Kenny Werner, Meditations, Steeplechase 31327
Reviewed by Scot Hacker
Working from a solo piano idiom perhaps most deftly defined by Bill Evans, Werner has set into motion an album of intelligently pacific meditations that plumb the resources of his heart. These aptly titled Meditations sway and bend their way through smooth contours and legato runs that pick up where a character like George Winston leaves off -- capturing a likewise pleasant and relaxed state of mind at the keyboard, but adding to it a level of integrity and melodic surprise that is missing from most "relaxing" music. Punctilious and sincere, certain passages in this recording invoke a mood somewhat akin to the graceful majesty of Evans'"Peace Piece." And, like Evans, Werner leaves plenty to the imagination by refusing to lay all his cards on the table at once. His melodies are simple, but not obvious; because of this, Werner's music does not grow shallow after a few listens as might lesser artists' in this exceedingly mellow genre.
Werner has been teaching piano at the New School in New York city since 1987, and also takes his lessons (or outpourings, as I would imagine them to be) abroad. This collection was recorded in Copenhagen while teaching summer school there, and definitely belies the distinctly European flavors audible on many of SteepleChase's releases. Nor are classical elements absent here, as Werner makes passing reference to Chopin, and claims to have been greatly inspired by Debussy. However, given the tenor of this date, it is hard to imagine him in the contexts of bands with Mingus and Gillespie, Ron Carter, Gunther Schuller, or any of the other lively outfits with whom he has worked in the past.
There is a fine line between gentle music which brings the soul to rest and musical pablum. This line is demarcated by the measure of integrity a musician loans to his craft. Kenny Werner brings to a solo piano music which borders on new age a personal history and a level of skill which most new age musicians lack. But this record could still fill the role of relaxant. It's the kind of music one puts on after a hard day, when you want to hear something solid and real, but just don't have the energy to give to something emotionally challenging.
Session details:
Meditations No. 1 / The Contemplation Suite (Om Namo Bhagavate Muktanandaya, Für Elise, Impressions, Kali Durga) / Stella by Starlight / Meditations No. 2 / Melodee No. 2 / Meditations No. 3 / Giant Steps. 60:04.Kenny Werner, p. 12/10/92
[Writers] [Birdhouse]