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Our Review

Brian Kennedy's Christmas in the City is a very generous (well over an hour) album that is a little bit R&B, a little bit smooth jazz, a lot of city soul, and all musical excellence. A piano virtuoso and promising prodigy, Brian Kennedy's offering nicely blends vocals with instrumentals; of the 16 tracks, six have singing ("Silent Night," "Tell Me," "First Noel," "It's That Time," "Holy Night," and "White Christmas"), and the rest impress with a broad range of instrumental styles.

Christmas in the City's "Intro" bears the deep bass percussive blasts of joyous funk before the album slides into the delicate jazz stylings of "Sweet December." Kristen May then provides a powerful a cappella first verse on "Silent Night," and Dave Capico's outrageously fine sax lifts "Christmas in Kansas City" to the heavens. A musically astute surprise awaits around every corner. Some tracks overflow with R&B funk ("Christmas on the Vine"); a moment later, Liz Sowandi's sweetly kittenish "White Christmas" fills the air. The eclectic mix draws in the listener because professionalism and musicianship are the common denominators. This is a great album.

For those who love great jazz and appreciate an urban edge, Brian Kennedy's Christmas in the City is a superb choice.

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)

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From the liner notes:

Executive Producer: Brian Kennedy

From the Web site:

The young prodigy, who has played his way into the industry, rightfully deserves the title "Rising Star". Reigning from Kansas City, MO, Brian "BK" Kennedy exemplified sure signs of being a prodigy at the tender age of 4. Starting off on the piano playing by ear Brian's parent's caught sight of the flare of talent in their son and ushered him into classical lessons. Brian quickly excelled to the ranks of #1 within his piano class with his unique sound, and eventually showcased his talent to compose in local recitals and talent shows. Establishing a strong performance foundation as a member of the nationally renowned Kansas City Boys Choir (KCBC), Brian unknowingly was learning the fundamentals that would turn him into a world class musician. While attending the Paseo School of Performing Arts, Brian was the top piano player in all genres of music which helped him realize his dream to be in the music industry, and brought him to focus on bringing it to reality.

Brian Kennedy

Christmas in the City

Artist link

Track List