WEST MILFORD — The Kennedy's make their return visit to Music at the Mission on Saturday, Feb. 16, at 8 p.m.
In a career that now spans two decades, New York duo Maura and Pete Kennedy have traversed a broad musical landscape, surveying power pop, acoustic songwriting, organic rock rooted in their early days in Austin, and a Byrds-inspired jangle that drew the attention of Roger McGuinn, Steve Earle, and most notably Nanci Griffith. The duo co-produced Griffith’s latest CD, and are currently touring the United States and the British Isles with the Texas songstress.
On their new CD, "Closer Than You Know," released on Aug. 21, 2012, The Kennedys strike out into new territory, this time inspired by a sojourn in Paris, where they immersed themselves in the turn of another century, the time when Debussy and Ravel were inventing the sonic palette of modern music. No strangers to reinvention, the Kennedys came up with a cappuccino-fueled concept at a small café in Montmartre: music inspired by the Impressionist composers, married to the rock and pop sounds for which the duo have long been known. In the spirit of Paris-trained composer Burt Bacharach and his lyricist partner Hal David, Pete took on the task of creating musical landscapes that would cushion Maura’s lyrics and bell-like harmonies. The songs have a quality, inherent in Maura’s voice, that is both soothing and urgent.
The Kennedys' CD release tour for "Closer Than You Know,"- their 12th album - is taking them to New York, Washington, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Minneapolis, Ann Arbor, and many places in between. This Saturday, they will be at Music at the Mission.
Tickets are $25 at the door.
Music at the Mission is located in the West Milford Presbyterian Church, 1452 Union Valley Road in West Milford. A non-profit, Music at the Mission is all-volunteer run and dedicated to presenting live, local and affordable music.
This is the 10th anniversary season for Music at the Mission. The remaining concerts include Bucky Pizzarelli on March 16, Brother Sun on April 20 and Guggenheim Grotto on May 18. For tickets in advance, go to www.MusicattheMission.org or the Harvest Moon Health Food Store, Marshall Hill Road, West Milford.
For information, call 973-728-4201 or email info@musicatthemission.org.