Comments (1) ... 14 is the newest release in a consistently good catalog of downtempo by Jon Kennedy. Strong funk drums leaning towards hip hop have always been his strong suit, and these 14 songs keep the beats in the forefront of the mix. Utilizing guest vocalists as well as his own voice, Kennedy brings a pop sensibility to songs that could have appeared as instrumental hip hop.

1. I Feel The Weight
2. Spellbound
3. Style
4. Tug Boat
5. Flux
6. Live Test
7. Kick Like That
8. Space O Matic
9. Lovesick
10. Sit Tight
11. Rain Rain Rain
12. You're My Millions
13. I'm A B-Boy Snakebite Chaser
14. Demons

"I Feel The Weight" leads off as a slow groover with a catchy vocal line which rolls along with dub effects filling in the gaps. It's light on the ears and serves as a warm-up for the next thirteen songs.

"Spellbound", featuring Amie J is one of the best songs on the album. The peppered vocal delivery leans toward jazz but stays firmly in the R&B area. The vocals are stellar and never over-delivered or under-sung. I believe the phrase is "spot on" and I recommend you have your windows down, cruising through side streets on a nice summer day. "Style" uses cut-up samples in an old-school downtempo vibe with deep bass drum kicks and various orchestral and wind instrument samples weaving in and out.

"Tug Boat" is another mellow song that makes you feel like you are floating along at a leisurely pace. More orchestral and horn accompaniment help build up the piano and shuffling drums.

"Flux" has a wonderful upright bass line to match the strutting drumbeat. Dub horn stabs rise up and slinky guitar moves this one into that beloved head-nodding territory.

"Live Test" punches the beat and sub-sub bass rumbles, when just as abruptly, the whole song switches up to a feel-good piano line while the drums never cease the groove. The mandolin-ish guitar is a nice touch that warms up the mix. "Kick Like That" features Pat Fulgoni singing a soul-blues chant that moves along with the relaxed music of acoustic guitars and swinging beats.

"Space-O-Matic" featuring Hash Ultra, warps an old-school hip hop beat with snarling low-end synth stabs, and bringing it back to the downtempo realm is a simple but effective Rhodes chord progression - short and to the point.

"Lovesick" features Bernice MacDonald, and it works back into the slow soul-groove hinted at earlier in the album. A detailed mix of percussion, strings, acoustic guitar and vocals work to bring a musical voice to the feeling of being lovesick. "Sit Tight" features Sarah Scott and is a mid-tempo broken beat groover. Latin percussion and piano keep the energy growing. "Rain Rain Rain" follows with a long build into a quick beat and half-time vocals and piano to counter the beat and give the song an easy feeling.

"You Are Millions" rides a rockin' beat and distortion bass into 1972 era soul music. The junkyard keys and flute complete the vibe. "I Am A B-Boy Snakebite Chaser" shows off deftly-played acoustic guitar and brings the tempo back down. The song travels from reflective mellowness into a cut up drum break with synth stabs. This is a perfect summary to 14, showing Kennedy's knack for mixing feel-good vibes, chunky beats and subtle warmth.

~ Dedric Moore

http://soundcloud.com/jonkennedy/14-album-sampler

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