Laura Lizcano and Philly pianist Joe Kenney meditate on loss and connection in new single “All’s Not Lost”

Joe Kenney, a Philly-based pianist who recently collaborated with local singer-songwriter Joy Ike on “Another Side,” for Mental Health Awareness Month, has released another collaboration, “All’s Not Lost,” this time featuring the vocals of fellow Philadelphian Laura Lizcano.

Kenney grew to local prominence in 2016 with his release 1.5, featuring piano arrangements of songs by Cold War Kids, Death Cab for Cutie, and other modern pop and rock songs. He is due to release an album of originals in October, including “Another Side” and “All’s Not Lost.” Lizcano, meanwhile, released her debut EP, Chance on Me, in 2018, and has since performed as part of the Sittin In’ Series at the Kimmel Center, served as the featured vocalist for the Temple University Big Band, and opened for Gaby Moreno and Sammy Miller and the Congregation at World Cafe Live.

“All’s Not Lost” truly succeeds as a collaboration between a gifted instrumentalist and vocalist. Kenney’s piano and Lizcano’s voice complement each other well, neither aspect overshadowing the other, and backing instrumentation by bassist Warren Mobley and drummer Lenny Mobley subtly intertwine Kenney and Lizcano even further.

The song itself is a quiet mediation on loss and human connection, both ephemeral and eternal, a point enforced by the music and lyrics alike. “All’s not lost, as we find our souls / Moving on, traveling different roads,” Lizcano sings in the chorus, and Kenney’s solo in the bridge is at once optimistic and melancholy, further reinforcing the bittersweet theme.

Listen to “All’s Not Lost” below.