Best, The - Kenny Thomas

Advantages: Relaxing, accessible
Disadvantages: Not for purists or snobs

...and contains some of his most well known "hits". The second track, "Forever in Love" won him a Grammy in 1993 for the best instrumental composition. Breathless lacks any harmonic and rhythmic tension, opting rather for melodic flowing tunes that almost seem to pass, trance-like, through you and yet stick in your mind when they're done. It is, for want of a better description, easy listening. It won't challenge you, you won't find it inaccessible. In fact, I'd challenge most to say that they don't like it. It might leave you cold if it's not your thing but I think you'd struggle to say that you couldn't listen to it. It's not the kind of music that you can "get into" or actively listen to, it somehow manages to slip into the background but that's not to say it's not good. Kenny has an enviable ability to express emotion through his saxophone... Read review

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...I didn't really know who Kenny Ball was. I admit that; I'm young - that's my excuse. But I love jazz. My mate had organised a trip to see him at an open air concert near where I live. Kenny is a trumpeter, and his group consists of a mad clarinetist, a bass player, pianist, and drummer. They play classics like Maple Leaf Rag, The Elephant Fly, and tunes from Jungle Book.. but best of all was the show they put on. They were so energetic, cracking jokes, and dancing around the stage... and they're not young any longer. In fact, I enjoyed their show so much I bought their `Reflections' CD and got it autographed. They do a wide variety of music, and their energy still shines through in their music. If you love dixie type jazz.. you'll love them.... Read review

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Advantages: a fantastic nostalgic musical trip
Disadvantages: none

..., but then, that's a matter of opinion, and its also why i'm writing this! Starting CD1 off is Frankie Knuckles "The Whistle Song" and you just cant go wrong with any stuff he does, i think its brilliant Lisa Stansfield has been dug out the ages with her "People Hold On" track and a royal salute has to be sent out to HK for ye olde classic, Subliminal Cuts "Le Voie Du Soleil" - who doesnt go wild for the piano loop in that song?! CD2 is just full of 3 great genres - old skool, funk and hip-hop, and one of my favourite tracks ever - Eric B and Rakim "Paid in Full". Also making an appearance on there is Kenny Thomas' "Outstanding" which is an apt name for such a track. However HK do the end of the album severe justice with two fantastic daddies of tracks...Frances Nero "Footsteps" and James Brown's lyrical invention "Think" which is sung by Lyn... Read review

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