13th Annual Jazz Critics Poll Spanish Harlem Orchestra – Anniversary (ArtistShare) Latin – Karl Ackerman (All About Jazz) New Releases – Russ Musto (New York City Jazz Record, DownBeat) Henry Conerway III – With Pride For Dignity (Self-released) New Releases – Richard B. Kamins (Step Tempest) New Releases – Peter Quinn (Jazzwise, The Arts Desk) Debut – Richard B. Kamins (Step Tempest) … Read More
Jerome Wilson, All About Jazz Kevin Bales/Keri JohnsrudBeyond the Neighborhood: The Music of Fred RogersSelf-produced Fred Rogers and his beloved TV series, “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” has gotten a lot of attention lately. This musical tribute, featuring pianist Bales and the warm vocals of Johnsrud, adapts the songs he wrote for the show to a jazz … Read More
“[Johnsrud] and Bales have made a compelling case for Rogers’ songs, which fare remarkably well in the rhythms and cadences of jazz.” – Howard Reich, The Chicago Tribune Aside from the happy coincidence of the timing of the release, Beyond the Neighborhood is a testament to how palatable sophisticated jazz can be. –Mike Shaw, ArtsATL … Read More
Thomas Cunniffe, Jazz History Online With a highly acclaimed documentary now playing in theaters, and several noteworthy television retrospectives in broadcast rotation, the world is re-discovering the work of Mister (Fred) Rogers. Since the gentle friend of children passed away in 2003, several recordings have attempted to place Rogers’ original songs into an adult context. I can’t say … Read More
Mike Shaw, ArtsATL.com When the day turns into night, and you’re well beyond my sight, I’ll think of you, I’ll think of you . . . I hope you will remember, even when you’re feeling blue, that it’s you I like, it’s you yourself I like, it’s you . . . They were the words … Read More
C. Michael Bailey, All About Jazz It would be hard to identify a more fitting musical talent whom to honor than Fred Rogers. Chicago-area vocalist Keri Johnsrud joins forces with a piano trio led by pianist Kevin Bales with the rhythm section of bassist and vocalist Billy Thornton and drummerMarlon Patton. The repertoire is all of Fred Rogers, who, for 35 … Read More
George Harris, Jazz Weekly Most of the jazz world knew that the quiet Presbyterian Minister Fred Rogers was a big jazz fan, sneaking in themes and artists into his iconic and low key classic tv show. This album with Kevin Bales/p, Keri Johnsrud/voc, Billy Thornton/b and Marlon Patton/dr take 11 of his tunes and give … Read More
Atlanta-native and GRAMMY nominated pianist Kevin Bales and Chicago-based vocalist Keri Johnsrud are excited to announce shows at The Velvet Note, located at 4075 Old Milton Parkway Alpharetta, GA and The Loft, located at 1032 Broadway Columbus, GA to celebrate their latest release Beyond the Neighborhood: The Music of Fred Rogers. With the help of … Read More
Karl Gehrke, SDPB Listen here. Although Fred Rogers died in 2003, he’s been getting plenty of attention lately. This year marks the 90th anniversary of his birth and the 50th anniversary of his long-running children’s public television program, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. A new film documentary, Won’t You Be My Neighbor, opens at select theaters on Friday. And later this summer … Read More
Ralph A. Miriello, Notes on Jazz A recent project from local, Atlanta pianist Kevin Bales and a previously unknown vocalist to me, Keri Johnsrud, from Chicago, caught my attention. Titled Beyond the Neighborhood:The Music of Fred Rogers, the two artists came together two years ago when they discovered a mutual admiration for the music that was played … Read More
