Steppin Up is Shannon Kennedy’s sophomore album featuring Shannon as a composer, arranger, producer, and musician. She can be heard playing soprano saxophone, alto sax, tenor sax, bari sax, flute, clarinet, guitar, and keyboards throughout the album. Steppin Up is a collection of eleven diverse compositions ranging from a tango to pop to rock to funk and a cover of Duke Ellington’s In A Sentimental Mood with a little twist.

Released: 13 Nov 2007

Copyright: 2007 Shannon Kennedy

Genres: Jazz, Music, Pop

Credits: Shannon Kennedy – saxophones, flutes and programming Peter White – guitar on Never My Love Drew Simpson – guitar Steph Lexner – guitar

“[On “Never My Love”] her diversity is great and she allows herself to switch off [instruments] based on the tone she feels might best convey the emotion of the song. Complementing the ballads—which also include passionate readings of “Superstar” and “What You Won’t Do For Love”—are the uptempo blasts through the party tune “Low Rider” (with Shannon and Vail creating a scorching dual sax line) and, most irresistible for those of us old enough to actually remember the 70s, the Bee Gee’s disco classic “Night Fever.” The absolutely best cut the blistering rock jam of Steely Dan’s rarely covered “My Old School,” finishes this album off with a bang. Driven by Shannon’s most colorful playing and the blistering guitar of Stephan Lexner. It’s an absolute smash and will get everyone’s day off to a pumpin’ start.”

“Never My Love” features an array of instrumentalists alongside saxophonist Shannon Kennedy including: Peter White on acoustic guitar, Dan Reckard on keyboards, Drew Simpson on guitar, Bob Fazio on bass, Tyler Hindsley on bass, and Stephan Lexner on guitar.

This smooth jazz CD features Shannon Kennedy’s band as well as several guest artists. Dan Reckard and Andrew Sporn on keys, Bob Fazio on bass, Drew Simpson on guitar, and Bubba Bryant on drums. Guests include Bijon Watson on trumpet, Tony Guerrero on flugel horn, Peter White on accordian and guitar, and Kirk Whalum on tenor saxophone.

Released: 24 Jan 2007

Copyright: 2007 Shannon Kennedy

Genres: Jazz, Music

Credits: Shannon Kennedy – saxes, flutes, clarinet and keyboards Dan Reckard – keyboards Drew Simpson – guitar Bob Fazio – bass Bubba Bryant – drums Tony Guerrero – trumpet on Do You Remember Andrew Sporn – keyboards Kirk Whalum – tenor sax on Double Shot Peter White – guitar and accordion on Just a Sketch

1. Double Shot 3:57 (Shannon Kennedy) Shannon Kennedy – alto saxophone Kirk Whalum – tenor saxophone Dan Reckard – keys Bob Fazio – bass Bubba Bryant – drums

2. Simple Secrets 3:30 (Shannon Kennedy) Shannon Kennedy – soprano and tenor saxophones Dan Reckard – keys Bob Fazio – bass Bubba Bryant – drums

3. Steppin Up 4:51 (Shannon Kennedy) Shannon Kennedy – alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones Bijon Watson – trumpet Dan Reckard – keys Bob Fazio – bass Bubba Bryant – drums

4. The Night Shines Through 3:50 (Shannon Kennedy) Shannon Kennedy – alto saxophone Greg Vail – percussion Dan Reckard – keys Bob Fazio – bass Bubba Bryant – drums

5. Old Town Coffee House 3:15 (Shannon Kennedy) Shannon Kennedy – alto and tenor saxophones, additional keyboards Drew Simpson – guitar Dan Reckard – keys Bob Fazio – bass Bubba Bryant – drums

6. Just a Sketch 5:42 (Shannon Kennedy) Shannon Kennedy – baritone saxophone, clarinet, guitar, additional keyboards Peter White – guitar and accordian Dan Reckard – keys Bob Fazio – bass Bubba Bryant – drums

7. Do You Remember (Shannon Kennedy) Shannon Kennedy – soprano saxophone, additional keyboards Tony Guerrero – flugel horn Greg Vail – EWI Dan Reckard – keys Bob Fazio – bass Bubba Bryant – drums

8. Mosaics 3:49 (Shannon Kennedy) Shannon Kennedy – alto saxophone, flutes, clarinet, additional keyboards Greg Vail – percussion Dan Reckard – keys Bob Fazio – bass Bubba Bryant – drums

9. What If I’m In Love With You 3:57 (Shannon Kennedy – Dan Reckard) Shannon Kennedy – soprano and tenor saxophones Drew Simpson – guitar Dan Reckard – keys Bob Fazio – bass Bubba Bryant – drums

10. In A Sentimental Mood 4:44 (Duke Ellington) Shannon Kennedy – soprano saxophone Dan Reckard – keys Bob Fazio – bass Bubba Bryant – drums

11. Whatcha Gonna Do 4:52 (Shannon Kennedy) Shannon Kennedy – tenor and baritone saxophones Drew Simpson – guitar Dan Reckard – keys Bob Fazio – bass Bubba Bryant – drums

12. A Purpose 5:13 (Shannon Kennedy – Dan Higgins) Shannon Kennedy – soprano and tenor saxophones, additional keys Greg Vail – tenor saxophone Drew Simpson – guitar Dan Reckard – keys Bob Fazio – bass Bubba Bryant – drums