Dedication

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Produced by Quincy Jones, Dedication is the Jazz Village debut by piano prodigy Justin Kauflin. The album features twelve original compositions by Kauflin. His style embodies - without being derivative - the ''quiet fire'' lyricism of Bill Evans (whom Kauflin credits as his ''biggest influence at age 14''), the nimble and mercurial qualities of Bud Powell, the genial melodiousness of ie Hancock and a bit of Dave Brubeck's gregarious percussiveness. Kauflin's side men on the album are Billy Williams on drums, Chris Smith on bass, Matt Stevens on guitar and Etan Haziza on nylon guitar. Kauflin is also the subject of the award-winning documentary Keep On Keepin' On, which chronicles his mentorship and friendship with the legendary musician and teacher Clark Terry. The film won Best New Documentary Director and the Heineken Audience Award at New York's prestigious Tribeca Film Festival and the Audience Award at the Boulder Film Festival. Review ------ As a pianist, Mr. Kauflin, 28, favors a clarity of touch and ideas, rarely spinning into an orbit he cant control. His writing is also balanced, tempering post-bop intricacies with the assurances of the gospel church --The New York Times It is a voice that is mature, distinct and confident...On 'For Clark,' Kauflin manufactures complex, intelligent solo passages over a simple melody that drives the song to a spare, heartwarming conclusion --Downbeat Magazine Twelve original tunes...take the listener from hushed tones to tempos ablaze, showing a generous degree of skill, maturity and creativity in the spaces between the notes. Justin Kauflin's knack for making a statement, marvelously build on it, then bring the listener home demands more than a single listen --WBGO Newark NJ