KENNY Blues Boss WAYNE
Ooh Yeah!
Stony Plain Records, SPCD1517
Kenny Blues Boss Wayne, the renowned boogie-woogie pianist, carries his newly turned 80 years with elegance! Like the old crazy monkey from his song, he exudes confidence and audacity as he delivers his excellent 13th album, Ooh Yeah! Spanning a recording career of nearly 30 years, his creativity knows no limits, unburdened by numbers or prejudice, and continues to innovate! This boogie-woogie piano legend, with his warm personality, emanates a calm strength. Over his prolific career, he has earned more than his share of prestigious awards and honors, thanks to his exceptional piano skills, songwriting, singing, and showmanship. The quality of his work speaks for itself!
Winner of a Juno Award in 2006 for his album Let It Loose and multiple Maple Blues Awards, he was inducted into the Boogie-Woogie Piano Hall of Fame in 2017. In 2023, he received the Bobby Blue Bland Achievement Award from Atlanta’s Jus Blues Foundation. To top it all off, in 2024, he was honored with the Pinetop Perkins’ Piano Player of the Year Award and Living Blues Magazine’s Keyboardist of the Year.
The saying goes, Blues Never Dies, but in the case of the Blues Boss, listening to his latest album of twelve original tracks, I wonder if he even ages, as his relevance, sharpness, and creative power remain stronger than ever. With his broad and inclusive approach to musical styles, including blues, jazz, and their derivatives, he continues to refresh and renew the boogie-woogie piano tradition, innovating to the astonishment and delight of listeners.
In the album Ooh Yeah!, it becomes clear as you listen that Kenny is a master of crafting, energizing, and delivering an album. It opens with the title track Ooh Yeah!, an up-tempo boogie-woogie that incorporates an engaging gospel-infused call and response. He continues with Watcha Gonna Do Now?, which sets up an R&B groove around a banjo riff—an African-origin instrument—layered over his piano, supported by drums, bass, and backing vocals. As he himself puts it, and as this album proves, “My recordings have always been a multi-ride type of experience because my life has been a reflection of changing times and events.”
Kenny Blues Boss Wayne doesn’t stand still in time or trends. Despite his celebrated success, he doesn’t rest on his laurels! This album is, in essence, an original musical gumbo that transcends and highlights styles and eras. You’ll find shuffles, swing, spicy New Orleans-style instrumentals, Latin beats, reflective lyrics, versatility, clever storytelling, energetic funk with looping banjo, driving piano, and a bass groove worthy of Studio 54—an original and dynamic fusion that speaks volumes. Just the creation of this mix is innovation in action!
This joyful artist, with the generous contributions of his musician friends, has spared no effort in delivering a diverse and refreshing album to his listeners. Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne narrates life’s stories in a personal way, set to music that evolves thanks to his inventiveness and magical touch. Ooh Yeah!—what better way to invite you to listen!
… other reviews to follow shortly !
