Rhythm ‘n’ Keys EP
Edmond Paul Nicodemi and Kerry Kennard
2024/ Oakland Gardens, NY USA
23 minutes
Review by Kathy Parsons
Rhythm ‘n’ Keys is a six-track EP by Edmond Paul Nicodemi and Kerry Kennard. Three of the six pieces were released as singles ahead of the EP (and are also reviewed on MainlyPiano.com). Nicodemi is a very versatile composer and multi-instrumentalist whose music I have been reviewing since 2004, and Kennard is a versatile percussionist/composer; both are also music educators. Together, they create a unique sound that varies from track to track. The ‘Keys’ in the album's title refers to Nicodemi's piano and keyboards., which add to the instrumentation with strings and other orchestral instruments. (Nicodemi is also a very accomplished guitarist but I don't hear any guitar on this album.) The six tracks are quite different from each other, making the EP something of a musical adventure as well as an exploration of musical styles and emotional expression.
Rhythm ‘n’ Keys begins with ‘Night Jam,’ which was released as a single in November 2023. Prepelled by Kennard's catchy Latin rhythms, Nicodemi's piano, keyboard and a variety of strings create a lively yet laid-back groove sure to get your toes tapping. ‘Sad Romance’ goes in an entirely different direction, expressing heartbreak, loss and disappointment. Piano takes the lead on this one, accompanied by percussion, strings and voices. This beautiful piece appeared as a piano solo on Nicodemi's 2023 solo album, Portraits of Sadness. ‘Wild River’ picks up the tempo and energy level with keyboards, piano, percussion and strings. A strong sense of urgency runs throughout the piece. 'Shattered' was released as a single in September 2023 and reflects on heartbreak- no matter what the source. With Nicodemi on piano and keyboards and Kennard on drums and percussion, it becomes something of an instrumental rock ballad. Some of the passages express deep sadness while others are more vibrant and intense. ‘Strange City’ was released in January 2024 and was inspired by the eerie emptiness of the city of Manhattan during the pandemic. With hardly anyone in sight, the city felt very strange. Nicodemi originally composed the piece as a piano solo, and then Kennard added percussion, voices, and vibes. ‘Innocent Cry’ is more fully orchestrated with piano, strings, horns, percussion, vibes and choral voices. Powerful and deeply emotional, while expressing feelings of loss and tragedy, it would be very compelling in an intense movie soundtrack.
I really hope Rhythm ‘n’ Keys EP is just the first of many collaborative albums from Edmond Paul Nicodemi and Kerry Kennard! The album is available digitally from Ed and Carol Nicodemi's website, Amazon, Apple Music, Bandcamp and streaming platforms including Spotify.
June 12, 2024
A Mother's Love: Reimagined (EP)
Ed and Carol Nicodemi
2024/ Ed and Carol Nicodemi
23 minutes
“A Mother's Love: Reimagined” is a six-song EP by Ed and Carol Nicodemi. Released in honor of Mother's Day, the EP is a warm and loving listening experience to enjoy anytime. All six songs are originals with lyrics about the ups and downs of motherhood from a very personal yet easily-relatable perspective. Carol sings on five tracks with instrumental accompaniment by Ed and herself on guitar, piano and keyboard, and the sixth track is an instrumental tribute to Ed's own late mother. Colleen Kitchen appears on a song she co-wrote with Carol.
