Contemporary jazz guitarist, Ken Navarro displays a consistent freedom of evolution with his current project “Dreaming of Trains” (Positive Music Records) which every musician hopes to achieve with their artistry.
The Grammy nominated guitarist known for his smooth jazz sound, demonstrates his flexibility as a producer, composer and virtuoso in this his 19th production - which shows his new direction.
The CD is due for national release March 16th, 2010.
“Dreaming of Trains” seems to be an extension of his 2008 release “The Grace of Summer Light” which both demonstrate a shift in musical execution.
Prior to these two recordings, there’s a complete difference in musical offering - almost as if Mr. Navarro was content with the easy listening, smooth jazz chart positioning. He now utilizes a more expansive and expressive voice. It’s courageous and instinctual to not follow industry trends with talent such as this.

Not only does he exhibit his mastery of electric and acoustic guitar, mandolin, banjo, keyboards and percussion, the CD is produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered by Navarro who provides a collection of genuine compositions that tell stories and give rise to imagination and thought - much like the song cycles of past romantic composers.

Movement is the order of the day with this recording - no groove is stabilized and just about every key is modulated. "Dreaming of Trains" begins with little regard for the journey ahead initiated with an abrupt prologue called “Dream So Real” – where just as dreams segue through thought patterns - so does the music on this recording. Navarro adheres to a musical concept of storytelling supported by a contemporary jazz platform structured by preface, chapters and conclusion.

Two of the selections “True Stories” and “Dreaming of Trains” are suites onto themselves that can be imagined as fully orchestrated pieces. The composition “Shared Air” maintains a sustained ostinato-like rhythmic pattern surrounded by Navarro’s layers of guitar textures giving the feeling of traveling a road of sameness, but yet reaching a destination none-the-less.
A favorite is “The Stars, The Snow and The Fire”, which offer a wonderful ethereal jazz-fusion feel. However the CD is not completely devoid of funk, or what Navarro is known for in tunes such as "The Buzz" - with its fuzz pedal virtuosity, and the switch of gears in “Everything Being Is Dancing” - where he serves up a combination of fine rhythmic guitar/bass funk and fusion supported by his expert ensemble.

Speaking of which, much can be said for the familiar musicians he enlists for this recording. Joel Rosenblatt, drummer (Spyro Gyro, Manhattan Transfer); Tom Kennedy, bass (Al DiMeola, Dave Weckl); Jay Rowe, acoustic piano and keyboards; and Ann Sacks (vocals), all assist in making this dream odyssey a success.

Navarro closes with Erik Satie’s "Gymnopédie No.1 " accompanied by pianist Jay Rowe, which due to its final placement might have been crisper if recorded in an acoustic hall setting.

In any event, Ken Navarro takes no prisoners with this heartfelt project and vies for possible award nominations this year. Whether you’re listening at home or traveling via air, automobile, or railway, "Dreaming of Trains" is worth the journey.
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