Electric Violin, Acoustic and Electric Guitars, and more blend for an eclectic mix of rock, celtic, folk, world and more.

This album includes James Kennedy on 6 and 12 string electric and acoustic guitars, plus features Catherine Lawson on Electric Violin.

A Great New Sound! I don't know what else to call this disc, so I'm guessing. The music on here is instrumental electric violin and guitars, and is absolutely beautiful. While the total album tends to blend together into one amazing experience, I do have soft spots for 'Luna', 'Two Voices' and 'Mina'. This is another one of those albums I've been listening to for such a long time and not reviewing...For someone searching for a great new sound, here you go! I give it **** 4 stars! Read more...

Best fusion I've heard in 20 years! Exciting home-grown fusion revival with a sometimes ethnic flavor . . . reminiscent all at once of Jean Luc Ponty, Yes and early Genesis. An off-white wedding; a joyful union of Kennedy Guitar, Lawson Violin and Alles Bass. This is one marriage we hope will last!

A mix of folk, jazz, and world influences

Instruments: 6 and 12 string acoustic and electric guitars, bass, drum set, and auxiliary percussion. A range of styles including jazz, folk, world music, and other influences all blending together to create a unique style! "Kennedy's music is very much depictive of the rolling acres of his homeland. His instrumental approach uses electric instruments, but one gest a definite acoustic flavor from his tunes." Arts Midwest Jazzletter "The group acheives an almost chamber jazz sound with a fine spirit of interplay running through the music. Mr. Kennedy's originals reflect life in the Heartland of America." Great Lakes Jazz Letter

midwestern contemporary jazz with world music influences.

James Kennedy, midwest multi-instrumentalist and composer, offers up eight instrumental pieces designed beautifully to mix world musical flavors from South America to the Middle East.

Keyboard, Bass, Drums, Guitar, all performed with quality by Kennedy, filling the air with lush tapestries and exotic rhythms. Relaxing.

Kennedy's guitar work, particularly his single line melodies, are reminiscent of George Benson.

His electric work is pure Adult Contemporary ear candy, with sustained rich high notes - chorused, delayed, and reverb attached ala Scholz's Rockman timbre.

The highlight of the disc are the compositions themselves, as Kennedy mixes up interesting rhythms with jazz/fusion key changes within a more "easy listening" instrumental style.

The tone of the CD is based on Kennedy's dedication, "this project is for all the people who make their way, against all odds, Across the Borders to Freedom".

And the titles of the tunes reflect the inspiration as they are taken from historical geographic struggles from the world's history, from Desert freedom marches, to underground escapes - a sample of titles : "Freedom Train", "Panama", "Desert Nights", "Underground", and "Persia".

Enjoy Kennedy's journey, Across the Borders.

Eclectic World Music Influences

This music presents a very full, rich sound, with soft rock rhythms and melodies blending together into a musical whole.
"Dreams of Compassion" is a haunting melody with minor strains and a gentle rhythm. "Johannesburg" is more upbeat with a peppery fusion sound.
The lilting, tinkling sound patterns of "Rainforest People" give an impression of light and shadow. "Jim is aware of events near and far, he speaks of them through his music. We hear a signal in Jim's music of what is happening and what might come. This music creates a personal connection between composer, listener, and the world which will touch your heart and enliven your spirit..." Bob Naujoks, KCCK-FM 88.3

Acoustic Guitar with Natural Background Sounds

A quiet, lovely album of solo acoustic guitar pieces, all of which have a simliar moderate pace and softness. Both the titles (Childhood Dreams, Days Gone By) and the musical mood suggest a time of introspective remembrance.
"By the Pond" opens the album with the sounds of night insects and sleepy flowing picked notes. The last piece "Days Gone by" incorporates a sweet birdsong in the background. Cross Country has a more insistent pace and rhythmic strumming. The various backgound sounds add to the pleasant, vibrant guitar pieces.

A vision journey from contentment to quest and back again. A "sampler" album, highlights of other releases. A vision journey from contentment to quest, expressing growth. The music is simple, quiet, a little dreamy, giving a meditative, peaceful feeling. Yet it is never boring. "Dreams" is like a quiet day spent laying on your back watching clouds drift, there is no hurry. "Silver Moon Rising" has ringing synth sounds of bells. In "Beyond the Stars", a sense of awakening occurs as you begin to reach out, beyond your dreams. "Reaching the Summit" creates the tuning sounds of reverberating Tibetan bells. "Clouds" introduces acoustic guitar and a feeling like rising above the cares of the world.
This is great music for relaxing, contemplation, calming...