“A Mother's Love: Reimagined” EP begins with the title track, which was recently released as a single. This sweet and heartfelt song tells of a mother who started singing before she learned to speak, and quickly moves ahead to when she had her own children and then grandchildren. The lyrics also touch on the very human trait of making (and regretting) mistakes, as well as of the joy of being forgiven for them. “Your Own Star: was written for Ed and Carol's daughter and granddaughter, and also serves as a song of empowerment for all women. The lyrics encourage strength and independence, and urge girls and women to follow their dreams while refusing to let anything stand in their way. ”Look At You Now" was written for Ed and Carol's son and all but bursts with pride as it overflows with love. “Forgive Me, Daughter” was co-composed with Colleen Kitchen and is sung from three perspectives: the mother, the daughter, and the grandmother. Colleen also sings and plays melodica and ukelele on this country-flavored song with a simple accompaniment. “You Sang To Me” is a song that Carol wrote for her own late mother after being inspired by a photo that she found. The song recalls several bittersweet moments in life as well as the love that they shared. “Annie: Song For My Mother” first appeared on Ed Nicodemi's 2004 solo piano album, “Parallel Solitudes”, my first encounter with his music (twenty years ago-really???) This version is also a very warm and expressive piano solo and brings the EP to a peaceful close.
“A Mother's Love: Reimagined” EP is available digitally from Ed and Carol's website, as well as from Amazon, Apple Music/iTunes and streaming platforms including Spotify. Check it out!
Kathy Parsons
MainlyPiano.com
5/7/2024
A Mother's Love: Reimagined (single)
Ed and Carol Nicodemi
2024/ Ed and Carol Nicodemi
3 minutes
“ A Mother's Love: Reimagined" is a new version of a song that first apperared on Ed and Carol Nicodemi's 2017 Windows album. Composed as well as recorded by the duo, Carol sang both the lead and harmony vocals and added a piano track. Ed played two guitars and a cello synthesizer. The single has been re-mixed and re-mastered to promote Ed and Carol's upcoming EP, also titled A Mother's Love, scheduled to be released in time for Mother's Day 2024. This sweet and heartfelt song tells of a mother who started singing as a young child before she could speak, and quickly moves ahead to when she had her own two children and then grandchildren. It also touches on the human trait of making (and regretting) mistakes, and of the joy of being forgiven for them. I'm looking forward to hearing the rest of the EP, too!
“A Mother's Love: Reimagined” is available from Ed and Carol's website as well as Amazon, Apple Music/iTunes and streaming sites including Spotify. It's a day-brightener!
Kathy Parsons
MainlyPiano. com
4/15/2024
What Should We Do On A Rainy Day? (Single)
Carol Nicodemi
2024/ Carol Nicodemi
2 minutes
“What Should We Do On A Rainy Day? ” is a charming single from Carol Nicodemi's upcoming (summer of 2024) children's album. The song, an original composition, includes Carol's lead vocals along with singing partner Elyse Orecchio. Co-composer Edmond Paul Nicodemi adds his acoustic guitar, with Oskar Haggdahl on drums, Kevin Jones on bass and Carol on the toy piano. This light-hearted song suggests a wide range of activities for the little ones during the rainy month of April (and beyond) when it is too wet to play outside. A total charmer, this sweet song will bring a bit of sunshine to kids of any age!
We could all use a little innocent fun, and Carol and company deliver it! “What Should We Do On a Rainy Day?” is available on Carol's website, Amazon, Apple Music/iTunes and streaming sites including Spotify.
Kathy Parsons
MainlyPiano. com
4/10/2024
Be My Friend (Single)
Carol Nicodemi
2024/ Carol Nicodemi
3 minutes
“Be My Friend” is a charming song of friendship and unity from Carol Nicodemi. Carol wrote the song with her husband, Edmond Paul Nicodemi, who also plays two guitars on the recording. Their daughter, Elyse Orecchio, also sings on the song, which will appear on a new children's album later this year. Written in a folksong format, this is about a couple of kids who meet but don't know each other's language. What they do know is the language of friendship, sharing and getting to know each other. It's such a sweet song in these troubled times and a warm reminder that the things that divide adults have no meaning in the minds of children. Let's all take that to heart!
“Be My Friend” is available to stream or download from Amazon, Apple Music/iTunes, and many streaming platforms including Spotify. Very highly recommended with both thumbs up!
Kathy Parsons
MainlyPiano. com
2023/2024