Reviews: Kenny Noble Cortes
CD's, mp3's and releases
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Fusion Juice, First Taste |
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There’s a little bit of your favorite Colorado artistry in Fusion Juice, a local band with the flair of Dotsero, the sophistication of Nelson Rangell and the excitement of Darren Rahn. Fusion Juice is smooth and very contemporary. |
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‘First Taste’ is a great way to get acquainted, and what better way to meet someone or share light, easy conversation than at ‘Happy Hour’. A slick, feel-good tune that showcases Jimmy Schoettle’s guitar. The title track has the same smooth feel, but dropped back a notch from ‘Happy Hour’. Matt Brodie’s sax is both sensual and relaxing. David Young’s percussion sets the mood on ‘Warm Breeze’, like a sunny, summer afternoon along the Front Range, holding the promise of good things to come. ‘Dave’s Digs’ creates a living room environment that’s both cozy and intimate, inviting us to share an up close and personal experience that hopefully will lead to something more. Jerry Weiss’ ‘Piano Interlude’ is just that, a pleasant surprise that relaxes, and inspires, reminiscent of quiet time spent in the lounge of a 4-star hotel, following a long hard day of travel. It soothes and massages the mind. ‘Now’s The Time’ is basically ‘Piano Interlude’, part two, slightly more up and engaging. It’s hard not to picture Steve Watts playing the sax on this one, definitely a Dotsero feel. Jerry Weiss plays the piano with grace. Scott Fitzgerald's bass throbs with sensuous groovicity. ‘Saxxy’ is a voyeuristic look at Matt’s sensual saxophone, taking us from a flirtatious open to a very rhythmic melody. Reminiscent of Gato Barbieri in his younger days. ‘Don’t Inhale’, what do you think? Could there be a presidential inspiration here? Jimmy’s guitar transports us to that place on a Friday afternoon when you know the day is almost done, and the hope of a great weekend is still to come. Speaking of guitar, ‘Guitarmageddon’ blends spiritual and physical, jazz and light rock. ‘Guitarmageddon’ explores territory that elevates, uplifts and satisfies. No final battles here. Just heavenly jams between Jimmy and David. ‘Last Call’ brings us down gently, but leaves us wanting more, and isn’t that the mark of a great performance? |
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| First Taste clip download Happy Hour clip download | ||
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Reviewed April, 2007 |
More about Fusion Juice at www.fusionjuicejazz.com
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'Joel Rodney Siemion has produced an album as good as anything I've ever played' - Kenny Cortes
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Joel Rodney Siemion, Cayman Moon |
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Cayman Moon whisked me away to a place in my mind I have often fantasized about. And isn’t that the mark of a great artist? An artist who is capable of producing a vehicle for transport to the land of music, light and far away. Kenny Cortes |
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Ensenada is the embodiment of working class Mexico. Flavor, the lure of the sea and the exotic. There is a hook, like the fishing port that Ensenada is, that is irresistible. Any Other Way is sensual, romantic and emotional. Does it light the fire of a waiting romance, or bring back memories of a love lost? As with any piece, the art is in the eye and the experience of the beholder. Out of the Ashes – the antithesis to Any Other Way. Again, Siemion is able to capture the moment and give it a sense of eternity. There is guarded optimism in this track, but ultimately it is the hope we all long for – a love that will last. Seaport Village. Ah, memories of the Harbor House in America’s Finest City. Where the omelets are as fresh as the Pacific breeze, and this track as light and airy as a Del Mar condo, exuding the freedom of spirit that so embodies Southern California. The Hope springs eternal. It’s what buying a lottery ticket is all about – hope of life’s riches, but dosed with the reality that life also brings pain. Out of pain, we return a little wiser. I really like Lodo Bop because it is what it is. Lodo is such a cool, retro place in the shadow of Coors Field. This is music that feels young and energetic…like a Rockies game on a perfect Friday evening in June. Life is good. Lodo Bop is pure Denver. Dotsero, a musical thank you to Denver’s best band. How cool is that? In truth, there are many influences that inspire an artist’s work, but music is the medium that reaches the marrow. Dotsero is upbeat, positive and feels good. Steve Watts’ sax is a perfect complement, never overpowering Joel’s guitar. Cayman Moon. Imagine being immersed by a full moon over a pristine Caribbean Sea, and having the skill and talent to create a sound that reflects a few precious moments in a magical, timeless place. Cayman Moon is the cornerstone of inspiration for this cd and its lush artwork. It flows like soothing waves along white, sandy beaches of a calm night in the tropics with a very special person at your side. You Know I’ll Always Be in Love With You. The emotion pours from this track like vintage wine into a lonely glass that has been emptied far too many times. Joel Rodney Siemion, like the true artist he is, has revealed a side of himself that many artists reserve for only their most private and personal moments. But in showing us who he is, Joel Rodney Siemion also proves he is very real. And that’s what makes this cd so very special. More about Joel Rodney Siemion at www.joelrodney.com |
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Reviewed December, 2006
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