Artist: Kevin Dorsey
Title: Inner Journey
Genre: Jazz
Label: Independent
Website
Kevin Dorsey has many gifts; he is a music teacher, composer, and a brilliant musician. This is an incredible skill set to have heading into the studio to record an album. He uses his god given talent in a special way by teaching others and letting his listeners sit back to absorb all of the beautiful music he produces.
On Inner Journey Dorsey takes you on voyage that was born and developed inside him, from deep in his soul. He uses the standup and electric bass to express himself, without any words. Words are not necessary, as the music is a lovely combination of contemporary and Latin styles peppered with world jazz. The rudiments of each genre come through clearly, interspersed in every track offered on this fine CD.
Dorsey deals a winning hand by featuring his bass as the main instrument yet he allows the other instruments in each composition to come to the forefront to take a graceful bow. “Xander’s Dance” features some fine guitar work by Bob Piorun while the absorbing and trance like melody of “Miss” comes full circle with the ensemble, starting with the smooth saxophone of Bill Pomares followed by the subtle yet expressive percussion of Jerry Bower, and again, the delicate and refined guitar lines of Piorun. Everyone gets their turn while allowing Dorsey’s bass to take the lead. This formula works very well. It is not an easy task to accomplish in any setting, studio or live, yet this band accomplishes it seamlessly. The musical co-op and the spirit of the music itself achieve the necessary effect for each composition.
I can unquestionably appreciate the effort that went into this recording. The production is simple and uncluttered, letting the color palettes of jazz paint a multi-hued canvas whereby the astute jazz aficionado can find a complete and satisfying recording to spin without reservation. This can be the kind of music for a quiet evening in front of a fireplace, a candlelit dinner or reading a book, however I reserve you the right to dance, and do not be surprised if you do as this music is full of life and the rhythms that make your heart beat, it is very hard to resist.
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