'Luniwaz Live' continues the success of keyboardist Scott Kinsey 2019's album 'We Speak Luniwaz' with this further exploration of Joe Zawinul's legacy - this time on a searing live recording. For accomplices, Kinsey chose his ace rhythm section from WSL - bassist Hadrien Feraud and drummer Gergo Borlai - and a bold newcomer named Patrick Bartley Jr. on alto saxophone.
Kinsey speaks of his group: "Gergo and Hadrien are one of the finest, most in-demand rhythm sections playing today. They also have a deep understanding of this music since they both grew up with it - Gergo since he was just five! Patrick is a brilliant improviser who has a deep knowledge and love of straight-ahead jazz but is just as into Japanese video game music. He's what it means to be a musician in 2023 - taking everything you like and allowing it all to unabashedly flow out."
Kinsey augments the core band with guests Meredith Salimbeni (vocals), Pedro Martins (guitar) and Bobby Thomas Jr. (percussion) on two tracks each. According to Kinsey, "Meredith came to this music recently but she's such a great musician and contributes important melodic ideas. Pedro has a deep love and knowledge of all things Zawinul and plays some remarkable stuff on the two studio tracks. Bobby was a member of both the Zawinul Syndicate and Weather Report, and his additions are wonderful too."
Honouring Zawinul with originality and fire requires something extraordinary. Scott Kinsey's group did that nightly, but the fire was especially hot one night in Prague and we are fortunate it's been captured on 'Luniwaz Live'.
