Vibrant and vulnerable. Authentically curious. Demanding yet relaxed. Attentive while fearless. Open to surprise and eager to step up in life’s challenges. All of these describe Ken Boome’s effort to live in an emotional space where the act of creation becomes almost effortless.
In his latest CD, Life Lessons, Ken takes us through his personal philosophy of life set to his own “Heartland Nu-Jazz,” an expression the pianist coined which reflects and explains his diverse musical influences. The Americana-like harmonic motion of Aaron Copeland, the melodic lyricism of Pat Metheny, the rhythmic phrasing and funkiness of Joe Sample all meld into the compositions of “Life Lessons.”
In Life Lessons we reexamine and remind ourselves of the important ideals and philosophies which we know but some how have momentarily forgotten. In the title song, “LIFE LESSONS”, we are challenged as to whether we are awake enough to recognize the lessons we learn in our daily lives and if we are going to use what we have learned. A provocation to be in the here and now. “Millennium Man” continues this theme with the simple idea of taking what you know and using it. Merely knowing what to do isn’t enough. “SHOW ME WHAT CHA GOT”, calls us to create and construct our personal vision thru action–not just talk. Putting the change and desires into motion, creating the life that you want everyday is the essential theme that runs through this CD.
Challenge yourself to review where you are in your life and move forward. Change can happen at any moment in time but you are always the one responsible for it. Simple lessons, but invaluable ones we need to learn again from an artist who hasn’t lost his focus. It’s now your time to give this artist a listen. Let your inner voice, your personal compass guide your choice, as you step into Boome’s aural panorama. Music by design, deliberate, challenging you to a life fully lived, persuasively asking you to learn and relearn your own Life Lessons.