Shannon Kennedy has brand new adventure in her musical career. She’s well known for wearin’ out a saxophone but now she is trying her hand at writing lyrics and singing. After listening to her new album,”Behind Your Eyes”, I think she has put a couple more notches in her belt.
Along with handling lead vocals and saxophone, Shannon also plays, flute, oboe, accordion, keyboards, acoustic guitar, and even does some beat boxing! I’ll touch on just how accomplished a musician she is in a bit. Now let me share my experience of this album.
Right off the bat my attention was seized by this wonderful, full bass tone and floating pad jammin’ a simple but catchy progression. As I listen on I find it develops in to a full on groove complete with a excellent horn section. The title track “Behind Your Eyes” opens the door on this album wide open and the only choice is to jump right in. Shannon dips into a collaboration of different genres for her sound but manages to keep a signature that ties in all together. She even takes Oingo Boingo’s “Dead Man’s Party” and puts her own twist on it, which I might add I enjoyed much more than the original.
To be honest, when I hear a song with vocals in a foreign language generally I have a hard time getting into it. With “Purdue” and “N’Impote Quoi” the universal language of music is more than enough. I want to learn French so I can sing along! The way the syllables fall together entice even the ear ignorant of the romantic language.
In a display of her refined instrumental expression, “Falling Slowly” is a gorgeous piece that has no need for words. The melodic flute paints the whole picture with a fine bristle brush. Result? A breath-taking portrait of whatever your heart desires.
Shannon is as well rounded as she is creative and motivated. Primarily known as a saxophonist, this is her first vocal album but not her first album. Her debut album was released while she was still in high school in 2005. “Angel Eyes” was a live recording with Shannon and three of her schoolmates, captured in a basement studio. In 2007 she released two more,”Steppin’ Up” and “Never My Love”, where she took the composing and producing credits as well as performed.
At teenjazz.com Shannon hosts an informative site for young musicians. With tips on everything from seeking career advice to buying new equipment, Teen Jazz is a valuable resource for the up and coming musician.
They say you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. With a debut vocal album such as this, I get the impression that I’m not the only one that will be expecting to hear more vocally from Shannon Kennedy. Keep them coming!
