this tune as he plays chord/melody style with lush voicings accompanying a pleasing melody. A nice note to end the CD on.

Of course, Kennedy can’t take all the credit for this great sounding album due to the steadfast rhythm section that accompanies him on nearly every tune. Mike Frank, Paul Gehman and Dan Monaghan, Piano, Bass and Drums respectively, really know how to bring Kennedy’s tunes alive, sounding like a band that has worked and played together on many occasions.

As accompanists and soloists, each player is on top of their game. There is a natural ease to the performances by all involved allowing for a greater sense of exploration and fun. Monaghan is always swinging and plays great on every tune, getting to shine on “I’ll Take Two”, “News To Me” and “Pale Flying Feet”. Bassist Gehman walks great as he lays it down hard and phat with some nice blowing on “Walk In The Park”, “Gilded Garden”, “Territory”, “News To Me” and “Pale Flying Feet”.

And last but not least, Pianist Mike Frank proves to be the perfect foil for Kennedy, playing with an energy and intuitiveness that captures the music perfectly. One of my favorite moments is when Frank quotes a part of Steely Dan’s “Bodhisattva” during the tune “Territory”. Very cool!

Idle Afternoon is definitely an album to check out. It’s got great guitar playing, terrific tunes and a warm, laid back feel that fits into any mood quite nicely. In fact, the title of the CD is quite apt as one could take a leisurely afternoon sitting in their favorite chair or sofa, hot beverage by their side, soaking up the music of Mike Kennedy. Life is definitely good! Thanks Mike.

Go to www.kennedymusic.com/ to see what else Mike Kennedy has to offer.

Lyle Robinson