David Benoit - Timeless

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2024
Time: 48:54
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Size: 114,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:45) 1. Fuzzy Logic (feat. Spice Fusion)
(4:52) 2. Cafe Rio (feat. Spice Fusion)
(4:23) 3. The Surest Things Can Change (feat. Brian McKnight)
(4:35) 4. Restless (feat. Spice Fusion)
(4:56) 5. Drive Time (feat. Spice Fusion)
(4:08) 6. Savannah Dream (Sophie's Song)
(4:35) 7. 6 PM (feat. Spice Fusion)
(5:42) 8. Beat Street (feat. Spice Fusion)
(6:54) 9. Mercy, Mercy, Mercy (feat. Spice Fusion)
(3:59) 10. Savannah Dream (Sophie's Song) (Radio Edit)

Grammy Nominated Pianist, Composer, Arranger, Film & TV Scorer.

Everyone knows David Benoit’s soundtracks for the “Peanuts” telefilms, which have amassed over 20 radio chart-toppers, as well as his music for films produced by Clint Eastwood, Sally Field, and many others. His collaborations with artists as diverse as The Rippingtons, Faith Hill, David Sanborn, Marc Antoine, and CeCe Winans have earned him praise from both press and fans alike. His orchestral work with the Pacific Vision Youth Symphony (which he founded in 2001), the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Philippine Philharmonic, but what truly sets this pianist and composer’s success apart is his ability to reinvent himself and be appreciated on both the jazz and smooth jazz scenes. “Timeless” presents about ten original compositions that reflect his passion for orchestral music, similar to what he could conceive for cinema, but this time in service of his vision of jazz, inviting Brian McKnight on the track “The Surest Things Can Change” perhaps to add a smooth touch to the whole.

Throughout this album, despite knowing David Benoit’s entire body of work, I remain fascinated by his way of writing music and managing arrangements, as David Benoit has a style all his own, born from a broad culture. “Timeless” also includes two more intimate recordings made in Los Angeles with a 10-piece brass section consisting of trumpets, trombones, bass trombone, flutes, and clarinets. These musicians, along with David’s touring rhythm section, Dan Schnelle on drums, and Roberto Vally on bass, have created a completely unique and distinctive sonic journey. On one of these two selections, “The Surest Things Can Change,” composed by Gino Vannelli and arranged by Benoit. The other of these two pieces, “Savannah Dream,” composed by SRG Jazz president Claude Villani, and arranged by Benoit, is the album’s first single. David Benoit has come a long way since his formative years in the South Bay of Los Angeles.

A grand album where the brass bursts here and there to make way for more poetic moments, in each track of this album, there’s always so much happening, so that when you listen to this CD several times, you spend your time discovering things you hadn’t noticed before. Listening to this album by David, others come to mind, like the fabulous album “So Nice” with Marc Antoine, “Heroes,” and the timeless “Here’s to you Charlie Brown…. And all the others,” all these fabulous albums that David Benoit has been releasing over the decades. As a discreet artist, I realize that his work is part of the composers who have been part of my universe for a very long time, like Bob James, Marcus Miller, David Sanborn, and I’ll stop there, otherwise, I’ll need to create a 5.000-page volume to tell you all this. Just know that “Timeless,” like every album by David Benoit, is a little wonder, soft and sometimes unclassifiable, very jazzy, very… full of other things too, sublime, admirable… “Indispensable!” By Thierry De Clemensat
https://www.paris-move.com/reviews/david-benoit-timeless-eng-review/

Timeless

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Mark Winkler - Late Bloomin' Jazzman

Styles: Vocal
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:20
Size: 117,9 MB
Art: Front

(3:32) 1. It Ain't Necessarily So
(3:25) 2. Don't Be Blue
(4:43) 3. When All the Lights in the Sign Worked
(4:27) 4. Late Bloomin' Jazzman
(3:43) 5. In Another Way
(5:01) 6. Bossa Nova Days
(3:17) 7. Old Devil Moon
(3:44) 8. I Always Had a Thing for You
(4:01) 9. Before You Leave
(4:33) 10. Old Enough
(5:36) 11. Marlena's Memories
(4:13) 12. If Gershwin Had Lived

Anyone who can hold their own on a stage on in a studio with Cheryl Bentyne cannot be all bad, right? Even if one's taste runs more to Harry Connick, Jr than to Mark Murphy, it is difficult not to get seriously into Mark Winkler. Oh, he can sing, for sure, but even if he could not carry a tune, he is a lyricist for the ages. Not all ages, mind you. But for those of a certain age, sensibility, and experience. As people are wont to say of life, "tell me your truth," not tell me the truth. Winkler tells the audience his truth. And more than a few will nod in agreement. Winkler may be a romantic, but he is no fool.

"You're playing better than in your well-regarded youth...the prodigies come and go, don't they?" If there is a mirror image to "September Song," "Late Bloomin' Jazzman" must be it, and Brian Swartz' tart trumpet adds the exclamation point. Yeah, novelty is sometimes confused with talent, or youth with beauty. Is it not, one thinks, the truth of the well-traveled?

"Bossa Nova Days" really drives it home. "I wasn't born for these times, music's not musical, and words don't even rhyme." Winkler remembers being lost in those bossa nova days, "singing of lost romance, sand beneath my feet." You, too, brother? "Take me back," he intones. Well, maybe not to Brazil, but some less exotic shore worked just as well. There were wars in 1967, too, but they had not visited one's doorstep yet. Not better times, but memory convinces otherwise. "Old Enough" explains it all. With ironic good humor. "I'm old enough not to be fooled by the lights and the show." "This time the clever is gone." And one gets it, including, "too many notes and too little feeling." Rueful, but funny. "I'm still young enough to know that I don't know that much." Point taken.

Too sentimental? Maudlin? Then try "Old Devil Moon." Winkler can swing, and he does not try too hard. The musicians are especially well placed here: Rich Eames on piano; Bob Sheppard on tenor sax; Christian Euman on drums; Gabe Davis on bass; and Grant Geissman on guitar, with Brian Swartz playing a solid backup line. Players of this caliber make it easier for a singer to sound good.

"Marlena's Memories" is almost too painful to hear, but a good reminder of how ordinary are the sources of pain. Winkler confesses he once wrote bad songs. Somehow, that seems implausible.

There are twelve tracks here. It really is not possible to write about all of them. And probably not necessary. To paraphrase a Founding Father, "If you have to ask, you will never know." A memorable performance indeed in a most memorable career.
By Richard J Salvucci https://www.allaboutjazz.com/late-bloomin-jazzman-cafe-pacific-records

Personnel: David Benoit: Piano; John Clayton: Drums; Jamieson Trotter: Piano; Bob Sheppard: Saxophone, Tenor; Nolan Shaheen: Flugelhorn; Kevin Winard: Drums; Jon Mayer: Piano; Gabe Davis: Bass, Acoustic; Clayton Cameron: Drums; Brian Swartz: Trumpet; Grant Geissman: Guitar; Christian Euman: Drums; Mark Winkler: Voice / Vocals.

