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Werner

Immigrating to Pasadena, California, via a few years in Holland and his birth country of Indonesia, Werner Schuchner gained an early appreciation for music in several eclectic settings. His father was his earliest musical inspiration, entertaining young Werner with the ukulele, guitar and harmonica. It was taking over his sister's classical piano lessons where youthful Werner gained the knowledge of formatting and flow, and where he also marked the beginning of his life as a musician. As Werner grew, so did his musical sophistication. Inspired by the bands backing up Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin, the groove and the guitar became the main loves of Werner. From the 8th grade on Werner could be found playing guitar in numerous bands, but it was a gig with Richard Berry (the writer of the mega hit "Louie Louie") that launched his professional career. It was through his connection with Berry that Werner met and began performing with Charles Wright and The Watts 103rd St. Rhythm Band. Werner's stylish touch on the strings brought forth many future collaborations; including projects by Willie Bobo, Jermaine Jackson, Switch, The Whispers, and Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, to name a few. The connections and chance meetings continued to grow for Werner. In the course of his playing in the Charles Wright Band, he was introduced to fellow musician, Ahaguna G. Sun. Through this meeting, Werner and Ahaguna formed SUNBEAR, recorded and toured the world performing in front of thousands. The latest collaboration with friend Juan Nelson of Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals is BIG ADVICE, a collection of soulful music veterans coupled with the fresh raw talent of contemporary R&B. Currently Werner can be found in his studio creating music for films, tv, and commercials...as well as songs which can be purchased as downloads on several sites. All music written, performed, and produced by Werner Schuchner.

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7

Recording

Janis Mann & Kenny Werner - Dreams Of Flying

Janis Mann & Kenny Werner - Dreams Of Flying

Source: Scott Thompson Public Relations

DownBeat Editors' Pick: January 2021 Renowned jazz vocalist Janis Mann teams up once again with world-class pianist Kenny Werner for Dreams of Flying. For this, her eighth album, Janice chose a mesmerizing collection of modern standards from the New American Songbook. Songs by Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Jimmy Webb, Stephen Sondheim, Johnny Mandel, Blossom Dearie and others get the rich interpretations they deserve in this unforgettable recording. Janis Mann: vocals Kenny Werner: piano Drew ...

1

Performance / Tour

Jazz this week: Omaha Diner, Eliane Elias, Stanley Clarke, Susan Werner, and more

Jazz this week: Omaha Diner, Eliane Elias, Stanley Clarke, Susan Werner, and more

Source: St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman

It's shaping up to be another busy week for jazz and creative music in St. Louis, with a handful of visiting headliners in town at various venues, a couple of homecoming shows featuring former St. Louisans, and a full schedule of performances from local players as well. Let's go to the highlights... Wednesday, November 18 The quartet Omaha Diner, featuring guitarist Charlie Hunter, saxophonist Skerik, drummer Bobby Previte, and trumpeter Eric Bloom, makes their St. Louis debut in the first ...

1

Education

Music Education Monday: Master classes with pianists Chick Corea and Kenny Werner

Music Education Monday: Master classes with pianists Chick Corea and Kenny Werner

Source: St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman

This week for “Music Education Monday," you can check out video master classes from a couple of prominent keyboardists. Chick Corea is one of the best-known pianists in jazz, having served his apprenticeship with Miles Davis and played free jazz with Circle before co-founding the seminal jazz-fusion band Return to Forever. His extensive catalog as a composer and bandleader includes recordings with various acoustic and electric groups and as a solo pianist, so his experience pretty much runs the gamut ...

3

Video / DVD

Kenny Werner “Effortless Mastery: The 4 Steps” Instructional Video Released By JazzHeaven.com

Kenny Werner “Effortless Mastery: The 4 Steps” Instructional Video Released By JazzHeaven.com

Source: Falk Willis

Kenny Werner is a rare musician who is known as much for his teachings and wisdom as for his piano playing and composing. He has played with Joe Lovano, Betty Buckley, Mel Lewis, Bob Brookmeyer, Toots Thielemans, Randy Brecker, and many more. Kenny has been the leader of his own bands since the late 1970s and written for jazz orchestras and classical orchestras around the world. He is the author of the landmark book “Effortless Mastery” (over 90,000 copies sold)—now ...

