Kenny Selcer- Tears From Stone (November 19th, 2023)
By Craig Fenton Author- Jefferson Airplane “Take Me To A Circus Tent” Jefferson Starship “Have You Seen The Stars Tonite” Decades ago (sometime in the 1990’s), Music & Film Producer Joe Viglione introduced me to Kenny Selcer. Many performers often possess an ego the size of the Solar System and the musical output of a toothpick. Kenny is the same down to earth individual on stage and off. Free of an over-inflated ego. Kenny is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music in Boston and an artist that has firmly entrenched himself in the New England music scene since circa 1991 when he began releasing product with Jill Stein together and as Somebody’s Sister. They had a decade long run of a cassette only release and four albums. Beginning in 2000 when Kenny went solo, I’ve seen him perform a plentiful amount. The ease with which he can convey the songs from a given CD to the stage is profound but superseding that is the appeal to many demographics. A paramount attribute of Kenny’s songwriting and performing is how relatable the words he pens are to those finding their way after High School, the family lady and man, or the senior citizen that never will give up the love for intense and relatable sounds. “Tears From Stone”, released on November 19th, 2023, is the follow-up to the 2016 gem “I Simplify.” In conversing with Kenny regarding the gap between the last two CD’s, it was unmistakable that he would never enter a recording studio to simply add one more item to a merchandising table. There needed to be enough new material that would satisfy the fan base, his inner soul, and the musicians he worked with. “Tears From Stone” is 16 tracks and took three years to come to fruition. The timing is perfect as it creates one more holiday gift to give (to others and yourself). The opening song “Nothing Started Nothing Gained” sets the tone for the entire musical odyssey. It brings you back to Steve Forbert’s hit “Romeo’s Tune.” Similar to a book, a collection of songs needs to capture the attention quickly or it becomes a dust magnet. Kenny has commandeered the train from the opening notes. The title track “Tears From Stone” could conjure emotion from an inanimate object. Kenny’s words resonate long after the four plus minutes have given way to the next tune. It’s ironic toward the middle of the CD we arrive at “Please Disregard.” The presentation is flawless. You feel as if you are in the studio with Kenny and the other participants. As we get further into the release, “Sail On” is another standout. Kenny can garner full attention. Your mind is fixated on one thing only, the next set of lyrics. One of the musicians contributing to the new CD is Steve Gilligan (Bass and Backing Vocals). You may recognize him from the Stompers. Kenny and Steve have performed together for eleven years (as well as doing their own thing on stage). A bit of Dylan, some Steve Forbert, a sprinkle of Loggins & Messina, and a touch of the New Riders of the Purple Sage, with a whole lot of the unique offerings of Kenny Selcer await consumption on the new “Tears From Stone” CD. Music is being served promptly. All the best, Craig Fenton Author- Jefferson Airplane “Take Me To A Circus Tent” Jefferson Starship “Have You Seen The Stars Tonite” |