Late Bloomin'Jazzman

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David Benoit - A Midnight Rendezvous

Styles: Piano Jazz
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 45:10
Size: 105,5 MB
Art: Front

(4:37) 1. A Midnight Rendezvous
(3:57) 2. Pioneer Town
(4:07) 3. The Bones
(5:08) 4. Floating
(4:14) 5. Long Journey Home
(3:21) 6. @Home
(4:59) 7. You Make Me Smile
(5:49) 8. Generations
(5:20) 9. Waiting For Spring
(3:35) 10. Cabin Fever

After a musical career spanning more than 40 years, pianist and composer David Benoit can rightfully be called a legend. He has always eluded stylistic classification, yet his works circle between contemporary jazz, smooth jazz and jazz. Thus, his new album A Midnight Rendevous, which will be released on February 18, 2022 on Shanachie Entertainment, also offers a colorful bouquet of melodies of different styles. The album is one of those rare today, which with concentrated manpower, implement his musical ideas. Details of the musicians involved in the recording can be found in the credits. To top it all off, the album closes with three recordings made with a big band under Benoit's direction.

The theme of the midnight hour has already occupied Benoit with his famous album and song Freedom At Midnight (1987) and has not let him go since. Thus, tying in with this, he opens his album with the title A Midnight Rendezvous. Berry Gordy, legendary founder of Motown Records loved jazz, smooth harmonies, pretty melodies: "When I heard the song, I clapped my hands and thought: My Goodness!" In effect David Benoit has written such a hit with this new song, that immediately puts you under its spell.

On Pioneer Town David meets keyboardist Jeff Lorber who not only accompanies David's superb piano performance with discreet keyboard sounds and his well-known synth bass, but also refines it in a nuanced way. The Bones is a very attractive song by American singer Maren Morris for her album Girl (2019). Regardless of the profound and uplifting lyrics, the melody deserves a very own autonomy, perfectly staged by David Benoit and his friends. With Floating David Benoit returns to the realm of melodious contemporary jazz which hides a story for which storyteller David Benoit is so well known. Justin Klunk sets some smooth accents on soprano sax. Long Journey Home, a collaboration with bassist Roberto Vally, spreads the aura of a crime film score.

The soulful @Home is anew dominated by Justin Klunk's soprano sax who skillfully accompanies David's thoughtful piano playing. Dave Koz has written You Make Me Smile for his album Lucky Man (1993) and presented a fresh version on his album Live From The Dave Koz Cruise (2019). David takes on the theme in his very own way, internalizing it in his contemplative piano playing. The album closes with three pieces that show the most diverse facets, but have one crucial thing in common. The orchestral buildup in a big band arrangement that seamlessly follows the great big band days of the 50s. David Benoit stays true to himself and his style with A Midnight Rendevous and offers his loyal fans exactly what they expect from him. This is what makes him so successful over the many years. http://www.smooth-jazz.de/firstview/Benoit/AMidnightRendezvous.htm

Personnel: David Benoit-Piano, Conductor, Arranger, Orchestrator; Eric Marienthal-Alto sax, Contractor; Sal Lozano-Alto Sax; Gordon Goodwin-Tenor Sax; Jay Mason-Baritone sax; Wayne Bergeron-Trumpet; Dan Fornero-Trumpet; Dan Rosenblum-Trumpet; Francisco Torres-Trombone; Charlie Morillas-Bass trombone; Dan Schnelle-Drums; Roberto Vally-Acoustic Bass; Kei Benoit, June Benoit-Music Preparation

A Midnight Rendezvous

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David Benoit - Right Here, Right Now

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:09
Size: 113,5 MB
Art: Front

(5:22) 1. Watermelon Man
(4:37) 2. Right Here, Right Now
(5:25) 3. Le Grand
(4:31) 4. Don't Know Why
(5:12) 5. Jellybeans And Chocolate
(5:44) 6. Third Encounter
(5:35) 7. Swingin' Waikiki
(4:10) 8. Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight
(4:31) 9. Wistful Thinking
(3:58) 10. Quiet Room

A true elder statesman of contemporary jazz (whose seminal mid-'80s recordings helped pave the way for the smooth jazz genre), pianist David Benoit stayed relevant, fresh, and funky due to three factors brilliant melodies, stylistic diversity from track to track, and working with hip, edgy producers. Rick Braun co-produced two of Benoit's recent, similarly brilliant offerings, Professional Dreamer (1999) and Fuzzy Logic (2001), and on Right Here, Right Now assumes the helm fully, guiding Benoit through a wide terrain of musical territory, sometimes adding his own trumpet expertise. There's the ongoing fun of funk/soul triumphs like "Watermelon Man" (Herbie Hancock's classic fashioned with the old-school bounce of another Benoit influence, Ramsey Lewis), the retro-minded title track, and the brassy jam "Jellybeans and Chocolate" (featuring Brian Culbertson and Euge Groove). Benoit's more thoughtful side emerges on the film score-like "Le Grand," an unofficial tribute to the ststyle of Michel Legrand featuring a dense percussion atmosphere, and the understated, melancholy "Quiet Room," a tribute to Benoit's late father (featuring Braun and guitarist Pat Kelley) and something of a sequel to his Grammy-nominated piece "Dad's Room." Benoit's other stops include hitching posts in "Swingin' Waikiki" (ah, the joy of bossa, featuring saxman Andy Suzuki) and a mystical, bass-throbbing "Third Encounter." Aside from his occasional Vince Guaraldi reduxes, Benoit with a few exceptions never much relied on cover tunes, but here includes two besides the Hancock tune a dreamy "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight" with Peter White and an orchestra, and a sparse easy listening cover of "Don't Know Why." Years passed, smooth jazz radio kept playing his oldies, yet his new stuff kept getting better and better.~ Jonathan Widran https://www.allmusic.com/album/right-here-right-now-mw0000316033

Personnel: David Benoit – acoustic piano (1-10), Wurlitzer electric piano (1), arrangements (1-7, 9, 10), string pad (2), synthesizer programming (2), Fender Rhodes (5), Hammond B3 organ (5), string arrangements and conductor (8); Pat Kelly – guitar (1, 3, 4, 7-10); Tony Maiden – guitar (1, 5); Randy Jacobs – guitar (2); Peter White – guitar solo (8); Kevin Axt – bass (1, 4, 8); Nathan East – bass (3, 6); Freddie Washington – bass (5); Dean Taba – bass (6, 7, 9, 10); Land Richards – drums (1, 4, 6, 8); Bud Harner – drums (2); Steve Ferrone – drums (3, 5, 6); Jeff Olson – drums (7, 9); Paulinho da Costa – percussion (1, 3, 4, 6, 7); Luis Conte – percussion (2); Lenny Castro – percussion (5); Brad Dutz – percussion (8); Euge Groove – tenor saxophone (5); Andy Suzuki – tenor saxophone (7, 9); Nick Lane – trombone (1, 2), horn arrangements (1, 2, 5); Brian Culbertson – trombone (5); Rick Braun – trumpet (1), party and fun stuff effects (1), arrangements (1, 2, 3, 5, 6), horn arrangements (1, 2, 5), synthesizer programming (2), computer programming (6), flugelhorn (10); Wayne Bergeron – trumpet (2)

