by Heather Phares
Originally released in 1989 and re-released in 1995 by Hearts of Space, Kindred Spirits was inspired by Manhattan's bustling sense of community. The album features John Boswell and some of his musical kindred spirits like soprano saxophonist Dave Koz and percussionist M.B. Gordy III. Kindred Spirits explores the different meanings of friendship and community -- thematically on songs like &Strength in Silence& and &Solidarity& and musically in &Night at the Beach,& an improvisation between the friends. &James and the Giant Peach II& picks up where the first part of this piano instrumental left off on The Painter. In all, Kindred Spirits shows Boswell's growth as a performer and composer.