The outrageous graphics may lead one to conclude that this is simply a new release in a long sequence of them by violinist
Nigel Kennedy, but in fact, it's a three-volume compilation of his work, with the graphics a nod to the bad-boy image he cultivated to the delight of some and the consternation of others.
Uncensored is issued in conjunction with a
Kennedy memoir of the same title, excerpted in the booklet; from what's seen here, it looks admirably straightforward. However, the album also stands on its own as an overview of
Kennedy's career, with selections (two movements from
Elgar's
Violin Concerto in B minor, Op. 61) from as early as 1984 and stretching up to 2018. Thus it falls into two parts. The first, covering the first two CDs, offers traditional classical repertory, in which
Kennedy was always a good deal less radical than his image suggested; there are several slow movements that show his cantabile, the strongest feature of his playing. The last volume gives excerpts from the jazz and rock
Kennedy has played in recent years, containing both traditional jazz pieces and
Kennedy originals, which have a surprisingly distinctive quality and have attracted high-caliber players such as
Jack DeJohnette and
Nana Vasconcelos, as well as vocalist
Boy George.
Kennedy plays electric violin, viola, cello, piano, treated piano, and "forest saxophone & vulcan harp," and he even sings. Certainly, those planning to read
Kennedy's book will want this release, and it could serve anyone as a look over his career. ~ James Manheim
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