Right Here, Right Now

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David Benoit - Fuzzy Logic

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2002
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:51
Size: 101,8 MB
Art: Front

(4:27)  1. Snap!
(5:09)  2. Fuzzy Logic
(4:55)  3. Someday Soon
(3:35)  4. Then The Morning Comes
(4:04)  5. Reflections
(4:56)  6. Coming Up For Air
(4:51)  7. You Read My Mind
(4:43)  8. War of the S.U.V.'s
(4:14)  9. Tango in Barbados
(2:52) 10. One Dream at a Time (June's Song)

Pianist David Benoit once again delivers a consummate jazz-pop release produced by trumpeter Rick Braun. Braun, who played on Benoit's 1999 Professional Dreamer, does a nice job of updating the piano man's trademark keyboard sound by addressing hip-hop and Latin rhythms. Despite the requisite candlelight noodlings and semi-funk party tracks that Benoit has admittedly popularized, there is much to appreciate here. With its ersatz harpsichord intro, the original "You Read My Mind" is reminiscent of early Bob James, and is a welcome breather from the usual bland jams. Similarly, an irony-free cover of Smashmouth's "Then the Morning Comes" brilliantly recalls the best of Burt Bacharach's '60s output. Fuzzy Math is perfect music for a romantic dinner or shopping a bridal registry at the mall. Either way, Benoit fans will no doubt be pleased. ~ Matt Collar https://www.allmusic.com/album/fuzzy-logic-mw0000217769

Personnel:   David Benoit - piano, Hammond B-3; Rick Braun - trumpet; Ross Bolton - guitar; Nick Lane - trombone; Andy Suzuki - saxophone; Abraham Laboriel - bass; Steve Ferrone - drums; Paul Jackson, Jr. - guitar; Roberto Vally - bass; Brad Dutz - percussion; Pat Kelly - guitar; Dean Taba - bass;  Jeff Olson - drums; Neil Angilley - keyboards; Ian Crabtree - guitar; Phil Mulford - bass; Stan Sargeant - bass; Scott Breadman - percussion

Fuzzy Logic

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David Benoit & Gregg Bissonette, Brian Bromberg - Great Composers Of Jazz

Styles: Piano Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:54
Size: 120,4 MB
Art: Front

(5:13)  1. Brother Go To Mothers
(4:00)  2. Cute
(6:01)  3. Django
(4:11)  4. Blue Rondo a La Turk
(4:40)  5. Some Other Time
(4:57)  6. Cakewalk
(6:02)  7. Stardust
(4:05)  8. Straight No Chaser
(5:14)  9. I Loves You Porgy
(7:27) 10. Waltz For Debby

The newly formed Vertical Jazz Records debuts with an attractive, six-CD series of straightahead trio, quartet and quintet recordings showcasing top West Coast jazz artists, many of whom had never recorded together before. Because these musicians have leaned toward pop-jazz or pursued unidentified studio work, they may surprise you with their stunning straightahead remakes of standards. These sessions, recorded under direction of executive producer/president Suzanne Severini last spring at Ocean Way Recording Studios in Hollywood, prove the label is off to a strong start. In their scintillating 10-tune tribute to the piano trio tradition of Bill Evans, The Great Composers of Jazz, pianist David Benoit, bassist Bromberg and drummer Bissonette deliver polished versions of warhorse standards. Highlights include a rousing take on Dave Brubeck’s “Blue Rondo La Turk,” a lovely reading of the Modern Jazz Quartet classic, “Django” and a sweeping version of Evans’ most famous composition, “Waltz for Debbie.” Bromberg’s 280-year-old bass adds sonorously to the session, especially when he plays the head on “Straight, No Chaser.” Included are provocative remakes of Oscar Peterson’s “Cakewalk,” Hoagy Carmichael’s “Stardust,” Neal Hefti’s “Cute” and more. ~ Nancy Ann Lee https://jazztimes.com/reviews/albums/david-benoitgreg-bissonettebrian-bromberg-the-great-composers-of-jazz/

Personnel:  David Benoit (Piano); Brian Bromberg (Bass); Gregg Bissonette (Drums).

Great Composers Of Jazz

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David Benoit - Freedom at Midnight

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1987
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:46
Size: 107,4 MB
Art: Front

(4:12)  1. Freedom at Midnight
(4:07)  2. Along the Milky Way
(4:38)  3. Kei's Song
(4:18)  4. The Man with the Panama Hat
(3:16)  5. Pieces of Time
(4:22)  6. Morning Sojourn
(4:41)  7. Tropical Breeze
(5:13)  8. Passion Walk
(6:03)  9. Del Sasser - David Benoit, Jones, Sam
(5:52) 10. The Last Goodbye

Pianist David Benoit's debut for GRP was a big seller and set the tone for the next decade of his career. In general, Benoit's piano is heard in the forefront, joined by oversized rhythm sections (including the Rippingtons' Russ Freeman) and a string section. A strictly boppish quartet rendition of "Del Sasser" with altoist Sam Riney is a nice change of pace, but otherwise, the music is melodic, lightweight, and better for backgrounds than for close listening. Overall, this program is pleasant and not at all objectionable, but difficult to remember once the CD is finished. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/freedom-at-midnight-mw0000649402

Personnel:  David Benoit - piano, synthesizer;  Sam Riney - saxophone;  Randy Kerber - synthesizers;  Abraham Laboriel - bass;  John Pattitucci - bass;  Tony Morales - drums;  Jeff Porcaro - drums;  Joe Porcaro - percussion;  Russ Freeman - guitar;  Dann Huff - guitar;  Bob Feldman - bass;  Michael Fisher - percussion;  Osamu Kitajima - koto

Freedom at Midnight

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Eric Marienthal - One Touch

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1993
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 48:54
Size: 112,3 MB
Art: Front

(4:33)  1. No Doubt About It
(4:03)  2. That's The Way
(4:48)  3. One For James
(5:26)  4. Walk Throught The Fire
(4:36)  5. Ouch !
(5:08)  6. Westland
(6:00)  7. The Village
(4:40)  8. Tanto Amor
(3:57)  9. Backtalk
(5:39) 10. Where Are You ?

