Establishing the mood with a vibrant yet serene string arrangement with a dimensional bass and playful melody, Joe Kenney opens Merging (The Zipper Technique) with dynamism and cinematic allure. We appreciate the intricacy of the jazz-fusion composition, which expands with a high emotional quotient.
There is no doubt that Merging (The Zipper Technique) would be perfect for the score of a film like The Truman Show, or perhaps Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. It would also be a good fit for a TV show like Nine Perfect Strangers which taps into notions of psychedelia.
Merging (The Zipper Technique) forms a cohesive and intertwined tapestry of sound from the outset, and remains at this strong and immersive level for its entire duration. There is an almost 8-bit feel to it, something otherworldly that evokes notions of a video game like Mario Kart as much as it is does alternate-reality cinema.
The chamber-jazz number began as a one-take improvisation on a Fender Rhodes by Joe, which he later transcribed into sheet music. He then worked with drummer Gusten Rudolph, bassist Tim Celfo, cellist Melissa Brun, and violinist Steven Heitlinger to build the full arrangement. The track is designed to serve as a preview of his upcoming eighth studio album.
We learn that Joe Kenney is an award-winning pianist, composer, recording artist, author, and Grammy voting member from the Philadelphia area. His music blends contemporary chamber jazz, cinematic atmosphere, classical textures, and modern improvisation into a distinctive cross-genre sound.
It is no surprise that across seven albums and numerous collaborations, he has earned acclaim for both original compositions and innovative reinterpretations, with projects featured on iHeartRadio, WXPN, and on more than 85 radio stations across the U.S. and Canada. Beyond performing and recording, Joe is also a music educator, artist manager, and mental health advocate, recently expanding his creative work through the Harmonic Hope & Healing Festival and his Affirmations For High Achievers™ book series.
Needless to say, we are in awe, and have added Merging (The Zipper Technique) to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of Joe Kenney, and await the release of his eighth studio album!