Waiting for the Stars to Fall - David Benoit, Freeman, Russ [Guit
It took these two a decade to follow up their first project, one of the best smooth jazz albums of the '90s. The songs, half of which were co-written by the leaders, are well-crafted gems. Some are radio friendly ("Palmett... more »o Park," "Club Havana," and the Brazilian-tinged "Samba") and one--"Struttin'" featuring trumpeter Chris Botti--has soloing that may catch critics of smooth jazz by surprise. As with the first album's Kenny Loggins feature, there's also a cameo here with a singer not associated with jazz, Vince Gill. The album has the feel of Benoit's jazziest effort, Waiting for Spring, which he recorded with the late guitarist Emily Remler, and his handling of the string arrangements throughout this album is superb. One can only hope the pianist and guitarist get together again before 2014. --Mark Ruffin« less
It took these two a decade to follow up their first project, one of the best smooth jazz albums of the '90s. The songs, half of which were co-written by the leaders, are well-crafted gems. Some are radio friendly ("Palmetto Park," "Club Havana," and the Brazilian-tinged "Samba") and one--"Struttin'" featuring trumpeter Chris Botti--has soloing that may catch critics of smooth jazz by surprise. As with the first album's Kenny Loggins feature, there's also a cameo here with a singer not associated with jazz, Vince Gill. The album has the feel of Benoit's jazziest effort, Waiting for Spring, which he recorded with the late guitarist Emily Remler, and his handling of the string arrangements throughout this album is superb. One can only hope the pianist and guitarist get together again before 2014. --Mark Ruffin
"This CD sounds like the first collaboration CD of David Benoit and Russ Freeman. If you liked the first CD, this one will be a delight to listen to.
However, I was expecting something more that would make it stand on its own. In this regard, I was a bit disappointed."
5 STARS 2 THUMBS UP
Andreas S | Jakarta,Indonesia | 07/04/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Finally I've found Benoit's music that suits my moods, before I knew this album, I didn't really pay much attention with Benoit's music, until last week I was in Tower Records Tokyo,Japan ... searching for some new releases jazz cds...and I went to the listening area counter, at first I wasn't goin' to check out his album,coz I thought the style of the music would be similar as his previous albums but I kept thinking, why wouldn't I listen once to his album,and it turned out way off my prediction and right away without second thought I purchased this album. This album is highly recommended for those smooth and fusion jazz lovers, 5 stars to all the musicians that contributed in the album,perfecto, magnificent collaboration and finally I can enjoy listening one of his albums..especially track numbers 3 (montecito) and 5 (two survivors) with soothing & smooth voice of country star singer's Vince Gill on vocal..U wouldn't believe that vince can sing jazz ballad and he did it perfectly....Benoit and Freeman Project II is the absolute genius....... This collaboration of Benoit and Freeman is A MUST HAVE in your cd case, in the car,or anywhere you can play this cd..... One of my favorite's records of the year!!!"
Another Fabulous Output
roddis1979 | Los Angeles | 06/30/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I bought this CD just last week....let me start by saying that I have never felt a rebirth of spirit, soul, sound and groove quite like this. Everyone is familiar with the history of this project, these two have defined contemporary jazz. But that's not all, and it shouldn't be for you...the music here takes me to places that the legend itself could not alone.Ah yes, the music. Methinks the standouts here include "Two Survivors" filled in with the delicious vocal by Vince Gill, country legend in his own right. Also, I must say that "Club Havana" takes me back to sweaty nights spent by the old pier, featuring a tasty trumpet groove by Chris Botti. Another highlight is "Montecito" with the infectious vocal by pop legend David Pack.With Benoit's piano and Freeman's guitar work, this collaboration has turned into one of the most irresistable jazz albums of recent time. Do yourself a favor and check it out."
INCREDIBLE!
mrqatest | Boise, ID | 06/28/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I bought this CD just a few days ago, and I have listened to it over and over again. Some of the best work from Benoit and Freeman. I highly recommend this CD. Vince Gill's vocals on Two Survivors are awesome."
Reunion of two jazz greats
Sarver Jazzman | Pittsburgh, PA | 11/13/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I was so glad to see this CD come out. The first project CD, released in 1994 in one of my favorite CD's. Swept Away is one of my fav songs. The release is very good to. You'll enjoy it. Club Havana is a great tune. Chris Botti's horn is awesome. David Pack and Vince Gill do a great job with the vocals. Not a bad tune on the CD."