Altoist Eric Marienthal (who is also heard on tenor, soprano and baritone) plays well throughout One Touch but he is the only reason to acquire this disc. The backup, which includes keyboardist-producer Jeff Lorber, a few vocalists and guest appearances from pianist David Benoit and bassist John Patitucci, is mostly pretty anonymous. The originals are forgettable and usually fade out when the music gets too heated. With all of the selections clocking in between three-and-a-half and almost five minutes, potential radio airplay was obviously the main purpose behind the music, which is consistently commercial, accessible, mildly soulful and very predictable. At best, One Touch succeeds as background music but a close listen will frustrate listeners who know that Eric Marienthal is capable of much more. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/one-touch-mw0000618989

Personnel:  Eric Marienthal - alto saxophone (1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9); soprano saxophone (2, 8, 10); tenor saxophone (3); baritone saxophone (3);  Dave Koz - soprano saxophone (2);  Paul Jackson, Jr. - guitar (1, 2, 4, 6, 9);  James Harrah - guitar (3, 7);  Oliver Leiber - guitar (5);  Peter Sprague - guitar (8);  Alec Milstein - bass (1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9);  John Pattitucci - bass (1, 5: solos);  Jimmy Haslip - bass (3, 7, 8, 10);  Jeff Lorber - synthesizers, sequencing, drum programming (1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9);  Russell Ferrante - piano, keyboards (3, 7, 8); sequence programming (3, 7);  David Benoit - piano, keyboard sequencing (10);  John Robinson - drums (3, 7, 10);  Paulinho Da Costa - percussion (1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9);  Alex Acuña - percussion (7, 8, 10); drums (8);  Wayne Bergeron - trumpet (3);  Andy Martin - trombone (3);  Carl Anderson - vocals (4);  Ivan Lins - vocals (8);  Kiki Ebsen - background vocals (2);  Randy Hall - background vocals (2);  Benet - background vocals (4)

One Touch

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Rick Braun - Yours Truly

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:24
Size: 95,2 MB
Art: Front

(3:30)  1. Shining Star
(4:41)  2. Holdin' Back The Years
(4:36)  3. Love's Theme
(4:59)  4. All Around The World
(4:05)  5. Walk On The Wild Side
(5:10)  6. Daughters
(4:37)  7. Groove Is In The Heart
(4:48)  8. Kiss Of Life
(4:53)  9. What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life?

With Yours Truly Rick Braun broadens his audience appeal with smooth "jazzpects" of such pop and R&B covers as "Shining Star," "Holdin' Back the Years," "Love's Theme," "All Around the World," and "Daughters," among others. His muted trumpeting on Earth, Wind & Fire's mega-hit "Shining Star" opens the program and sets the cool, laid-back tone of the set. This cool, laid-back feeling has put Braun in the ring with the best of the world's greatest trumpeters. On "Holdin' Back the Years," his modern traditional approach gives listeners a sense of deep and undulating relaxation. His fluid-like state of inner joy surfaces in such appealing riffs that you simply forget you're listening to a CD. On "Love's Theme" the addition of Braun's trumpet voice to Craig Sharmat's skillful orchestral arrangement induces a state of complete harmony. "All Around the World" is an inspired odyssey. Rick Braun uses a melodic search for the woman in this man's warm stream of memories. Throughout the song, Braun gently pours a relaxed torrent of notes into a groove-infused synthesis of guitars, bass, and percussion offered by Ross Bolton, David Dyson, and Lenny Castro. "Daughters," which features Jeff Golub, is absolutely beautiful and renders a sensation of tranquility. "Groove Is in the Heart" offers an up-tempo, funky change of pace and creativity. Braun's playing is definitely sexy, supple, and energetic. He is especially romantic on this rendition of "What Are You Doing for the Rest of Your Life?" David Benoit's beautiful piano and string arrangements tug at your heart and make this song the perfect mood-setter for falling in love and popping the magic question to someone special. Craig Sharmat's "heartbeat" effect really adds a subtle difference to this gorgeous ballad. Although this particular recording excludes original compositions by Braun and the ultra-fiery blowing heard on his Grammy-winning duet recording with Boney James titled Shake It Up, fear not. This is classic Rick Braun in a mellow, melodic mood, transporting listeners with the rich tones of his muted trumpet voice through the musical landscape of his life. Highly recommended. ~ Paula Edelstein https://www.allmusic.com/album/yours-truly-mw0000349616

Personnel:  Rick Braun - trumpet, flugelhorn;  David Benoit - piano;  Lenny Castro, Jeff Golub, Steve Kujala - flute;  Mitchel Forman - keyboards;  Bud Harner - percussion;  Stan Sargeant - bass

Yours Truly

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Bill Meyers & David Benoit - The Invitation From L.A.

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1990
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:26
Size: 100,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:21)  1. Killing Me Softly With His Song
(4:55)  2. Bridge Over Troubled Water
(3:32)  3. Flash Dance
(3:31)  4. Just The Way You Are
(3:55)  5. That's What Friends Are For
(3:58)  6. Sailing
(3:42)  7. Saving All My Love For You
(4:15)  8. The Way We Were
(5:06)  9. You've Got A Friend
(5:06) 10. We Are The World

A jazz/classical pianist and synthesist, Meyer bridges the gap between jazz, rock, and new-age. His is very high-quality music from a compositional perspective.~ Paul Koher https//www.allmusic.com/artist/bill-meyers-mn0000767072/biography

One of the more popular performers in the idiom somewhat inaccurately called "contemporary jazz," David Benoit has mostly performed light melodic background music, what critic Alex Henderson has dubbed "new age with a beat." Benoit has done a few fine jazz projects (including a tribute to Bill Evans and a collaboration with Emily Remler) but most of his output for GRP has clearly been aimed at the charts. He studied composition and piano at El Camino College and, in 1975, played on the soundtrack of the Robert Altman-film Nashville. After recording with Alphonse Mouzon and accompanying singer Gloria Lynne, he was signed to the AVI label when he was 24, recording sets like 1977's Heavier Than Yesterday that paved the way for his later output. In 1986, Benoit signed as a solo artist with GRP, a relationship that would last until 2003. Albums like 1989's Waiting for Spring and 1999's Professional Dreamer showcase his smooth, lyrical style, while projects like his 2000 tribute to Vince Guaraldi's Peanuts scores, Here's to You, Charlie Brown!: 50 Great Years!, demonstrate where his own tastes lie. A decade after their first joint venture, Benoit and Russ Freeman collaborated on Benoit/Freeman Project 2, released by the Concord-associated label Peak in 2004. For 2005's Orchestral Works he was joined by the Czech National Symphony Orchestra and members of the Asia America Symphony Orchestra. He released two studio albums including Full Circle in 2006 and Standards, which appeared later that same year. In 2008, Benoit paid tribute to some of his musical idols with the album Heroes. The album saw him covering songs by Elton John, the Beatles, Dave Brubeck, and others. Two years later, Benoit delivered the Clark Germain-produced electronica-inflected album Earthglow, and in 2012, he returned with Conversation, which featured the classical trio-meets-jazz-trio title track taken from his "Music for Two Trios" suite. n 2014, Benoit contributed to former Ambrosia guitarist David Pack's Napa Crossroads set with Alan Parsons, Ray Manzarek, Larry Carlton, Mindi Abair, and others. Benoit shifted focus on his next outing. Deciding to record an all-originals vocal album, he collaborated with lyricists Lorraine Feather, Mark Winkler, and Spencer Day. Released in the June of 2015, 2 in Love featured Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Jane Monheit. She was also featured heavily on Believe, a Christmas recording that appeared just four months later. In 2017, Benoit paired with guitarist Marc Antoine for So Nice! on Shanachie Records. Also that year, he delivered the solo piano date The Steinway Sessions. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/artist/david-benoit-mn0000635760/biography

