Flamboyant is a word that when used in conjunction with KENNY "BLUES BOSS" WAYNE, can refer to several different aspects of the man's demeanor.  Anyone that's ever seen some of his outfits knows that the BLUES BOSS will never have to worry about accidentally getting shot in a hunting accident.  That same unrestrained characteristic is also quite evident in his stage presence as well as his bold and confident style of piano playing. 

 

    On his latest CD, "CAN'T STOP NOW", KENNY exploits that confidence as he expands his horizons, so to speak.  Along the way, he also pays tribute to some of his influences - ANTOINE "FATS" DOMINO and JOHNNIE JOHNSON. 

 

    Joining KENNY, on vocals, piano, organ, clavinet, bongos and strings and keyboard bass, are: BRANDON ISAAK, LINDSAY MITCHELL, JEFF HEALY, MITCH LEWIS and RICH MC DONOUGH on guitar; DAVE HADDOCK, RUSSELL JACKSON, RODNEY ST. AMAND and GUS THORNTON on bass; LONNIE POWELL, THEO BROWN, MAURINE BROWN and JOE PASTOR  on drums; DAVID "HURRICANE" HOERL on harmonica; JOHNNY FERREIRA, RICHARD UNDERHILL, CHRIS GALE and SCOTTY HARRIS on saxophones; CHRIS WHITELY and RON HENDEE on trumpet; WILLIAM CARN and RANDY OXFORD on trombone; CHRIS ISAAK on drum beats and sound effects; COREY SPRUELL on vocal rap; and KAREN KRYSTAL (with many of the above) on background vocals.  How's that for keeping unemployment low in Canada?  

 

    The opening track, "BOOGIE WOOGIE MAMA" is typical KENNY.  A short, fast paced number with him frolicking away on the keys.  Although BRANDON gets in a few hot guitar licks, this one's all about KENNY and the piano.  

 

    You'll visualize flashbacks, and quickly hear the influence of the "Fat Man from N'awlins" the second you hear"YOU CAN PACK YOUR SUITCASE".  With tight rhythm coming from RUSSELL and THEO, this great sing-a-long track features KENNY and JOHNNY smokin' on the piano and sax.

 

    It's KENNY'S vocals that shine - along with some very smooth guitar work by JEFF and some beautifully soft and subtle horns provided by CHRIS, RICHARD and CHRIS on this lovely ballad titled "YOU CURED MY BLUES".  This one's definitely for the lovers of close, slow dancing. 

 

    For you more liberal blues fans - the one's that like it spiced up with a lot of funk and a dose of rap - "MY SWEET LITTLE PEACH", has your names written all over it.  Having never been a fan of what I not so affectionately refer to as (c)rap music, I will to admit to actually liking this song.  I just hope it isn't contagious.  KENNY'S keyboard and vocal work and the very cool rap by CORY highlight this one.  

 

    On a few other tracks, KENNY honors his other influence, JOHNNIE JOHNSON - and there's no better way to do that than by toasting him with a drink of "TANGUERAY".  Maybe it's because the song is a classic, maybe it's because of JOHNNIE always being one of my favorites, or it could just be that KENNY did a hell of a job with it, that easily made this track my personal favorite.  I'm sure if JOHNNIE'S listening, he's toasting KENNY as well.  An added highlight is a very impressive guitar lead from RICH. 

 

    Other tracks on "CAN'T STOP NOW" include: "JUDGE BY THE LOOK", the title track, "CAN'T STOP NOW"; "LET'S HAVE SOME FUN", "RAGIN' STORM", "DON'T CRY", "JOHNNIE J. WAS GOOD" and "THE PARTY'S OVER".

 

    To check KENNY out - and to grab yourself a copy of "CAN'T STOP NOW", just go to www.kennybluesboss.com.  Once you have a listen you'll know exactly why JEFF JOHNSON of the Chicago Sun says that "There's no boogie woogie blues piano man out there today who pounds the 88s with the conviction of Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne".  One more thing, remember to tell the BLUES BOSS that the Blewzzman sent ya. 

 

This review has been complimentary written for your newsletter by Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro, a contributing writer for BLUESWAX and the Blues Editor at www.Mary4Music.com where you can read many more CD and live show reviews, view lots of blues photographs and find an abundance of blues material. I can be reached at Blewzzman@aol.com