East Meets East by Kennedy, released 5 June 2003, includes the following tracks: "T 4.2", "Jovano Jovanke", "Kazimierz", "Tribute To Maria Tanase" and more.
This version of East Meets East comes as a 1xCD. - W/KROKE BAND
"East Meets East" on CD brings together violin virtuoso Nigel Kennedy and the acclaimed Polish ensemble Kroke in an inspired encounter between Western classical/jazz sensibilities and Eastern European, klezmer and world-music traditions. The album is characterized by expressive violin lines, rich accordion and double bass textures, and a cinematic atmosphere that moves between melancholic ballads, dance-like rhythms and improvisational freedom. Listeners can expect a warm, organic sound that feels both rooted in tradition and refreshingly contemporary, making the CD appealing to fans of crossover, world music and sophisticated instrumental projects.
Nigel Kennedy, long celebrated as one of the most unconventional and charismatic violinists of his generation, first came to global fame with his landmark recording of Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons", which became one of the best-selling classical albums of all time and firmly established him as an artist able to bridge popular and classical audiences. In his career he has explored classical, jazz and rock contexts, performing with leading orchestras as well as collaborating with artists from diverse musical backgrounds. Kroke, known for their emotive blend of klezmer, Balkan and contemporary influences, add a distinctive, earthy depth and rhythmic vitality to this collaboration, resulting in a project that feels like a genuine musical dialogue rather than a simple crossover experiment.
The sound production of "East Meets East" emphasizes authenticity and instrumental nuance: you hear the wood of the instruments, the breath between phrases and the spontaneous interplay among the musicians. The repertoire (without going into track-by-track detail) travels through lyrical, folk-inspired themes, darker, almost filmic passages and energetic, dance-driven pieces, painting a sonic landscape where East and West meet on equal footing. This makes the CD suitable both for attentive, audiophile listening and as an evocative backdrop for relaxed evenings.
PLG Class, the label behind this release, is positioned in the quality segment of the market and is associated with sophisticated productions from the realms of classical music, crossover and high-calibre instrumental projects. With carefully curated artist rosters and a focus on sound quality and artistic individuality, the manufacturer offers a platform for projects that do not fit neatly into conventional genre drawers but still meet demanding standards in terms of interpretation and production. "East Meets East" fits seamlessly into this philosophy as a refined, ambitious and accessible recording for listeners looking beyond the mainstream.