Ways and Means

Ways and Means, an album from the James Carney Group is a classical jazz collection that appeals to many jazz fans and probably to those who know little about jazz. The James Carney Group has a distinctive style that contributes to the magic of jazz music.

"Nefarious Notions" is a bittersweet harmony. The saxophone starts off and then the piano and drums are added making beautiful music. The instrumentals blend quite well and there is nothing nefarious about it, but the title. Overall, this track is purely good.

"Champion of Honesty" is eccentric and different. There the sounds of the many trumpets, saxophones and synthesizers added to complete this track. If you can think of any instrument, it's a guarantee that James Carney used it. Though the sounds of "Champion of Honesty" is rather weird, the collaborations of instruments fits in with the rest of the tracks.

"Fallout" is a gentle and soft sound with blazing trumpets and drums that play lightly. This track put the listeners at ease with the soothing sounds. Some may think this song is poignant, but I disagree. The "Fallout" music is something you can slow down to with a special person.

Overall, the mixture of instrumentals makes "Ways and Means" a special album. Jazz speaks to the soul and the James Carney Group music does exactly that.