( This album version is for Non-Asian Markets only, for purchases in Asia please purchase THIS version. )

No wonder Kern’s gorgeous original music is listened to by millions of people all over the world.

Track Listings

1. Joy of the Journey 3:18
2. Velvet Green 3:52
3. Endless Blue Sky 6:29
4. Sunset Prayer 2:52
5. Light Spirit 4:23
6. Seen in a Dream 4:54
7. The Skipping Song 4:44
8. Caring Friend 5:00
9. Wending Our Way Home 4:31
10. The Glistening Pond 5:16
11. Gifts Along the Way 3:54
12. Joy of the Journey (Reprise) 1:58
13. Always Near 5:19

Reviews

"It has been over 13 years since Kevin Kern released his solo debut In The Enchanted Garden. Since then Kern has remained loyal to Real Music with Endless Blue Sky representing his eighth original recording for the label. For those of you that love his soft romantic melodies, you will not be disappointed as Kern has become one of the genre’s most reliable and consistent recording artists. With the return of the organic touch via guest musician versus the prefabricated strings, Kern has brought back some of the magic we experienced on The Winding Path.

As soon as you hear the opening notes of “Joy Of The Journey” it will create a sense of déjà vu as well as the warmth of a familiar old friend as does most of the album which overall is a good thing most of the time. However, the exceptional draw factor on this album is when Kern collaborates with fellow musicians as reflected on tracks such as “Caring Friend”. With Kern caressing his piano and Dean Magraw’s deft touch on the acoustic guitar at about the two and half minute mark, this results in a wonderful enchanting duo. This formula is repeated on “The Glistening Pond” that will only compel you to think of autumn days gone by of you skipping a smooth pebble across the mirrored surface of the pond with the emerald blue skies from above reflected in the shimmering waters. Even better there is the threesome on “Velvet Green” with Kern’s piano work complimented by the strings of a violin and cello from Jill Olson and Rebecca Arons respectively.

This is not to say that listening to Kern go solo is not successful. Far from the truth as reflected by the almost jubilant melody of “The Skipping Song” or the more reflective closer “Always Near”. However, collaborating with other musicians certainly seems to bring out the more adventurous side of Kevin and it would be nice to see more of this.

While 2003’s The Winding Path remains Kern’s pinnacle recording to date, Endless Blue Sky continues to hold Kern in high regard. Affectionate and friendly, Kern continues to create music that has the warmth and protection of a lover’s long deep embrace. And while the music at times may sound a little too familiar perhaps that’s what makes Kern such an appealing and successful artist. Come and listen and dream of endless blue skies."

Michael Debbage, MainlyPiano.com

"(Kern’s) sole focus is the gently rhythmic, deeply melodic, and healing music that defines the classic new age genre."

Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide

“Endless Blue Sky is Kevin Kern’s first recording in more than three years and his ninth release to date. One of the most stylistically consistent artists out there, Kern continues his tradition of albums that overflow with warmth and optimism. In such globally troubled times, I find it amazing to hear music of such peace and calm and wonder if Kern is truly such an optimist or if he finds his own refuge in creating music of blissful contentment. (I’ll have to ask him in our upcoming interview!) In any event, sitting down with Endless Blue Sky is truly a spa for the mind and soul. In addition to Kern on piano and synthesizers, Dean Magraw appears on guitar, Jill Olson on violin, Rebecca Arons on cello, and Gordon Johnson on acoustic and electric bass. As always, the piano sound is stellar (Kevin Kern is a Steinway Artist) and the music creates a warm, enveloping atmosphere of tranquility.

Endless Blue Sky begins with “Joy of the Journey,” a welcoming musical hug that sets the tone of the album. “Velvet Green” is a gorgeous trio for piano, violin, and cello. The simple melody evokes feelings of laying on one’s back in a beautiful meadow without a care in the world. The title track continues the mood, this time with guitar, piano, and synth strings in the background - undoubtedly a new Kern classic! My favorite track is “Sunset Prayer,” the only piece that hints of anything other than perfection. A piano solo,  it conveys a side of Kern we don’t get to hear too often and that I wish we could. I’d love to hear a CD of Kern piano solos, but won’t hold my breath! “Scene In A Dream” is another potential Kern classic - a graceful flow with just a hint of bittersweet. “The Skipping Song” is pure carefree delight set to a catchy melody. My other favorite on this album is “The Glistening Pond.” It begins as a piano solo, adding guitar on the second verse, and then alternating between solo and duet. The sweet, simple melody speaks volumes and paints a tranquil picture. “Always Near” closes the set with an elegant and tender love song that sets the heartstrings fluttering - a gentle “farewell for now.”

Kevin Kern is truly a master of melody and quiet emotional depth. You won’t find any surprises on Endless Blue Sky, but I would imagine that that’s good news for many of Kern’s worldwide fans. Sure to soothe and uplift!"

Kathy Parsons, MainlyPiano.com

"Kern and his piano were there as new age was diverging our of NAC and ECM and he's still there with his piano, still making gracefully easy recordings that don't fit a pigeonhole nicely but are certainly nice to have at your fingertips. Skillful and soulful, he's still providing proper audio getaways that help you shrug off the small stuff you shouldn't be sweating. A nice addition to any easy piano collection that sounds good when you need to separate yourself from noise and hubris. Well done."

Chris Spector, Midwest Record

"Kevin Kern’s new CD is Endless Blue Sky, he’s a piano player, so these songs are basically new age solos with other accompanying instruments, violin for example. This is a nice CD… while I was playing it in the car, two people, with no solicitation from me, said “This music is very pretty.”

And it is very pretty, but to my ears much of it doesn’t distinguish itself from what else is out there. The first track, “Joy of the Journey” has a couple chord progressions that make me say “did you have to do THAT?” The second half of the CD has the better and more original music, “The Skipping Song” and “Caring Friend” are a couple really nice tracks, so in the end it all seems to even out."

Jerry Rabushka, raggedblade.com