Personnel:  Keyboards – Barnaby Finch, Bill Meyers (tracks: 1, 5, 6, 8, 9), David Benoit (tracks: 2 to 4, 7, 10);  Backing Vocals – Darlene Koldenhoven (tracks: 7, 10), John Lekman (tracks: 7, 10), Joyce Wilson (tracks: 7, 10);  Bass – Niel Stubenhaus;  Drums – Vinnie Colaiuta; Guitar – Mike Landau;  Percussion – Luis Conte, Oliver C. Brown (tracks: 3, 4, 7, 10);  Saxophone – Brandon Fields (tracks: 1, 4 to 6, 8, 9), Gary Herbig (tracks: 2, 3, 7);  Vocals – Clydene Jackson Edwards* (tracks: 7, 10), Harold Payne (tracks: 4, 10)       

The Invitation From L.A.

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Mark Winkler - The Company I Keep

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:56
Size: 128.0 MB
Styles: Vocal jazz
Year: 2017
Art: Front

[4:12] 1. Walk Between The Raindrops (With Jackie Ryan)
[5:12] 2. Strollin' (With Cheryl Bentyne)
[4:27] 3. Midnight In Paris
[3:30] 4. But It Still Ain't So (With Steve Tyrell)
[5:42] 5. That Afternoon In Harlem
[3:15] 6. They Can't Take That Away From Me
[4:58] 7. Stolen Moments (With Claire Martin)
[4:27] 8. Love Comes Quietly
[5:18] 9. Rainproof (With Sara Gazarek)
[5:20] 10. The Sum
[4:00] 11. Lucky To Be Me
[5:28] 12. Here's To Life

Mark Winkler: vocals; Jackie Ryan: vocals (1); Jamieson Trotter: piano (1, 2, 4, 6, 7), Hammond B-3 (4); Lyman Medeiros: bass (1, 2, 4, 6, 10, 11); Mike Shapiro: drums (1, 2, 6, 10); Bob McChesney: trombone (1, 5, 7); Ron Blake: trumpet (1, 7); Brian Swartz: trumpet (1, 7); Bob Sheppard: saxophone (1, 4, 7, 9, 10), clarinet (11); Cheryl Bentyne: vocals (2); Larry Koonse: guitar (2, 3); Rich Eames: piano (3, 12); John Clayton: bass (3, 7-9); Jeff Hamilton: drums (3, 5, 7-9); Don Shelton: clarinet (3); Paul Cartwright: violin (3); Bob Mann: guitars (4); Kevin Winard: drums (4), percussion (10); Eric Reed: piano (5, 8); John Beasley: piano (10); David Benoit: piano (11).

The utility of music, at its very core, is entertainment. It is not all about dissonance and consonance, tonal conflict and resolution; heart and intellect, pathos and ethos. Somewhere in everything music has to offer, there must be a smile. It is in music's smile that vocalist Mark Winkler exists. An elegant West Coast mainstay, vocalist/lyricist/composer Winkler, drove across my radar first with his 2011 recording Sweet Spot (Café Pacific Records). I was struck by how well Winkler could skirt the orbit of con brio cabaret singing, with its fun, entertainment core, and remain completely fixed in his capacity of jazz singer and composer.

Winkler followed Sweet Spot with his bold 2013 release, The Laura Nyro Project (Café Pacific Records). An exceptional duet recording with The Manhattan Transfer's Cheryl Bentyne, West Coast Cool (Summit Records, 2013) came next, followed by the fun and good-natured Jazz and Other Four Letter Words (Café Pacific Records, 2015).

Winkler had a period of personal loss in 2016 that would have crushed lesser musical mortals. Rather than dwell in the loss, Winkler circled his wagons, and, by wagons I mean his friends, producing the present recording, The Company I Keep. The recording is tacitly a duets recording, where Winkler shares singing duties with the likes of Jackie Ryan "Walk Between the Raindrops" and Steve Tyrell "But It Still Ain't So." Sometimes the duets are with musicians: pianists David Benoit, Josh Nelson and Eric Reed join Winkler regular Jamison Trotter in providing the singer support. Add to this the contributions of reeds player Bob Sheppard and a picture is complete. With friends like that, how can one go wrong.

The recording, engineering, and sonics are exceptional, as well as the arrangements (mostly by Trotter). The project is composed of a a dozen pieces, half with lyrics composed by Winkler and half carefully selected by him and his cohorts. Beautifully, the "standards" (if you will) are not so standard. Donald Fagan's "Walk Between Raindrops," shared with Ryan and Prince's "Strollin'" shared with Cheryl Bentyne are pure genius in song selection. What is amply apparent is that Winkler is enjoying himself and his friends and vice versa. "Stolen Moments" with Claire Martin (using the late Mark Murphy's lyrics) and "Rainproof," sung with Sara Gazarek (this latter with Winkler lyrics) demonstrates Winkler's artistic resilience and determination.

Winkler's complete dedication to his friends is also expressed in the cover art, which includes West Coast dignitaries well known to our electronic pages (in no particular order): Lauren White, Jeffrey Gimble, Barbara Brighton, Andrew Abaria, Richard Winkler, Judy Wexler, and Dolores Scozzesi. Mark Winkler, I am so glad you (we) have them all. ~C. Michael Bailey

The Company I Keep mc
The Company I Keep zippy

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David Benoit - Here's To You, Charlie Brown: 50 Great Years!

