Pianist Kenny Werner is one of those artists who is highly respected by his peers, but seemingly under appreciated by jazz fans. He’s done music ranging from big band to small group, in the pocket bop to outside free, and sounds convincing and fresh in every setting. Here are two different albums that show what he’s capable of accomplishing.
He leads a trio with Johannes Weidenmueller/b and Ari Hoenig/dr through a mix of originals and jazz covers. He likes to deliver a thoughtful opening solo on these pieces, setting a reflective mood until the support finally joins in as on “Try To Remember” and “Beauty Secrets.” He bops delightfully on “In Your Own Sweet Way” and gives off clever angles and perspectives with his team on John Coltrane’s “26-2.” Hoenig gets some space on “Balloons” and the rhythm team gels with aplomb on “Voncify the Emulayans.” Werner’s touch on the piano is as soft as a ripe banana, just ready for the squeezing. A real delicate delight here.
Werner joins with sensitive vocalist Joyce Moreno” on a mix of Brazilian and American bon mots. Her breathy delivery is like a leather catcher’s mitt to Werner’s knuckleball of a delivery on the seductive “E O Amor Outra Vez” and an enduring “Estate,” while Jobim’s “Olha Maria” is as breezy as an afternoon at the beach. On the English channel, she has fun with the lyrics on “Mad About The Boy” and does some clever working with a thoughtful and provocative take of “Throw It Away.” The team is able to sound both intimate and yet room filling simultaneously, sounding authoritative throughout.
Pirouet Records