Jef Kearns | On The Level

Jef Kearns | On The Level
By Terrill J. Hanna

What a unique, flute impresario! A special branded player chopped to the game of Urban Jazz, with enough physique to carry him through to possibly another outing after this one. I’m talking about flautist Jef Kearns & his breakthrough triumph “On The Level” – a 9 track set of smoldering hot grooves, at the slow or fast paces, & executed enough to keep you at the headphone booth – listening. This cat specializes, satisfying a stretch of great music comprised of some funky moments, relaxed, chilled flows & a splendid  mix of duets from his arsenal of guest stars appearing on the project.

Track Listing:
~ I Wanna Be The One (aka Subliminal Remix)
~ Groove Ballet
~ All Things Gleam (feat Jacen Duncan)
~ Lavender
~ How Soon
~ On The Level (feat. Chris Rouse)
~ Givin’ U All I Got
~ Incomplete (feat Dwayne Morgan)
~ I Wanna Be The One (feat Coco ‘Cognac’ Brown)

“On The Level”, in fact, encompasses many various brands of funk & soul, mixed very well. Its’ like setting up the marinade, mixing some very important spices & ingredients, for the Saturday afternoon throw down on the grill out back (or front).

Steadily coming in for the introduction comes “I Wanna Be The One”, a groove streamed, neo-soul grant given to Jef to simply cash in & reap the benefit on dropping hot flavor thru the flute. Check it; “Groove Ballet” starts off smooth & mellow, precious & soulful. Opening up room for another slow track to emerge, “All Things Gleam”, featuring a peaceful vocal selection from Jacen Duncan.

The tempo adjusts when “Lavender” plays itself back & then you’ll feel the techniques Jef brought to the kitchen table with him. The R&B laced production sets up the opportunity for Jef to grace the notes & ride the rhythm. The intoxicating refreshment of “How Soon” clearly brings his skills to a peak. A moment of tranquility is felt all over this composition. Album-Song Title, “On The Level” orchestrates the same urban soul template Jef has grown very comfortable with on the project & elevates the main reason why he showcases this sub-genre with passion & grace. Special guest Chris Rouse on the backing vocals.

“Givin’ U All I Got” keeps the jazz on the modern/contemporary scale, while “Incomplete” feat Dwayne Morgan, satisfies every slow jammer’s urge with another quiet stormin’ track, among the many already provided for the album. Dwayne story tells something enticing & notable. Play it back & listen…

And finally, the original production or version to “I Wanna Be The One” allows for Special guest Coco ‘Cognac’ Brown to spread her wings vocally & highlight the track the way it was intentionally presented.

Jef’s cinnamon-sprinkled set of tunes was a pleasant surprise. Not only a different approach to jazz overall from a soul music perspective, but another eye-opener for musicians on the brass, looking for opportunities to be heard. Other than thinking the sax & the trumpet was mainstream. It doesn’t always have to be. With cats like Jef & many others who can chirp the flute, especially to soulful harmonies like this project, the gates are beginning to crack open. And it looks like Jef is taking the will to make good on his chances to be seen & heard right straight from the green light.

This CD should be checked out. (That means go get it!)

Terrill J. Hanna
The Urban Music Scene

Available now at www.jefkearns.com