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 05/2008

    NICHOLAS PAYTON
    Into the Blue

  • reviewed 05/2011

    THE RICK HOLLAND-EVAN DOBBINS LITTLE BIG BAND
    Trilby

  • reviewed 02/2007

    JACK DEJONETTE AND BILL FRISELL
    The Elephant Sleeps But Still Remembers

  • reviewed 03/2008

    CARMEN LUNDY
    Come Home

  • reviewed 01/2006

    L. ZIADE
    Project Chill: Memoirs of a Jazz Band

  • reviewed 09/2007

    MILES DAVIS
    The Complete On the Corner Sessions

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.