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Nigel Kennedy's new album, Shhh!, released on 10 May is set to confirm the maverick status and eclectic musical taste of one of Britain's most unpredictable musicians.
Over the past decade or so, as well as recording Bach, Vivaldi, Mozart and Beethoven, Kennedy has made his mark on the songs of Jimi Hendrix, the Doors and Kate Bush; explored traditional klezmer music with the Polish band, Kroke and the roots of modern jazz on the Blue Note Sessions.
His latest collection promises to reveal an ever more eclectic set of works. Shhh! was recorded at Rockfield Studios in South Wales in November 2009, with the Polish musicians who make up the Nigel Kennedy Quintet, and features a mix of Kennedy originals and a surprising collaboration with the singer Boy George, on a cover version of the Nick Drake song 'River Man'.
“I love moving from one style to another - it’s what makes life interesting for me as a musician. It’s a kind of trip we’re all making together” Kennedy observes in a mini-documentary about the making of the new album now featuring on YouTube. Watch it below...
Kennedy will be officially unveiling the album during Nigel Kennedy's Polish Weekend, a bank holiday festival celebrating all things Polish and of which Kennedy is curator, at London’s Southbank Centre from 29-31 May