FOR KAESHAMMER
“The boogie-woogie pianist best known as a must-see live act reaffirms his true colours here: he’s an R& B hound, particularly if there’s a New Orleans roll to the beat. We knew that, but the double-time rhythm and sassy horns of fast-and-fabulous opener Rendezvous state the case with unprecedented eloquence, while Kisses in Zanzibar lays down a slightly steadier second-line shuffle from the Crescent City. Pop often takes the centre stage, while jazz rarely gets forgotten for long, but there’s a more joyous, authoritative swing to this disc than we’ve heard on any of the pianist’s previous work. And don’t miss the gorgeous, deeply moving instrumental remake of the Impressions’ People Get Ready, one the reasons this is Kaeshammer’s best yet. =Four out of five stars” – Bernard Perusse – Montreal Gazette
Read more: montrealgazette.com
FOR LOVELIGHT
“Michael Kaeshammer entertained the late afternoon crowd with a talent for piano, vocals and stage talk that brought a young Harry Connick Jr. to mind… And that was a very good thing on Sunday at the Syracuse Jazz Fest. The jazz man from Toronto mixed in boogie-woogie from New Orleans, reggae from the legendary Peter Tosh and enough pop influences to think that just maybe he spent some time listening to his countrymen in Barenaked Ladies when he was growing up.” - Mark Bialczak, The Syracuse Post-Standard
“…The one musical bright spot last night was jazz pianist Michael Kaeshammer and his trio – bassist Marc Rogers and drummer Mark McLean. Their opening set offered up a high-energy display of fine musicianship propelled forward with boogie-woogie force… Kaeshammer has piano technique to burn, and has an acrobatic way with a grand piano. Drummer McLean was another treat, wowing the audience with a couple of virtuoso solos.” John Terauds, Toronto Star
“… the album’s real strength shines on original songs like the mellifluous pop ballad “Isabelle” and the title track, an infectious number with a sexy swagger and frenetic pace that make it the musical equivalent of Viagra.” - Nicholas Jennings, Hello Canada
“On Lovelight…Michael’s talent grabs you by the neck and demands you take notice…” – Brad Barker, Music Director JAZZ.FM91
“There’s only one problem with Michael Kaeshammer…he’s too darned talented. And he makes it all sound so easy on his new album, Lovelight. I kept listening for a track that was a clunker.. and COULDN’T hear one! I’ll admit it, I’m a fan…uhhh, better make that an even BIGGER fan. Way to go, MK!” – Sandy Mowat, Producer, Fresh Air, CBC Radio One
“The hottest Canadian music export isn’t indie rockers, it’s jazz musicians. First there was Diana Krall, then Michael Bublé and Matt Dusk, and now Michael Kaeshammer has come along…The German-born pianist’s latest could easily be the next big jazz record” - NOW Magazine