Ken Navarro - Bonfire (2016)

You know, there is no point in simply referring to Ken Navarro as a renowned guitarist any longer. This guy, who constantly proves his musical prowess on so many different instruments, again dazzles us with his multi-instrumentalism. Here on his new release Bonfire he composes on every traditional instrument imaginable from acoustic and electric guitars to drums to electric and acoustic bass, keys, and just on and on… including saxes and trumpets. Who needs a band when you are the band…and who better to know what you want than you? Bonfire is a potpourri of Navarro compositions, complete with what we have generally accepted as smooth jazz (Ken Navarro style) and more than a few nods to other styles and genres like fusion and world. For example, check out the moods and movements in A Dozen Roses. It s living art with so many moving pieces and parts… he s outdone himself here. There s also Bar Lines with its cool and intricate time signature and fusion feel. A classical approach using a woodwind quintet (flute, oboe, clarinet, French horn, and bassoon) for Glen Echo lends more diversity and insight into Navarro the innovator. These three alone let you know that Navarro just keeps evolving. Other tracks are more familiar looks at Navarro and are among my favorites here. They include the lead track My Best Friend, 4 Yawkey Way, the soothing One Summer Day, Soft Stuff, Machu Picchu, and the interesting combined Latin jazz flair and funk of Refuge. You will never ever be able to challenge Navarro s musicianship, his meticulous approach to music demanding perfection one amazing artist in that regard. Truly A+ work for such a bold, intricate, and sophisticated way of thinking and performing. - Ronald Jackson, The Smooth Jazz Ride –The Smooth Jazz Ride

Tracklist:

01. My Best Friend
02. Refuge
03. 4 Yawkey Way
04. Bar Lines
05. One Summer Day
06. Hammocks & Swings
07. You Have To Go Away To Come Back
08. Larriland
09. A Dozen Roses
10. Glen Echo
11. Soft Stuff
12. Machu Picchu
13. Bonfire