Kenny Kirkland

Kenny Kirkland (piano; b. 1955 - d. 1998)

Unfortunately known mostly as a session man (mainly with Wynton Marsalis and then Branford Marsalis' bands), Kenny Krikland was one of the most sought after pianist of the 80s and 90s. Highly regarded for adding a big dynamic to the aforementioned groups, Kirkland was influence by fellow piansts, Herbie Hancock, Kenny Barron and saxophonist Wayne Shorter. Kirkland got his start in the mid-seventies playing with jazz violinist, Michael Urbaniak and then later with ex Weather Report bassist, Miroslav Vitous.

Kenny Kirkland began playing with Wynton from '81-'85 providing providing many exquisite moments to Wynton's earliest recording (including Wynton's self titled debut and the classic Black Codes). Kirkland left Wynton's band to join former Police lead singer, Sting on touring and for the recording of Sting's first solo record, The Dream of Blue Turtles. The band also included Wynton's older brother Branford. While his association with Sting was brief it obviously raised his profile immensely. Kirkland and Branford both left the band shortly after a massive world tour in support of the release.

Returning back to the jazz scene, Kirkland would join Branford Marsalis permanently from '86 onward. The miraculous and unbelievable thing is Kirkland after all these years had never recorded an album as leader. It wasn't until 1991 that Kirkland would release, Kenny Kirkland (GRP Records). While long in coming it was a fantastic and beautiful album featuring mixture of self penned numbers and covers (Thelonious Monk, Ornette Coleman and Wayne Shorter). The album starts with the formidable "Mr. J.C." with some great work from Branford (sax), Charnett Moffett (bass) and Jeff "Tain" Watts (drums). The albums was a supergroup of nineties jazz talent; in addition to the aforementioned, Christian McBride (drums), Jerry Gonzalez (percussion), Steve Berrios (drums), Andy Gonzalez (bass), Don Alias (percussion), Roderick Ward (sax) and Robert Hurst (bass) all featured on selected tracks.

Another track "Chance", a trio piece with McBride and "Tain" displays the tonal beauty of Kirkland on the piano. Kirkland also tackles the Monk standard, "Criss Cross" with some interesting Latin arrangements that works surprisingly well if at first seems a little jarring. The album does cover a lot of ground, mixing different themes (bop, straight ahead contemporary and Latin) but it does show the breathe and depth of Kirkland's thinking.

This wonderful debut would be Kirkland's only album. He would continue to do session work and playing in Branford Marsalis' band throughout the nineties. In the winter of 1996 Kirkland was found dead in his apartment in New York. It was a devastating blow for the jazz community. Branford would later record and dedicate the album Requiem in Kirkland's honor. Kenny Kirkland was an amazing young talent who was only beginning to come into the peak of his power but his self-titled debut is well worth seeking out as a document of what he provided jazz history.

Guitar Week: John McLaughlin

This week JazzWrap will take a look at guitarists and guitar driven groups that have or will be making a difference in jazz.

John McLaughlin (guitar; b. 1942)

The Essential John McLaughlin (Columbia/Legacy)

One the most technically brilliant guitarists of the last 50 years, John McLaughlin has shown the ability to move throughout the sub-genres of jazz but always reminding us that his style of fusion is always evolving. You may only know the name John McLaughlin but I assure you, you've heard his playing. I have to admit during my youth I really didn't give McLaughlin that much attention outside of his work with Miles Davis. I think I just wasn't ready for his diverse interests and ability to play at breakneck speed.

As a youngster, the British born, McLaughlin performed with the legends Georgie Fame, Ginger Baker and Brian Auger before moving to the U.S. and working in Tony Williams Lifetime band in addition to making some of most challenging and legendary recordings with Miles Davis (Bitches Brew, In A Silent Way and A Tribute To Jack Johnson). He would also record two phenomenal solo albums during this short period of 1969 - 1970. Along with solo albums McLaughlin would go on to from two incredible and influential fusion bands during the 70s in Mahavishnu Orchestra and Shakti which focus of the blistering combinations of jazz & rock from the former and a well focused Indian influence of the latter.

These groups and recording are definitely on par with other highly important fusion bands of the time period, Nucleus, Return To Forever and Weather Report. McLaughlin with every record since has shown the ability to go from gentle acoustic strumming to fiery eclecticism on electric guitar with astounding degrees. Some other important recordings were done with Carlos Santana, Chick Corea and the amazing trio Trio Of Doom (with Tony Williams and Jaco Pastorius). Trio Of Doom (Columbia) recorded one album but it is one of most important albums of 70s fusion and you must own it. In the 80s and 90s he would team with various musicians including Al de Meola and Paco de Lucia for a series of great acoustic sets.

A large chuck of the aforementioned and more are included on The Essential John McLaughlin (Columbia/Legacy). The Essential John McLaughlin contains almost everything you will need to understand this extraordinary guitarist and his genre-bending talent. He has blending Eastern and Western themes with rich technique and ingenuity that many other musicians just cannot match. This is very clear on tracks like "India," "Marbles," "A Love Supreme (with Carlos Santana)" and "Wayne's Way." For me this is a great overview/introduction to learning more about McLaughlin and all the various groups he has performed in as well as his solo material.

John McLaughlin's most recent album, To The One (Abstarct Logix) with his new band 4th Dimension is no different. It continues his wonderful ability of spellbinding guitar work with stunning interplay with his new band members who have been touring with him for the last four years. The album moves fierce opener of "Discovery" through the mid tempo rhythms of "Special Beings," and "Lost And Found" only to return with the high energy of "Recovery". This is an album that continues the East/West legacy he has paved for five decades with even more amazing results then recent recordings.

Someone with such a large and diverse catalog, The Essential John McLaughlin and To The One does a great job of summing up the best moments of his illustrious career in addition to providing a good understanding of fusion (outside of the Miles Davis material) this is a nice place to start.