Kevin Hays

Open Range

2006-06-02

Exquisite solo piano jazz numbers from accomplished composer Kevin Hays, who has played with jazz greats such as Sonny Rollins, John Scofield and Joshua Redman. There is one vocal number on the disc: a unique rendition of “You Are My Sunshine,” but performed in a way that completely remakes the song. Three other songs (#2, #4, #9) contain some Native American vocalizing in the background to go with the album’s theme. One other selection (“Harmonium”) finds Hays “dampening” the strings of the piano and plucking them from the inside of the instrument. This is reflective, quiet -- almost classical – music rather than your Friday-drive-home soundtrack.

More reviews tagged #Jazz

  • reviewed 08/2011

    LARRY GOLDINGS
    In My Room

  • reviewed 04/2008

    BOBBY WATSON AND THE LIVE AND LEARN BAND
    Fronm The Heart

  • reviewed 03/2016

    The U.S. Army Blues
    Live At The Blues Alley

  • reviewed 03/2007

    Alex Garcia’s AFROMANTRA
    Uplifting Spirit

  • reviewed 11/2013

    JAMES BOOKER
    CLASSIFIED REMIXED AND EXPANDED

  • reviewed 08/2007

    SONNY FORTUNE
    You and the Night and the Music

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.