Summer Daydreams

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The title of pianist and composer Kevin Kern's third album is an apt one, for the opening notes of "Le Jardin," the first track on Summer Daydreams, would not be out of place accompanying the opening credits of a Merchant-Ivory film. Not that this is a bad thing. Kern's music has a kind of sensitive grace and his arrangements allow plenty of room for violin (Jeremy Cohen), cello (Thalia Moore), Luis Baez (clarinet), and Bob Ward (French horn). Much of the music on Summer Daydreams is in this vein: slow, sweet, and soothing. There are a few more adventurous exceptions, notably "Pan's Return" (the opening of which rather reminds one of the beginning of the movie Braveheart) and "Dance of the Dragonfly," a lilting piano piece that is the most evocative on the recording. --Genevieve Williams

Summer Daydreams,Kevin Kern,Real Music,Contemporary Instrumental,Jazz Music,New Age,New Age / Meditation,Pop

Summer Daydreams

Tracks:

Le Jardin
Once In The Long Ago
Twilight's Embrace
Water Tapestry
Pan's Return
Pastel Reflection
Whisperings
Summer Daydreams
Dance Of The Dragonfly
Return To Love

Amazon.com

The title of pianist and composer Kevin Kern's third album is an apt one, for the opening notes of "Le Jardin," the first track on Summer Daydreams, would not be out of place accompanying the opening credits of a Merchant-Ivory film. Not that this is a bad thing. Kern's music has a kind of sensitive grace and his arrangements allow plenty of room for violin (Jeremy Cohen), cello (Thalia Moore), Luis Baez (clarinet), and Bob Ward (French horn). Much of the music on Summer Daydreams is in this vein: slow, sweet, and soothing. There are a few more adventurous exceptions, notably "Pan's Return" (the opening of which rather reminds one of the beginning of the movie Braveheart) and "Dance of the Dragonfly," a lilting piano piece that is the most evocative on the recording. --Genevieve Williams

Customer Reviews:

I love this album.......2003-04-25

Just received it yesterday and find it so soothing and mellow. It goes well with a good book, cup of tea and a fireplace. Thank you Kevin Kern!

Perfect for all seasons, not just Summer.......2001-08-09

This is undoubtedly the most beautiful instrumental album I have ever heard. Being a clarinetist, the first time I heard "Return to Love", I was stunned by Luis Baez's virtuosity. His tone is fabulous, and I am in awe every time I hear it. "Pan's Return" is also a favorite and gave me a whole new respect for the French Horn. I play this CD almost every night when I go to sleep -- it is so relaxing. This and "In the Enchanted Garden" are two of my favorite CD's by Kevin Kern. Highly recommended!

Beautiful music.......2000-09-22

I have enjoyed Jim Brickman's piano music for some time and thought I would try one of Kevin Kern's. It is truly beautiful music. Uplifting and soothing at the same time. I find it hard to stop listening to this CD over and over again. I certainly plan to purchase other CD's by Kevin.

Inspired me to ask her.......2000-05-26

I listened to what turned out to be track 5 of this album on United Airlines. Kern and his ensemble carried me through the skies on weekly trips to San Francisco from Omaha for 6 months. This single track inspired me to ask her to get married! Let me tell you that I listen to all the great jazz and new age music currently available and this is the number one album. Every track is a "track 5". You'll be getting married shortly after you purchase this album. If you could only listen to one album, it would either be Bach's Goldberg Variations (the late Gould recording) or SUMMER DAYDREAMS. I am initiating coverage with STRONG BUY!

from Wind and Wire, Issue 9.......2000-01-27

Pianist Kevin Kern has released another gem! More classically-influenced than his previous two releases (or is it just all of the strings?), "Summer Daydreams" is soft, gentle, and sunny throughout. There are no rough or jagged edges, and a wistful, dreamy mood is sustained from start to finish - perfect for a lazy afternoon stretched out in a patch of sunshine or a cozy evening by the fireplace. The album features Kern on piano and synth, Jeremy Cohen on violin, Thalia Moore on cello, Luis Baez on clarinet, and Bob Ward on French horn. Most of the tracks are ensemble pieces with one or more of these artists, and the results are lovely. There are no pianistic pyrotechnics here, but there is an abundance of warmth and sincerity to soothe the mind and calm the spirit. "Pan's Return" is one of my favorite cuts - it is primarily piano, but contains several passages that are duets with French horn - a combination you don't find too often! "Pastel Reflections" is also especially nice with piano accompanied by soft washes of strings. "Whisperings" and the title cut remind me of some of the standards of the 30's and `40's, and "Dance of the Dragonfly" hints of Liz Story's earlier work. "Return to Love" is a bittersweet ballad for piano and clarinet that could easily become a romantic movie theme. Uncluttered and uncomplicated, this is sweet, straight-forward music for relaxing and enjoyment - a light-hearted antidote for the holiday craziness!

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