Scott H. Thompson
Jazz Vocalist Janis Mann teams up
again with Pianist Kenny Werner
Janis Mann & Kenny Werner
DownBeat Editors’ Pick – January 2021
Renowned jazz vocalist Janis Mann teams up once again with world-class pianist Kenny Werner for Dreams of Flying, a mesmerizing collection of modern standards from the New American Songbook. Songs by Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Jimmy Webb, Stephen Sondheim, Johnny Mandel, Blossom Dearie and others get the rich interpretations they deserve in this unforgettable recording.
Janis Mann – vocals
Kenny Werner – piano
Drew Gress – bass
Duduka Da Fonseca – drums
Special Guest – Larry Koonse – guitar
Official Release Date: January 1, 2021
Label: Pancake Records
Proceeds from all CD Sales
will go to provide music therapy for people
with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Following the success of their last album together, Celestial Anomaly, renowned L.A.- based vocalist Janis Mann and New York master pianist Kenny Werner decided to collaborate on a new project which ended up encompassing both East and West coasts.
After a club date at Kitano in NYC, Janis and Kenny gathered up all-stars bassist Drew Gress and drummer Duduka Da Fonseca (of Trio da Paz) and headed over to Samurai Hotel Recording Studio in Queens for a memorable recording session. They followed up a few years later with an extraordinary live concert at Capitol Studios in Hollywood that featured Janis and Kenny with virtuoso guitarist Larry Koonse. The result of both these sessions is the new release Dreams of Flying.
For this, her eighth album, Janis chose a mesmerizing collection of modern standards from the New American Songbook. Songs by Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Jimmy Webb, Stephen Sondheim, Johnny Mandel, Blossom Dearie and others.
Janis draws on her New York City roots together with her elegant jazz background to reshape these songs with her masterful vocals. Her readings combine brilliantly with Kenny Werner’s breathtaking and dramatic piano stylings. Musically, the album is both haunting and energizing, a true reflection of our current times.The songs take you on an emotional journey that transcends genres and beckon for repeated listening.
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About the Author / Scott H. Thompson
About Scott Thompson Thompson served as Assistant Director of Public Relations for Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York for almost a decade. With a background in broadcast journalism, Thompson’s voice and work has been heard on the Associated Press Radio Network, the Mutual Broadcasting network and NBC-AM New York, on The Morning Show. His experience spans radio, television, print and the internet. Thompson co-produced the New Haven Jazz Festival from 1994-2000. A prolific writer, Thompson has contributed to DownBeat, JazzTimes, Jazziz, and the All Music Guide. He penned the CD liner notes to Herbie Hancock Head Hunters, Weather Report 8:30, George Duke Brazilian Love, Stan Getz The New Collection, The Essence of Maynard Ferguson, and The Essence of Al DiMeola. Scott is one of the original members of the Jazz Journalists Association. Editor’s note: Style Quarterly is very pleased to make the connection with Scott and values his enthusiastic support of Jazz.
