Enharmonic Records ENCD-00-014 "In Memory"
Kenneth Tse, saxophone
Kar

i Miller, piano
Mami Nagai, piano

Enharmonic Records ENCD00-014
In Memory
Kenneth Tse, saxophone
With various artists

Reviewd by Saxophone Journal

As stated in the opening of the liner notes, "The recording is dedicated to my dear mother, who passed away in 1999 at the age of 48. God is so kind to have given me a mother who loved and supported me throughout my life as a child, a student, a husband, and a father. Words simply cannot describe my gratitude for her love for the family and for me. I look forward to the day when I can see her again in our Heavenly Father's house." Kenneth Tse

Music bridges the gap between words and feelings. Some say a great writer is someone who can put into words something you felt but could never find the right words to express it. Kenneth Tse has done this for the saxophone. He brings us beyond the notes and beyond the dynamics. He brings the listener to the very core of music where the soul of the mush meets the soul of the artist and mix together. It is full of passion and excitement. He has imbued his dedication to the CD deeply within the music and it remains there for you to bring alive again and again with each listening.

Kenneth Tse has a wonderful command of the saxophone. The instrument easily does his artistic biddings reflecting all the subtle nuances and fluctuations demanded by the performance. The sound of both the alto and soprano saxophones is excellent with the timbre of the soprano being bright and resonant while alto maintains the same resonance but with a slightly darker quality. Within the parameters of excellence the tone of each does vary to suit the drama of the line or the intensity of the music. His articulation is superb and his clean and extremely rapid staccato is breath taking.

The opening slection is Sonata in E Major (BWV 1035) by Jonhann Sebastian Bach. The artist has selected the soprano saxophone for this piece and it is a beautiful choice. Nothing sounds nicer than Bach being played on the soparno saxophone by a good player and with the hands of a superb player such as Kenneth Tse it is an exquisite combination.

Let us jump to one of the most moving pieces ever written. It is Aria by Eugene Bozza and is the 6th selection on the CD. This CD is a hallmark performance of a piece written with the very soul of the saxophone in mind. On the ligher side Kenneth Tse presents Souvenirs by Samuel Barber and is arranged for soprano, alto, tenor, and piano by Shono Hirohisa. There is a delightful decadent quality about the six pieces in this suite and certainly they are true joy hear. The sense of ensemble is excellent with this collection of fine musicians.

The other selections are Chants d'Auvergne by Joseph Canteloube; Ballade by Alfred Reed; Elgie et Rondeau by Karel Husa, and Frissons by Jerome Naulis.

In Memory is a beautiful CD superbly crafted by saxophone artist Kenneth Tse. No credible saxophone CD collection can exist without this CD on the shelf. Prepare yourself for a lovely evening of music.

Paul Wagner