About this Artist

• Biography

Editorial Reviews

Back when the now single-named Kennedy had just become the artist formerly known as Nigel, the mischievous violinist tweaked an interviewer over differences between classical and pop music. "I'd hate to have to eliminate Schubert from the classical music genre simply because of his concision," he said. Classic Kennedy, his collection of violin miniatures, states the case every bit as impishly. Simply put, there's something to offend classical purists on nearly every track: Only a single movement of Vivaldi's "Spring" concerto? "Scarborough Fair" largely improvised? A particularly idiosyncratic Gershwin Prelude? Joni Mitchell's "Urge for Going" placed between Sarasate's "Zigeunerweisen" and Kennedy's own "Melody in the Wind"? And by replacing the original versions of these works with his own arrangements, Kennedy touches another raw nerve for those who enjoy their masterworks engraved in stone. Still, it's the playing that counts, and allowing for taste, Kennedy's performances are impeccable. They're also a return to the days when these tunes were played and enjoyed rather than intoned and worshiped. He may not think much of classical music conventions, but Kennedy seems to care about the music very much indeed. Ken Smith, Barnes & Noble

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