MP3 George Kahn - ...Compared To What?

Featuring George on Piano with Justo Almario and Eric Marienthal on sax, Alex Acuna on drums, Brian Bromberg on bass, and others. George Kahn's newest offering is "always hip", featuring both unique arrangements of standards and originals

10 MP3 Songs
JAZZ: Traditional Jazz Combo, JAZZ: Latin Jazz



Details:
Liner Notes from "...Compared To What?", written by Jazz Broadcaster Alfredo Cruz:

"I've always liked George Kahn. There is a constant that runs through his music: its always hip. You name it, Kahn plays it and his music makes me feel good: I like that.

Hearing him for the first time years ago struck a chord of pleasure and enjoyment in me. Consequently, it was no surprise that from the opening arpeggio to the last note of his latest recorded journey I again felt that same sense of internal joy. It's the elusive and blissful id that Jazz lovers everywhere live in constant search of, finding music that touches something deep inside, reaching a secret place that's hard to pinpoint but that's unmistakable when you hear it and feel it. That's what came across from the opening bars of this recording.

When popping this disc in for the first time, it doesn't take long to realize what a serious, straight-ahead Jazz CD it is. ...Compared to What? the new recording by George Kahn, is a well-crafted and diverse musical statement that showcases the pianist's range of styles, abilities and sensibilities. Its well phrased, articulate and hard swinging feel are just what you'd expect from a session that includes trumpeter John Fumo, woodwind guru Justo Almario, percussion legend Alex Acuña, and super bass man Brian Bromberg. It's not George's style to hog the limelight, and while this recording does feature a healthy dose of piano, the emphasis is on the group sound and feel of the music, not the leader's keyboards. Another reason to like George Kahn: it's always about the music!

While incorporating contemporary elements, Kahn has an uncompromising sense of musicianship and respect for tradition. George Kahn's music has an eye - or an ear - toward the future, without neglecting the foundations and traditions of Jazz. Not only is Kahn's music creative, entertaining, intelligent, sophisticated and stimulating, it's also fun! That's why I like George Kahn, and know that you will too.


Alfredo Cruz -
Award winning journalist and Jazz broadcaster, Cruz is programmer/host of United Airlines' Jazz Session, a veteran of NPR Jazz, WBGO, KKJZ and a contributor to the Smithsonian Institution's exhibit "Latin Jazz: The Perfect Combination/La Combinación Perfecta."