Title: No Pain No Kain
Artist: Kain, Dave Group
Label: CD Baby
Product Type: COMPACT DISCS
UPC: 700261232089
Genre: Jazz

Updated bio and reviews soon to come. Until then, please enjoy the CD. Dave Kain Personnel on No Pain, No Kain Dave Kain-guitar Matt Garrison-saxophone Dylan Johnson-bass Jon Cowherd-piano Jeff Hirshfield-drums 'Dave Kain is one of the brightest improvisors on today's contemporary music scene.'-Vic Juris 'Dave Kain is an exceptionally talented jazz guitarist who writes intelligent, thoughtful music that packs quite an emotional punch!'-Jon Cowherd Review from Jazz Improv Magazine By Brandon Bernstein Dave Kain is an up and coming jazz guitarist. His latest album under his own name, No Pain, No Kain, is a terrific album showcasing Kain's imagination as a composer, and featuring eight beautifully written original compositions. Kain is a well-rounded musician having studied with some of the most respected artists including John Abercrombie, Joe Carbone, Joe Monk, Bill Farrish, Greg Bobulinski, Jack Wilkins, Jay Azzolina, and Chris Morrison. In 2001 he formed the Dave Kain Group with a mission not to be restricted to playing only jazz standards, but also to focus on creating new original jazz music. No Pain, No Kain, includes Dave Kain on guitar, Matt Garrison on saxophone, Dylan Johnson on bass, Jon Cowherd on piano, and Jeff Hirshfield on drums. The CD begins with "Juris Duty," an original contemporary composition. After the saxophone states the melody, pianist Jim Cowherd is the first soloist, and delivers an exceptional solo, highlighted by long, linear passages, as well as creative rhythmic ideas. Saxophonist Matt Garrison follows Cowherd, adding a stellar performance of his own, building on the energy Cowherd began. Kain steps up as the final soloist on this track - impressively expanding melodic ideas, expressed with the magnificent tone he had developed on his instrument. The song ends with the restatement of the melody. Throughout the song, the band is in sync, hitting punches and listening together well. The composition "Kolyma" is among the highlights of the album. The guitar and saxophone play the melody together, with the pianist playing the harmony in the background. The guitar and saxophone blend beautifully together. Kain is the first to step into the spotlight, playing a masterfully executedsolo - with fluidity on the guitar, up and down the neck, crafting intricate ideas assimilating contemporary vocabulary. My favorite track on the album is the ballad "Own My Way Home." Kain and Garrison begin the song as a saxophone/guitar duet. Kain's chord voicings are outstanding in his accompaniment of Garrison's improvisation. The rest of the band soon enters. Garrison maintains the energy, captivating the listener until the conclusion with powerful and mesmerizing melody. This composition showcases Jon Cowherd on piano who produces another stunning solo. No Pain, No Gain is a well-crafted album of contemporary jazz. The band is familiar with both the traditions of the music - past and present - producing a compelling hour of listening!

Tracks:
1.1 Juris Duty
1.2 Shoe
1.3 Two Faces
1.4 Kolyma
1.5 Deciding Factor
1.6 Visions of Mediocrity
1.7 Epochal
1.8 On My Way Home