1

Video / DVD

Kenny Werner “Effortless Mastery Of Melody, Harmony & Rhythm” Instructional Video Released By JazzHeaven.com

Kenny Werner “Effortless Mastery Of Melody, Harmony & Rhythm” Instructional Video Released By JazzHeaven.com

Source: Falk Willis

Kenny Werner is a rare musician who is known as much for his teachings and wisdom as for his piano playing and composing. He has played with Joe Lovano, Betty Buckley, Mel Lewis, Bob Brookmeyer, Toots Thielemans, Randy Brecker, and many more. Kenny has been the leader of his own bands since the late 1970s and written for jazz orchestras and classical orchestras around the world. He is the author of the landmark book Effortless Mastery (over 90,000 copies sold)—now ...

Performance / Tour

Esperanza Spalding, Kenny Werner To Play A "Concert To Feed The Hungry"

Esperanza Spalding, Kenny Werner To Play A "Concert To Feed The Hungry"

Source: Jason Byrne, Red Cat Publicity

ESPERANZA SPALDING, KENNY WERNER TO PLAY A “CONCERT TO FEED THE HUNGRY" Friday, April 25, 2014 at 7:00 PM Interchurch Center - 475 Riverside Drive, New York, NY On Friday, April 25, 2014 at 7:00 p.m., Esperanza Spalding and Kenny Werner, two world-renowned jazz artists, will headline at Buddhist Global Relief's annual “Concert To Feed The Hungry." The concert raises much-needed awareness and funds to support the global fight to end hunger and malnutrition. In addition to their prolific output ...

32

Recording

Kenny Werner - Lawn Chair Society (2007)

Kenny Werner - Lawn Chair Society (2007)

Source: Something Else!

When I think of the the overlap of jazz and funk, ensembles that come to mind are Herbie Hancock's Headhunters, On The Corner-era Miles, and even some of the smoother offerings out of the CTI label. In more recent times, Medeski Martin and Wood have really been laying it down. If I was to reorganize my record collection by genre, Kenny Werner's Lawn Chair Society would proudly sit beside the other titles on the jazz/funk shelf. The lineup a stellar ...

104

Recording

Half Note Records Announces Harrison, Mela, Werner Releases, Brecker Events

Half Note Records Announces Harrison, Mela, Werner Releases, Brecker Events

Source: hubtone PR

Half Note Records Announces Three New Recordings:

Kenny Werner & Brussels Jazz Orchestra: Institute of Higher Learning available August 26

Donald Harrison, Ron Carter, Billy Cobham: This Is Jazz available September 6

Francisco Mela & Cuban Safari with Special Guest Esperanza Spalding: Tree Of Life available September 6

The Brussels Jazz Orchestra (BJO), led by founder and Artistic Director Frank Vaganée, once again reinforces its reputation as one of Europe's premier big bands, a group that “manifests love," according to ...

130

Recording

Half Note Announces The Release Of Three New Recordings By Kenny Werner

Half Note Announces The Release Of Three New Recordings By Kenny Werner

Source: hubtone PR

With The Brussels Jazz Orchestra, Donald Harrison With Ron Carter, Billy Cobham And Francisco Mela & Cuban Safari With Special Guest Esperanza Spalding Kenny Werner & BJO, Institute of Higher Learning AVAILABLE IN STORES AND ONLINE AUGUST 26, 2011 The Brussels Jazz Orchestra (BJO), led by founder and Artistic Director Frank Vaganée, once again reinforces its reputation as one of Europe's premier big bands, a group that “manifests love," according to Grammy-winning arranger Maria Schneider. Kenny Werner and the BJO ...

167

Recording

Kenny Werner - Balloons (Half Note, 2011)

Kenny Werner - Balloons (Half Note, 2011)

Source: Music and More by Tim Niland

Pianist and composer Kenny Werner brings together a fine post-bop unit consisting of David Sanchez on tenor saxophone, Randy Brecker on trumpet, John Pattitucci on bass and Antonio Sanchez on drums. This album was recorded live at the Blue Note Club and features four long improvisations that allow for excellent ensemble playing and soloing on a variety of moods and textures.

The group opens with “Sada," a slow and probing composition that allows them to get their footing and explore ...

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