Product Description

The first in a series of albums being recorded featuring the electric wind instrument (EWI), this CD features multi-instrumentalist Bernie Kenerson playing the Akai 4000s electric wind instrument on ten original compositions. The music blends contemporary jazz with smooth and fusion jazz colors delivered with an electric twist. Kenerson plays with a quartet consisting of Jim Schneider (keyboards), Gary Craddock (upright and electric bass), and Art Weiss (drums and percussions), and adds Vince Peeples who plays guitar on two tracks and Nemil Chabebe playing percussion on one track. Kenerson also plays the tenor, flute and bass clarinet.

Track Listing

1. Just You & Me
2. She Said
3. Stayin' In Shape
4. Intro to Glad You Said Yes
5. Glad You Said Yes
6. Afterglow
7. Honeymoon Flight
8. Grand Strand Samba
9. Summer Release
10. B.W.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #372174 in Music
• Released on: 2007-07-18
• Number of discs: 1

Review
I just received your new "Just You and Me" CD and am loving it. This is a wonderful showcase for the EWI Electronic Wind Instrument and your writing, arranging, and performing talents. Please pass along my admiration to your excellent group of musicians as well. A fine job all around. It was also a special treat to hear my EWI sounds used in such a musical and creative manner on this CD. I am proud to help out in a small way and I look forward to hearing more from you in the years to come! --Matt Traum - Patchman Music

Review
I checked out "Just You & Me" and it just grooves. Soulful, funky and hypnotic. Awesome work. --Rachelle Bivins - ABYSSJazz Magazine

Review
The first in a series of albums being recorded featuring the electric wind instrument (EWI), this CD features multi-instrumentalist Bernie Kenerson playing the Akai 4000s electric horn on ten original compositions. An unusual recording that captured my interest almost immediately. The sound is definitely different and one that jazz audiences may not be use to hearing but, should be, in my opinion, quite receptive to the music found hear. The music blends contemporary jazz with smooth and fusion jazz colors delivered with an electric twist. Kenerson plays with a quartet consisting of Jim Schneider (keyboards), Gary Craddock (upright and electric bass), and Art Weiss (drums and percussions), and adds Vince Peeples who plays guitar on two tracks and Nemil Chabebe playing percussion on one track. Kenerson also plays the tenor, flute and clarinet. The opening title number and the second track, She Said, clearly establishes the EWI s dominant lead role on the album with a couple of very nice light jazz almost smooth in texture. Stay in Shape, moves to a more traditional jazz groove featuring more of Kenerson soloing on the EWI. There s a two-minute fusion type intro to Glade You Said Yes, which is all Kenerson stretching the horn making airy sounds before giving way to a slow and beautiful ballad in one of the best tunes here. My vote for the liveliest cut has to be the samba-shaded Grand Strand Samba, that moves quickly with terrific percussions and one heck of a performance by the leader. Other notable pieces include Honeymoon Flight, and Summer Release. Well that just about does it; this is one interesting musical experience that this listener enjoyed without any reservations. The EWI may not be taking over the Jazz world just yet, but Bernie Kenerson does a fine job bringing it out to the forefront. Well done. --Edward Blanco for ejazznews on the web

Customer Reviews

Great EWI album
I don't think there is another album out there that spotlights the EWI the way that this one does. Bernie has decided to pursue the EWI as his main instrument, and he shows off a lot of great things about the EWI on this album. It's a great CD to get to know this unique instrument. The tracks are varied in the style of music, so there is something for everyone. It's definitely worth checking out!

SmoothJazz.com Review
The EWI (Electronic Wind Instrument - pronounced "eewee") has been known to spice up a tune as evidenced by some classic Smooth Jazz including many an early Rippingtons' recording. An entire album with EWI as the lead, however, totally moves this instrument to the forefront and gives it some due respect. Enter innovator, composer and multi-instrumentalist Bernie Kenerson of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. His extensive musical background includes saxes, flutes, clarinets and keyboards. Mr. Kenerson started playing Electronic Wind Instruments nearly 30 years ago when he picked up a Lyricon. Now his instrument of choice is the Akai EWI4000s, upon which he displays an incredible facility for expression and artistry. According to Bernie, "The new Akai EWI4000s is the best way I've found to express the music inside me." His new album JUST YOU & ME is strong evidence of that. His playing is brilliant, and with a live rhythm section he completely immerses himself in the improvisation and energy of his instrument and, more importantly, conveys it convincingly to his listeners. This is first and foremost a jazz album, with colors ranging from pensive and haunting ("Glad You Said Yes") to fun and festive ("Grand Strand Samba"). Rhythms range from Reggae ("Honeymoon Flight") to Smooth contemporary ("She Said"), and if you need any cajoling into accepting the EWI as a bona fide lead instrument, Bernie Kenerson and his new album JUST YOU & ME are the ones to do it ~SCOTT O'BRIEN