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 2000
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:54
Size: 96,6 MB
Art: Front

(3:06)  1. Linus and Lucy
(4:18)  2. Charlie Brown Theme
(4:38)  3. Pebble Beach
(4:30)  4. Linus Tells Charlie
(4:34)  5. Frieda
(5:17)  6. Christmas Time Is Here
(3:08)  7. Getting Ready
(4:05)  8. Blue Charlie Brown
(4:28)  9. Red Baron
(3:47) 10. Happiness

An album of Peanuts-related music performed by David Benoit is a no-brainer, not only because of the retirement and death of Charles Schultz, who drew the comic strip, but also because Benoit has in recent years taken over writing the music for the ongoing series of shows, which were scored originally by Vince Guaraldi. Benoit emphasizes his predecessor by devoting seven of the album's ten tracks to Guaraldi compositions. Unfortunately, he begins with one of those exercises in necrophilia that is usually the province of the less-talented progeny of great singers, overdubbing a few of his own unnecessary noodlings on the original recording of "Linus and Lucy." Fortunately, things improve after that, as the trio of Benoit, bassist Christian McBride, and drummer Peter Erskine is joined by a series of high-profile guest musicians: guitarist Marc Antoine on "Pebble Beach" and "Red Baron"; trumpeter Chris Botti on Benoit's "Linus Tells Charlie"; saxophonist Michael Brecker on "Freda"; and guitarist Russell Malone on "Blue Charlie Brown." Despite the spring release date, the inclusion of the near-standard "Christmas Time Is Here" is inevitable, and here it's sung by Take 6. In an inspired move, the album closes with Al Jarreau's winsome take on "Happiness," a song from the stage musical You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. All in all, this is a pleasant, if minor, addition to Benoit's catalog. ~ William Ruhlmann http://www.allmusic.com/album/heres-to-you-charlie-brown-50-great-years%21-mw0000061082

Personnel: David Benoit (piano); Al Jarreau, Take 6 (vocals); Michael Brecker (tenor saxophone); Chris Botti (trumpet); Vince Guaraldi (piano); Marc Antoine, Russell Malone (guitar); Christian McBride (bass); Peter Erskine (drums).

Here's To You, Charlie Brown: 50 Great Years!

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David Benoit - Every Step Of The Way

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1988
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 49:02
Size: 112,8 MB
Art: Front

(4:03)  1. Every Step Of The Way
(3:33)  2. Shibuya Station
(5:02)  3. The Key To You
(4:33)  4. Remembering What You Said
(2:45)  5. Once Running Free
(4:40)  6. ReBach
(5:16)  7. Sao Paulo
(5:34)  8. No Worries
(4:52)  9. I Just Can't Stop Loving You
(4:25) 10. Painted Desert
(4:14) 11. Saturdays

One of the more popular performers in the idiom somewhat inaccurately called "contemporary jazz," David Benoit has mostly performed light melodic background music, what critic Alex Henderson has dubbed "new age with a beat." Benoit has done a few fine jazz projects (including a tribute to Bill Evans and a collaboration with Emily Remler) but most of his output for GRP has clearly been aimed at the charts. He studied composition and piano at El Camino College and, in 1975, played on the soundtrack of the film Nashville. After recording with Alphonse Mouzon and accompanying singer Gloria Lynne, he was signed to the AVI label when he was 24, recording sets that paved the way for his later output. In 1986, Benoit signed as a solo artist with GRP, a relationship that would last until 2003. Albums like 1989's Waiting for Spring and 1999's Professional Dreamer showcase his smooth, lyrical style, while projects like his 2000 tribute to Vince Guaraldi's Peanuts scores, Here's to You, Charlie Brown!: 50 Great Years!, demonstrate where his own tastes lie. A decade after their first joint venture, Benoit and Russ Freeman collaborated on Benoit/Freeman Project 2, released by the Concord-associated label Peak in 2004. For 2005's Orchestral Works he was joined by the Czech National Symphony Orchestra and members of the Asia America Symphony Orchestra. He released two studio albums including Full Circle in 2006 and Standards, which appeared later that same year. In 2008, Benoit paid tribute to some of his musical idols with the album Heroes. The album saw him covering songs by Elton John, the Beatles, Dave Brubeck, and others. Two years later, Benoit delivered the Clark Germain-produced electronica-inflected album Earthglow, and in 2012, he returned with Conversation, which featured the classical trio-meets-jazz-trio title track taken from his "Music for Two Trios" suite. In 2014, Benoit contributed to former Ambrosia guitarist David Pack's Napa Crossroads set with Alan Parsons, Ray Manzarek, Larry Carlton, Mindi Abair, and others. Benoit shifted focus on his next outing. Deciding to record an all-originals vocal album, he collaborated with lyricists Lorraine Feather, Mark Winkler, and Spencer Day. Released in the June of 2015, 2 in Love featured Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Jane Monheit. She was also featured heavily on Believe, a Christmas recording that appeared just four months later. ~ Scott Yanow https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/every-step-of-the-way/id19683771

Personnel:  David Benoit - piano, synthesizer;  Russ Freeman – guitar;  Randy Waldman – keyboards;  Grant Geissman – guitar;  Nathan East – bass;  Bob Feldman – bass;  Neil Stubenhaus – bass;  Michael Landau – guitar;  David Pack – vocals;  John Robinson – drums;  Harvey Mason – drums;  Stanley Clarke – bass;  Mike Fisher – percussion;  Sam Riney – saxophone;  Tony Morales - drums

Every Step Of The Way

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David Benoit & Marc Antoine - So Nice

Styles: Piano And Guitar Jazz
Year: 2017
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:44
Size: 93,7 MB
Art: Front

(4:23)  1. French Café
(4:50)  2. Penthouse In Copacabana
(3:27)  3. Só Danço Samba
(5:04)  4. Caminando
(3:28)  5. A Cafe Au Lait Bentley
(4:26)  6. All Said And Done
(3:22)  7. Rio Deluxe
(3:39)  8. Puma Trail
(3:35)  9. So Nice
(4:25) 10. Algarve

One of the more popular performers in the idiom somewhat inaccurately called "contemporary jazz," David Benoit has mostly performed light melodic background music, what critic Alex Henderson has dubbed "new age with a beat." Benoit has done a few fine jazz projects (including a tribute to Bill Evans and a collaboration with Emily Remler) but most of his output for GRP has clearly been aimed at the charts. He studied composition and piano at El Camino College and, in 1975, played on the soundtrack of the film Nashville. After recording with Alphonse Mouzon and accompanying singer Gloria Lynne, he was signed to the AVI label when he was 24, recording sets that paved the way for his later output. In 1986, Benoit signed as a solo artist with GRP, a relationship that would last until 2003. 

