Lantern is a short album; 19 minutes divided into four tracks. From the very first rapid G notes on the first track you can hear and feel Dan Kennedy’s piano skills. The Steinway is played with identity, giving each song a special touch; youthful and mature at the same time.

The first track Dulcimer In G is fresh and full of life like the first day of summer. Here Glen Velez plays percussion and T-Bone Wolk bass. Samite gives a nice vocal. So the opening track is not strictly speaking “solo piano” – but the Steinway has the leading role. The thing I like best about the opening track, is that the intensity varies much; more than once you think that the track is ending – and then it starts again. A very good effect. The drum is also nice.

Track number two, Ballad, is different. It is slow and full of feelings. It is a bit sad, but thoughtful is a better word to describe it. Here you can enjoy the rich sound of the Steinway. The track is little over three minutes long, and is over before you know it. Beautiful and sad at the same time.

Dear Girl is like a love letter. In the beginning you can almost hear the boy telling about his love and his passions through the sound of the piano. Then there is a shift, where the mood becomes lighter. Perhaps the girl is finally responding with a smile? The ending is gentle.

The last track, Cycle, is fast and played quite hard. Noah Wilding’s beautiful vocal adds a layer to the song. It is a good track to round up the album with, since it has that certain element of conclusion; there is almost an ending around 1m40sec and then this theme is repeated at 5m30sec.

I must mention the high quality recording. I only got the 256 kbps MP3 to rely to, but they sound truly great. It is a statement of how great Will Ackerman’s studio is. It must be a dream for any pianist to play there.

Yes, the album is short – but not too short. I am not saying that a couple of more tracks wouldn’t be nice, but that Lantern is a complete album in every way. In a world where most new artists need 14 tracks and at least 60 minutes, it is in a way refreshing to find someone who uses 4 tracks and 20 minutes to perfection.

May this be the short start of a long and successful career.

You can sample and buy the album on or on CDBaby

Also, take a look at Dan Kennedy‘s site.