Simon Kendall-Jalsomo
Simon K Productions Indie

Pianist Simon Kendall doesn't consider himself a Jazzer that's probably because a lot of what he does is cushioned with layers of seasoned street smart Blues. For anyone who thinks the blues all sounds the same this is the album for you. I hear everything from ghosts of Floyd Cramer to Bill Evans on this album. Opening track 'Stone Soup' rejuvenate one's spirit with it's Steady, rhythmic pulse I like songs like this they stick to you for all the right reasons, it's catchy without knocking you over the head. 'Bertram's Intro' a simply stated solo piano gem leads into 'Bertram's Blues' a tune that was written as Kendall States in the liners "while rehearsing with a traveling hippy circus: jugglers, tumblers, existential playwrights and an upright piano on the back of a hand-painted 3 ton truck" It's a light carefree almost sarcastic soundtrack for a time when he lived and practiced in an old empty warehouse on 1st. Street in North Vancouver 28 years ago The Steamy Title track written while Kendall was waiting around for his former Doug & The Slugs band mate Doug Bennett to visit is catchy as it is mysterious sounding like a soundtrack for 30's who done it ? Considering Kendall won a Genie For co-writing the Score Of Cadillac Girls in 1993 he seems at home creating a mood that's convincing and peppered with catchy hooks. The highlight is 'Shorn Shuffle' featuring a little sax and a melody and beat that should that's very infectious. Jalsomo is Jazz & Blues that's very captivating and not too out there for the normal curious listener. For more on Kendall's work check out His New-Age solo Piano CD Sweet Compulsion it's the best of it's kind or Sharkskin his playful energetic heart jumpin' R&B group. --by John Beaudin


Simon Kendall Sweet Compulsion
Simon K Productions

Solo piano from a former member of Doug and the Slugs, Sweet Compulsion is so delicate, delicious and delightful that Simon could start his own religion at the drop of a hat. I don't miss the late great pianist Bill Evans as much since I found Sweet Compulsion. If your feeling a little scattered, try out this satisfying solo piano New Age album. It seems to borrow a lot of inspiration from the Jazz piano days of old and that's got to be a good thing. Sweet Compulsion is easily one of the best albums of 1997. -- by John Beaudin