Search - Larry McKenna :: Profile

Not to be missed!

Judson A. Aaron | 12/23/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Those who already know Philly jazz legend Larry McKenna will surely agree that his newest release, "Profile," captures some of Larry's best recorded playing. For those who are not familiar with Larry McKenna, now's the time to discover the gorgeous tenor sax sound and brilliant improvisations of this jazz master. "Profile" showcases the prodigious talent of a musician who is equally at home blazing through an up-tempo "You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To," or gently caressing a Henry Mancini ballad, "Two for the Road," with his shimmering tone. The quartet is rounded out by three of the finest jazz musicians around: pianist Tom Lawton, whose solos are a whirlwind of ideas; bassist Kevin MacConnell, with his big bass sound and rock-solid time; and drummer Dan Monaghan, always listening, always swinging. Veteran vocalist Nancy Reed turns in a stunning performance of "Perhaps This Wintertime," a ballad penned by Larry with achingly beautiful lyrics by Melissa Gilstrap. This session of bebop, ballads and bossas is not to be missed!"

Jazz's Speaker of the House, has arrived with his CD, "Profi

Brhenda Starr | Philadelphia, PA | 12/11/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Tenor saxophone legend, Larry McKenna has released his newest CD, "Profile." If you are a Philly Jazz Cat, you know it's Larry in the first track, "You Know It's Me." He's confident, warm and SWINGIN'! Perhaps, the biggest surprise for a McKenna composition is a ballad with lyrics, "Perhaps This Wintertime;" where he collaborates with multi-talented lyricist, Melissa Gilstrap. Internationally renowned singer, Nancy Reed delivers an interpretation that will solidify this as a Standard for all other Jazz singers. Not to mention the eloquent rhythm section with Dan Monaghan-drums; Kevin MacConnell-bass and Tom Lawton-piano on Cole Porter classics as well as Cuban composer, Osvaldo Farres' song, "Tres Palabras." In Spanish, that means "three words.' Allow me to guide you: 1. You'll love this! 2. Thee Holiday Gift! 3. Buy this CD! 4.All the above!

Track List:

1. You Know It's Me (Larry McKenna)

2. Tres Palabras (Osvaldo Farres)

3. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To (Cole Porter)

4. Perhaps This Wintertime (Melissa Gilstrap & Larry McKenna)

5. Is It Over My Head? (Larry McKenna)

6. I'll Close My Eyes (Billy Reid & Buddy Kaye)

7. I Love You (Cole Porter)

8. Dream Dancing (Cole Porter)

9. Out Of Nowhere (Edward Heyman & Johnny Green)

10. Two For The Road (Leslie Bricusse & Henry Mancini)"

Superb jazz from a master - check out the videos for yoursel

Ubisunt | 01/14/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I own this CD and love it. I gave it to a ton of people as a gift, both hardcore jazz fans and novices, and everyone raves about it.



Larry McKenna has a beautiful, sweet tone and plays with total assurance and passion, whether improvising ballad melodies or blazing bebop lines. It's hard to listen to him and not be moved, whether inside or by your tapping toe! Unlike some jazz musicians who dive right in to improvising their own lines on a song's chord changes, never playing the tune itself, Larry first plays the original melodies with great sensitivity - and you can tell he's familiar with the meanings of the lyrics, even if they aren't being sung. When he then improvises his own melodies, you're in for a treat of some of the most lyrical and swinging playing around.



You couldn't ask for a better rhythm section! Pianist Tom Lawton is a monster with his endless cascade of creativity - always leaves me shaking my head and grinning in amazement. Bassist Kevin MacConnell underpins the group with his big rich tone and terrific intonation, and his fluid solos on a difficult instrument are impressive. Drummer Dan Monaghan holds it all together with his driving beat, and his sensitive backing on ballads reveals that the drumset can be a lovely atmospheric instrument in the right hands.



The fine jazz vocalist (and bass player) Nancy Reed & Larry McKenna have been playing together for a decade, and it shows in their comfortable swinging repartee on Cole Porter's "I Love You" and their tender performance on the brand new ballad "Perhaps This Wintertime" written by Larry McKenna (music) & Melissa Gilstrap (lyrics).



But no more words - let the music speak for itself! Below are live performances by the band from a few days ago of "Perhaps This Wintertime," "You Know It's Me," and "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You" (hope these links work; if not you may have to do a search on yoo toob with the song title and Larry McKenna's name):



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Enjoy the CD!"