Liz Kennedy – While I Still Can (2024)
Graduating from Stanford University with qualifications in Anthropology and Journalism, Liz Kennedy settled in San Francisco working for film companies making television commercials. In the days before reality shows or celebrities in commercials, Kennedy specialised in casting the average person instead of Jonny Depp advertising Dior’s Sauvage. Yet, all this time, the heart of a songstress lingered beneath the surface; she embraced this musical passion later in life but with as much zest as a 16-year-old. The latest addition to her discography is the single ‘While I Still Can’.
It goes that there are only two definite things in life: death and taxes. In ‘While I Still Can’, Kennedy takes a look at the lesser of the two evils – ageing. She explains:
“I’m having fun with an inescapable subject. How does one approach aging? How am I doing it? I like to think I can still do the things I’ve always liked to do. I can’t, I suppose, but I’d like to judge for myself what I can still do versus what I shouldn’t do anymore… I don’t want other people to say don’t do that, Liz, when I know I still can….”
Recorded and produced with Joel Jaffe, ‘While I Still Can’ draws together the talents of Kennedy (vocals and piano), Billy Johnson (drums), J. Jaffe (guitar), Marc Levine (bass), Hardy Hemphill (electric piano), Eamonn Flynn (synth strings), Omega Brooks (backing vocals), and Jeanie Tracey (backing vocals and arrangements) in an eclectic blend of soul, blues and folk. The harmonic combination of instruments is smooth and calm but retains a hit of vulnerability through the strings, piano and electronic guitar. Yet, for me, it is Kennedy’s obscure vocals that give ‘While I Still Can’ a sophisticated edginess and off-kilter quality.
Oscillating between laidback hopefulness and empowerment, but with a slice of reflective sentimentality, ‘While I Still Can’s lyrics are a diary entry, and the melody is a soundtrack to life. I cannot wait for more from the insatiable Liz Kennedy.
In addition to the single, Liz Kennedy released an official music video for ‘While I Still Can’. You can view the video below and on her YouTube channel.
Find out more about Liz Kennedy on her official website, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.
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