Kennedy's quartet is “creatively new, but built on solid foundations of traditional jazz.”
Jazzreview.com
These guys make other quartets look a little weak. They're tight, well-rehearsed and fun to hear."
Philly2nite.com
THE BUZZ ABOUT QUEEN ANNE'S REVENGE:
 "I listened to your CD yesterday morning and I liked it very much. It is a very cheerful sound, especially on the first track. All the guys in your group play great. Your drumming sounds like it should--it swings!"
-Dave Brubeck (11/12/06)
"This new CD is indestructibly outrageous, and inexhaustibly refreshing. Real jazz, played with commitment and artistic depth from all."
Tim Price
I had never "soloed" on a record or in a live performance before, so when Sean Kennedy asked me to play a drum duet with him, I was a little hesitant. The tune titled "Queen Anne's Revenge" became my challenge. The first time I heard his drumming was when he sent me the MP3 of the song. Sean and his wife Heather (she play's percussion) soloed over a jazz rock feel. My first thought was "obviously he doesn't know I don't do solos" The drums and percussion on the track were great, why did he want me? I had no idea what to do. Luckily for me Sean is also an excellent teacher. He has been a fan of mine for many years and knew what he wanted from me. He actually taught me about myself, like the great teacher he is, he pulled out of me exactly what he wanted for the track. I think "Queen Anne's Revenge" show's Excellence in Sean's drumming, teaching, songwriting, and arranging.
If you or anyone you know wants to learn drumming or just brush up on your chops, call Sean. Oh and did I mention, he's a nice guy too!
Cheers,
Liberty DeVitto
Hey Sean,
QAR sounds great. Very soulful playing on your part. The band is great, too! I dug Lib's contribution, Mintzer, Munsters, Horace and that daunting cover!! best,"
Will Lee
"CD is killin'...oh man, Amazing...you are (Stroup) channeling Dexter on that tune..."
Dave Champion, trombonist with The Hoppin' John Orchestra
"When he (Sean) plays those skins, the place just comes alive!"
John Stecker, WRDV-FM, The Mainstream
"The Sean J. Kennedy Quartet is one of the outstanding groups on the scene today. Sean has managed to create a signature sound with four individual virtuosi. They are reminiscent of the MJQ in their interplay and exciting to watch and hear. Don't miss them."
Frank DiBussolo
"The Seán J. Kennedy group knows how to cook and swing with precision and grace. These guys keep the musical traditions in sight with new ideas for the future. The original compositions hold your interest like a good short story. Jazz fans all over are going to enjoy listening to their tasty tunes live or on the debut CD. Check them out!"
Peter Blaikie, Jazz DJ, host of The Mainstream on WRDV-FM
 THE BUZZ ABOUT ROAD TO WAILEA:
"I enjoyed your CD and thought it was quite good...keep up the good work!"
Joe Morello
"Love the CD. Great writing and playing!"
Gerald Veasley
"Sean's playing has volumes of beauty in the sound of his creativity in jazz. Even at his wildest, whacked out moment, you'll find intensity and grace in his playing that is stunning. His music has a universal vibe that speaks to all and is in a class of its own." "Saxist Erin Stroup, is a delight, creating moods with mellow ballad stylings, setting the pace with bop, or for whatever is the call of the moment. Stroup is a talent to watch!"
-Tim Price [Sax Journal Magazine]
"I really enjoyed drummer and composer Sean J. Kennedy's new CD "Road to Wailea" His compositions are highly enjoyable! The compositions Seán wrote for members of his family I found most enjoyable and being a family man myself can identify with the sentiment found in each of the compositions. Whether it's a straight ahead rhythm, Latin beat or Funk groove, drummer and composer Seán Kennedy and the fine musicians on this CD take you on a great musical journey as they travel down the "Road to Wailea!"
Eric Mintel
"I have known Sean Kennedy since his days as a student at West Chester University (Penna.) He attended both my Jazz Improv and arranging classes. He was an excellent student and I was very pleased when he asked me to be on his CD as a guest artist. I was also pleased to find his compositions and arrangements to be both interesting and inventive. They were a pleasure to play and the musicians assembled for the session were first rate. Sean is emerging as a fine percussionist and composer. I expect to be hearing a lot of excellent music from him in the future."
Larry McKenna
"...got the CD and it sounds great. Love the compositions, your playing and its always great to hear Larry. Some people say you are judged by the company you keep and you keep great company. Congrats on a great project!!"
Denis DiBlasio
"...I enjoyed it...You really wrote some great tunes..."
Mark Summer, cello The Turtle Island String Quartet
"Congratulations. You're doing something that is really enterprising, and that is: presenting your own music and vision of it, making it available not only to your audience but to potential colleagues, contacts, etc. I applaud the fact that you're writing your own material and producing your own work."
Peter Erskine
"I thought it sounded real good!...you have a good feel!!!"
Tony Miceli
"I'm a strong believer in good chemistry, and Seán J. Kennedy's new CD Road to Wailea has a very strong chemistry. And the members (starting with Seán) have just that special blend. The well composed compositions work as a vehicle to bring out the talents of ALL the musicians as a unit.
Tommy Campbell
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Date: Sun, 20 Nov 2005
Dear Mr. Kennedy,
I couldn't let a day go by without telling you once again how wonderful last night's performance was!
I was so impressed with the level of musicianship, the virtuosity of all of you, the beauty and intricacy of your arrangements (I absolutely loved "California Dreamin!"), and the range of music you played. You definitely have a unique sound and approach to jazz which puts you head and shoulders above the rest!
I see on your web site that you'll be back at Chris' during the December break - hopefully we'll be able to come and hear you again. And I'm glad you're headlining that night - you earned it!!
Stephen F.
Dresher, PA
Date: Sun, 20 Nov 2005
Great job last night! That was awesome. I'm looking forward to the next one.
James H.
Philadelphia, PA
Date: Tue, 25 Oct 2005
Great show and hope to see you in performance again soon.
Keep me informed.
Thanks,
Peter Blaikie WRDV-FM
Hatboro, PA
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