www.criticaljazz.com I make it a point to almost never read other writers unless I am doing research on an artist that I may not be as familiar with as others. There are some artists that are a pure joy to discover without the slightest pre-conceived notions that come from outside influences and Kenny Shanker is one such artist. Originally recorded in 2009 but taking two and one half years for ...Read More

thejazzbreakfast.com Kenny Shanker Steppin’ Up (PosiTone PR8087) Debut from alto saxophonist Shanker and a band of Art Hirahara or Mike Eckroth on piano, Lage Lund on guitar, Yoshi Waki on bass and Brian Fischler on drums. Shanker writes all the tunes with the exception of the closer, Lenny Bernstein’s Somewhere, and he has a nice full and fruity sound on alto. Born in California, and a studen ...Read More

thejazzword.blogspot.com Steppin’ Up is a powerhouse set of aggressive jazz from New York-based alto saxophonist Kenny Shanker. A commanding soloist who draws from a wide range of influence, Shanker moves easily from contemporary, modal-based ideas to full-throttle, energized swing on this debut release, recorded in 2009. His challenging compositions maintain a listener friendly appeal with ...Read More

blogs.ottawacitizen.com Over at the office of Posi-Tone, the Los Angeles-based jazz label, 2011 is jokingly referred to as the “year of the altos.” Below are reviews of three discs that have helped define the year for the label.  Not surprisingly, their similarities are not limited to the horn played by the leaders involved. As per the Posi-tone mandate, the CDs brim with modern mainstream ja ...Read More

www.allaboutjazz.com Alto Saxophonist Kenny Shanker is proof that an artist’s direction isn’t always reflected in their tonal personality. Shanker possesses a sleek-and-sweet tone that has served him well on dates with big name ghost band, like theTommy Dorsey Orchestra and the Nelson Riddle Orchestra, as well as smooth-leaning pianist David Benoit, but his own music operates outsi ...Read More

saxshed.com Alto saxophonist and relative newcomer Kenny Shanker has recently released his inaugural CD “Steppin’ Up” on Posi-Tone Records. In addition to Shanker on alto saxophone, this wonderful jazz recording features Lage Lund, guitar; Brian Fishler, drums; Yoshi Waki, bass and both Art Hirahara and Mike Eckroth on piano. Although I could only offer a partial listening as of this writing ...Read More

steptempest.blogspot.com Alto saxophonist Kenny Shanker has been involved with jazz since his early teens – he even toured Japan twice with the Monterey Jazz Festival High School All-Star Big Band. He makes his Posi-Tone Records debut with “Steppin’ Up” and, like the Patrick Cornelius release I reviewed a few weeks back (read here), Shanker builds the majority of his son ...Read More

www.allaboutjazz.com Kenny Shanker has worked extensively since graduating from the Manhattan School of Music in 2001, playing with the New World Symphony, and the Tommy Dorsey and Nelson Riddle Orchestras, among others. The young alto saxophonist recorded his debut album as leader, Steppin’ Up, in April 2009 but it’s taken almost two-and-a-half years for it to be released. ItR ...Read More