Albums like 1989's Waiting for Spring and 1999's Professional Dreamer showcase his smooth, lyrical style, while projects like his 2000 tribute to Vince Guaraldi's Peanuts scores, Here's to You, Charlie Brown!: 50 Great Years!, demonstrate where his own tastes lie. A decade after their first joint venture, Benoit and Russ Freeman collaborated on Benoit/Freeman Project 2, released by the Concord-associated label Peak in 2004. For 2005's Orchestral Works he was joined by the Czech National Symphony Orchestra and members of the Asia America Symphony Orchestra. He released two studio albums including Full Circle in 2006 and Standards, which appeared later that same year. In 2008, Benoit paid tribute to some of his musical idols with the album Heroes. The album saw him covering songs by Elton John, the Beatles, Dave Brubeck, and others. Two years later, Benoit delivered the Clark Germain-produced electronica-inflected album Earthglow, and in 2012, he returned with Conversation, which featured the classical trio-meets-jazz-trio title track taken from his "Music for Two Trios" suite.  In 2014, Benoit contributed to former Ambrosia guitarist David Pack's Napa Crossroads set with Alan Parsons, Ray Manzarek, Larry Carlton, Mindi Abair, and others.  Benoit shifted focus on his next outing. Deciding to record an all-originals vocal album, he collaborated with lyricists Lorraine Feather, Mark Winkler, and Spencer Day. Released in the June of 2015, 2 in Love featured Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Jane Monheit. She was also featured heavily on Believe, a Christmas recording that appeared just four months later. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/artist/david-benoit-mn0000635760/biography

Marc Antoine was born in Paris, France on 28 May 1963. His parents bought him his first guitar when he was 11 years old and he developed a passion for the instrument after watching a friend play. By the age of 13, his father was impressed by his growing skill and sent Antoine to Conservatoire de Paris where he would receive classical lessons. While learning his craft, he drew inspiration from his mentors Andrés Segovia and John Williams. Antoine came to a crossroads at the age of 17 at which he had to choose between his hobby of guitar and his profession of competitive swimming. As he'd won several awards through his guitar performances, he chose to remain a guitarist and expand his influences to include local favorites in jazz, rock, Afro, and pop. Marc also played in local bands in Brittany, France during this time. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marc_Antoine_(musician)

So Nice

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David Garfield and Friends - Tribute to Jeff

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1997
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:34
Size: 157,2 MB
Art: Front

(5:55)  1. E Minor Shuffle
(6:02)  2. Let's Stay Together
(2:34)  3. Twenty-One Drum Salute
(6:27)  4. Lowdown
(7:06)  5. If Six was Nine
(5:37)  6. Bag's Groove
(5:31)  7. My Heart Wants to Know
(6:24)  8. It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry
(6:26)  9. Babylon Sisters
(1:30) 10. Stuffy
(5:52) 11. Jeff's Strut
(6:57) 12. Big Bone
(2:07) 13. Long Time No Groove

The tragic death of Princess Diana reminded everyone of the impact a single person can have, and in turn, Elton John's moving tribute at her funeral reflected the great role music can play as emotional catharsis. Tribute to Jeff by David Garfield & Friends achieves that for all those who participated, but is in many ways the antithesis of the rewritten "Candle in the Wind," vigorously celebrating the life of multiple Grammy-winning drummer and first-call L.A. session cat Jeff Porcaro rather than choosing to mourn the tragedy of his early death in 1992 at age 38. Though best known for his skinwork in the pop supergroup Toto, Porcaro's influence on the music scene ranged beyond the light pop/rock the band was known for; he grew up on jazz and his diverse timekeeping skills were tapped by everyone from Boz Scaggs, Bruce Springsteen, and Don Henley to Stan Getz and Larry Carlton. He was also the backbone of the longstanding L.A. club-hopping band Los Lobotomys, the fusion-oriented '80s and early-'90s answer to Tom Scott & the L.A. Express featuring pianist Garfield and Toto member Steve Lukather on guitar (Joe Sample would occasionally sit in on second keyboard). In his two decades on the scene, Porcaro made a wealth of friends from all genres, ranging from hard rock to soul, blues, and straight-ahead jazz. Garfield, a veteran of the L.A. scene known for his long-term stint as George Benson's musical director, recalls his late friend as "the ultimate team player, never a forefront kind of guy, with a special camaraderie with musicians." As ringleader, arranger, and producer of the project, as well as lead performer, Garfield succeeds in capturing that sort of ensemble spirit. With 75 musicians participating, the pianist faced a four-month logistical nightmare of studio schedule-crunching in L.A., Nashville, and New York, but, using Porcaro as a muse (by virtue of lighting candles and occasionally playing cassettes of the guest of honor's interviews), Garfield & Friends pull off the ultimate wake, a remarkably all-encompassing, frequently unpredictable overview that, well, Porcaro would have doubtless killed to play on. ~ Jonathan Widran http://www.allmusic.com/album/tribute-to-jeff-porcaro-mw0000026486

Personnel: David Garfield (spoken vocals, piano, electric piano, synthesizer, Mini Moog, Moog); Michael Landau (vocals, guitar); Will Lee (vocals, bass); Paulette Brown, Michael McDonald, David Pack, Jason Scheff, Boz Scaggs (vocals); Simon Phillips (spoken vocals, drums); Steve Lukather (acoustic & electric guitars); Paul Jackson Jr., Eddie Van Halen, Denny Dias, Fred Tackett (guitar); Tom Scott (alto, tenor & baritone saxophones); Jerry Hey (trumpet, flugelhorn); David Paich (piano, electric piano, Fender Rhodes); David Benoit (piano); Emil Richards (vibraphone); Mike Porcaro (bass, cymbals); Nathan East (bass); Gregg Bissonette, Steve Gadd (drums); Luis Conte (conga, batas, percussion); Don Henley, Richard Marx (background vocals).

Tribute to Jeff

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Emily Remler - This Is Me

Styles: Guitar Jazz
Year: 1990
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:38
Size: 130,4 MB
Art: Front

(5:26)  1. Deep In A Trance
(4:51)  2. Majestic Dance
(6:17)  3. "E" Samba
(4:52)  4. Love Colors
(4:48)  5. Dark Passage
(4:51)  6. You Know What I'm Saying
(5:38)  7. Song For Maggie
(5:13)  8. Around The Bend
(6:19)  9. Carenia
(4:55) 10. Simplicidaje
(3:23) 11. Second Childhood

Emily Remler's first and tragically, her last excursion into electric jazz-pop indicates that she could have become a strong force in that area had she not died. Though Remler's Concord recordings earned her a great deal of respect in hard bop circles, she felt limited creatively and was quite anxious to experiment in the electric realm. On her final session, This Is Me, the guitarist incorporates pop and rock elements on her own terms maintaining her musical integrity and avoiding radio-oriented smooth jazz drivel altogether. 

What remains constant is the warm and lyrical nature of her playing. While the influence of Wes Montgomery and Herb Ellis remains, some of these pieces indicate that she was paying close attention to Pat Metheny.~Alex Henderson http://www.allmusic.com/album/this-is-me-mw0000115667

Personnel: Emily Remler (guitar, guitar synthesizer); Maucha Adnet (vocals); Jay Ashby (trombone, percussion); Aydin Esen (piano, keyboards); Bill O'Connell (piano); David Benoit, Russ Freeman (keyboards); Romero Lubambo (acoustic guitar); Lincoln Goines, Jimmy Johnson (bass); Jeff Porcaro, Ricky Sebastian, Daduka Fonseca (drums); Luis Conte, Jeffrey Weber, Cafe (percussion).

