David Benoit & Jane Monheit - 2 In Love

Styles: Piano And Vocal Jazz
Year: 2015
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:09
Size: 90,2 MB
Art: Front

(3:26)  1. Barcelona Nights
(4:28)  2. This Dance
(5:14)  3. Too In Love
(2:55)  4. Dragonfly
(3:27)  5. Love Will Light The Way
(3:15)  6. Love In Hyde Park
(3:45)  7. The Songs We Sang
(4:52)  8. Fly Away
(3:59)  9. Something's Gotta Give
(3:42) 10. Love Theme From Candide / Send In The Clowns

David Benoit’s 2 In Love, featuring singer/songwriter Jane Monheit is on the crest of a new style in which his Grammy-nominated pianism and sonic instrumentals are now paired with Jane’s vocal prowess. Their new sound, heightened and shaped as a new form of musical expression, validates the fact that few contemporary jazz musicians have achieved as much notoriety or had such an impact as David Benoit. The 61-year old Benoit is revered as one of the founding fathers of contemporary jazz and this pairing with 37-year old Jane Monheit serves as a splendid cross-generational effort that is sure to appeal to their fans around the world. This is David Benoit’s first release with a vocalist and he couldn’t have chosen a better one than the Grammy Award-nominated cool-toned Jane Monheit. Together they present a rich and comprehensive performance of ten songs culled from a variety of styles including ballads, mid-tempo, neo-classical, Latin, Pop and Broadway. They are supported by an alternating rhythm section which features drummer Jamey Tate, Clayton Cameron, percussionist Lauren Kosty, guitarist Pat Kelley and bassists David Hughes and John Clayton. Guest string players Michelle Suh on violin and cellist Cathy Biagini add their impressive accompaniment to several songs including “Dragonfly,” a waltz, “Something’s Got To Give,” from the play of the same name written by Benoit with long-time collaborator Mark Winkler and “The Songs We Sang.”

Along with Jane Monheit, three lyricists Mark Winkler, Lorraine Feather and Spencer Day illuminated Benoit’s musical concepts with fresh lyrics that heighten his exemplary abilities to understand and accompany singers. Lorraine Feather’s lyrics to “Barcelona Nights” were inspired by Benoit’s travels to Spain. Jane sings this song with vigor and passion as the band members provide the imagery, textures and imaginary hi-res clips of a night in Barcelona. The song unites a number of important currents in Latin music particularly the groove and infectious rhythms with elements of American contemporary jazz. Benoit is prolific across a plethora of styles and genres and on his heartfelt piano solo piano performance of “Love Theme From Candide"/”Send In The Clowns” he conveys his remarkable talents on songs from Broadway and the Great American Songbook. His art of instrumental storytelling is superb and his choice of repertoire makes this recording worth several listens. Fans of David Benoit and Jane Monheit will consider their 2 In Love collaboration as having met the standards set by such vocalist/pianist pairings as pop vocalist Diana Ross and pianist Lionel Richie or jazz vocalist Dee Daniels and pianist Cyrus Chestnut’s performances together. 

Jane’s incredible four-octave range, phrasing, and melodic/rhythmic exploration of David’s new adult contemporary music works well together and brings both of their careers into a broader cultural context. In addition to the wonderful arrangements, all of the musicians excel in conceiving a sound that you are sure to enjoy. ~ Paula Edelstein  http://www.axs.com/david-benoit-pairs-with-jane-monheit-on-new-recording-titled-2-in-love-51190

2 In Love

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