When you truly love doing something, the drive to be the best at it is not a struggle. Passion mixed with dedication can lead to a lifetime of joy doing what you want to do. Our recent discovery Ken Serio is a testament to finding something he loves and putting all his heart and soul into it.
From the age of 5, banging on things to create rhythms was something that Ken Serio truly found pleasure in. From early days destroying a toy ‘cowsills’ set, to junior High School band, to his first Rogers holiday kit, drumming was for him. The talent came naturally and a scholarship to Berklee School of Music was offered. This constant cycle of learning and improving garnered many opportunities that built the precision drummer that he is today.
For his most recent progression, Ken Serio has released Brooklyn Oasis with his Ken Serio Quartet. The record is not merely an album; it’s a sonic journey through the vibrant, multifaceted landscape that is Brooklyn, New York. The collection of jazz compositions, it’s a tapestry woven from the threads of urban energy, introspective calm, and the rich musical heritage of the borough itself.
The Quartet is made up of Ron Carter, Tomoko Ohno, Dave Mullin, and Ken Serio. Each member contributes a distinct voice, yet their playing is flawlessly interwoven, creating a cohesive and powerful whole. The interplay between saxophone, piano, bass, and drums creates a dialogue, a conversation between the musicians and the listener. Their technical proficiency is undeniable, but it never overshadows the emotional depth of the songs.
Starting off with the joyous energy of “Changes” a smile creeps onto the listener’s face ready to be sucked into a fun and soulful journey. The Jazz gets smoother on “Dindi” with sultry saxophone leading the way then transitioning to elegant piano while being backed by a rock solid rhythm section through some not so easy time signatures.
Settle in with the Ken Serio Quartet on ‘Dindi’
The songs are both familiar and unexpectedly fresh, allowing the listener to experience the bustling streets and quiet corners of Brooklyn through the lens of the uniquely expressive Ken Serio Quartet. Diverse influences blend in effortlessly bringing classic and modern sounds together.
The title track “Brooklyn Oasis” shows off some interesting rhythms from Serio behind the drums punctuated by each member showing off their mastery of their instrument. The relaxing overall vibe to the song enhances the oasis as mentioned in the title. Perfect sounds for contemplation within a secluded park amidst the urban sprawl. True Brooklyn NY lifestyle. There are more moments of frenetic energy on “Hard Eights” reflecting the city’s frenetic pace but meshed with smooth sounds to find peace in the occasional chaos.
Brooklyn Oasis is a testament to the power of instrumental music to evoke emotion, tell stories, and transport the listener to another place, another time, another world – all within the confines of a single listening experience.