This Is Me

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Diane Schuur - Pure Schuur

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 1991
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 47:46
Size: 109,6 MB
Art: Front

(5:10)  1. Nobody Does Me
(4:53)  2. All Caught Up In Love
(2:19)  3. Deed I Do
(4:54)  4. What A Difference A Day Makes
(6:10)  5. Touch
(4:32)  6. Baby You Got What It Takes
(3:55)  7. Unforgettable
(4:53)  8. I Could Get Used To This
(3:15)  9. You Don't Remember Me
(4:25) 10. Hold Out
(3:15) 11. We Can Only Try

Diane Schuur has always been one of the world's greatest modern jazz voices, and her purity on this collection makes for her most artistic yet accessible statement to date. She may be broadening her scope to include pop, but she's also sure to pay homage to her jazzy upbringing, most notably on her stunning renditions of "Unforgettable" (the same year Natalie Cole triumphed with the song) and "Deed I Do," a sassy big-band duet with the late Joe Williams. The magic of Pure Schuur lies in Schuur's ability to pick and interpret such a wide range of songs with so many different types of arrangements.

While producer Andre Fischer seems to have a grand old time backing Deedles with sporty horn sections and synthesized sounds, the album is most effective with minimal instrumentation, as on the magnificent "You Don't Remember Me" and "We Can Only Try." As with Frank Sinatra and the like, Schuur is blessed with good-to-great songs, smart arrangers, and stellar productions, but it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that...voice. Schuur's is clear, rich, and powerful, mixing fun and romance as only a jazz legend in the making can.~Jonathan Widran http://www.allmusic.com/album/pure-schuur-mw0000317774

Personnel: Diane Schuur (vocals, keyboards); Joe Williams , Bobby Womack (vocals); Dean Parks (guitar, acoustic guitar); Grant Geissman (guitar); Ernie Fields Jr., Fred Jackson, Jr. , Jack Nimitz, Joel Peskin (saxophone); Larry Williams (alto saxophone); Chuck Finley (tenor saxophone, trumpet); Dan Higgins (tenor saxophone); Kim Hutchcroft (baritone saxophone); Gary Grant (trumpet, flugelhorn); Nolan Andrew Smith, Oscar Brashear, Sal Marquez, Steve Huffsteter , Frank Szabo (trumpet); Chuck Findley (flugelhorn); David Duke , Richard Perissi, Art Mawby, Marni Robinson, Richard Evans (French horn); Dick Hyde, Garnett Brown, Richard Hyde, Charles Loper, Maurice Spears (trombone); David Benoit, Tom Garvin (piano); Michael Ruff (organ); Marc Hugenberger (keyboards, programming); André Fischer (drums, programming); Harold Jones , Carlos Vega (drums); Larry Steelman (programming, keyboard programming); Brad Cole (programming); Denise DeCaro, Maxine Anderson, Lynn Davis , Maxi Anderson (background vocals).

Pure Schuur

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David Benoit Trio - Believe (Feat. Jane Monheit)

Size: 100,5 MB
Time: 36:41
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals, Xmas
Art: Front

01. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town (Live) (3:33)
02. Believe (Live) (4:52)
03. Christmas Waltz (Live) (3:55)
04. Christmas Time Is Here (Live) (3:07)
05. Guaraldi Medley (Live) (8:25)
06. My Favorite Things (Live) (3:47)
07. Just Like Me (Live) (3:56)
08. My Little Drum (Live) (2:33)
09. The Christmas Song (Live) (2:30)

GRAMMY®-nominated pianist/composer/arranger David Benoit and GRAMMY®-nominated vocalist Jane Monheit continue their synergy from 2 In Love to create Believe, a Christmas album full of holiday favorites that will inspire and warm the heart throughout the holiday season. Renowned jazz flautist, Tim Weisberg and The All-American Boys Chorus are featured on the album as well. The All-American Boys Chorus, America s quintessential professional boys chorus, has delighted audiences worldwide for over forty years. Based in Costa Mesa, California, the Chorus is comprised of over 100 boys ages 8-15 drawn from throughout Southern California. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Wesley Martin, a veteran of Hungary s renowned Kodaly Institute, the Chorus provides boys with comprehensive musical training and unsurpassed performance and touring opportunities.

Believe

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GRP All-Star Big Band - GRP All-Star Big Band

Styles: Big Band
Year: 1992
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 71:45
Size: 164,8 MB
Art: Front

(5:10)  1. Airegin
(4:35)  2. Blue Train
(4:13)  3. Donne Lee
(6:34)  4. Maiden Voyage
(6:48)  5. Sister Sadie
(6:39)  6. The Sidewinder
(5:59)  7. Seven Steps To Heaven
(5:33)  8. I Remember Clifford
(6:54)  9. Footprints
(6:55) 10. Manteca
(7:01) 11. 'Round Midnight
(5:18) 12. Spain

When this CD was released, it was a major surprise. GRP is a label whose initial reputation was made on pop-ish jazz. However, co-founders Dave Grusin and Larry Rosen always had a love for the sound of big bands and for hard bop. For this set, they gathered together some of the most notable players on their label to play 12 jazz standards dating from the mid-'40s ("Donna Lee") up to the early '70s ("Spain"). The lineup of musicians is quite impressive, comprised of trumpeters Arturo Sandoval, Randy Brecker, and Sal Marquez; trombonist George Bohanon (who had to be imported since GRP did not have any trombonists); a reed section of Eric Marienthal, Nelson Rangell, Bob Mintzer, Ernie Watts and Tom Scott; bassist John Patitucci; drummer Dave Weckl; and several alternating pianists (Grusin, Russell Ferrante, Kenny Kirkland, and David Benoit), plus such guests as guitarist Lee Ritenour, flutist Dave Valentine, vibraphonist Gary Burton, clarinetist Eddie Daniels, and percussionist Alex Acuna. 

On the strictly straight-ahead set, which has such tunes as "Blue Train," "Sister Sadie," "The Sidewinder," and "Manteca," all of the musicians are featured adequately. It is a particular revelation hearing Marienthal and Rangell sound passable in this setting. Easily recommended to hard bop and big band collectors. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/grp-all-star-big-band-mw0000612127

GRP All-Star Big Band: Lee Ritenour (guitar), Tom Scott, Eric Marienthal, Nelson Rangell, Ernie Watts, Bob Mintzer (saxophone), Arturo Sandoval, Randy Brecker, Sal Marquez (trumpet), George Bohanon (trombone), Dave Valentine (flute), Eddie Daniels (clarinet), Gary Burton (vibraphone), Dave Grusin, David Benoit, Kenny Kirkland, Russell Ferrante (piano, keyboards), John Patitucci (bass), Dave Weckl (drums), Alex Acuna (percussion).

GRP All-Star Big Band

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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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