Nigel Kennedy - The Four Elements (2011)

Into the second decade of the 21st century, British violinist continues his commitment to both the classical and jazz worlds, and to frequently mixing them. His 2011 album The Four Elements is an example of his blending of a variety of music styles, including Celtic and Gypsy fiddling, but the jazz and rock elements are the strongest, by far. The piece is scored for violin and electric violin accompanied by members of the Orchestra of Life, a group that includes vocalists, keyboards, guitars, percussion, trumpet, and strings. (Besides the violins, Kennedy also plays Hammond organ, guitar, percussion, and sings.) Kennedy wrote the Overture, the first movement of the six-movement suite (and the Encore), but on the other movements, he lists the duo Sahreal, Xantoné Blacq, and Zee Gachette (aka Z-Star), all vocalists on the album, as collaborators. The tone of the music is consistently upbeat, irreverent, and fun, and it ranges from the meditative (Air) to the wildly celebratory (Fire). Kennedy is in top form and negotiates the virtuoso part he has written for himself with high energy and a sweet, full tone. Decca's sound is richly detailed and immediate. The album will be essential listening for fans of Kennedy's earlier forays into pop.