Search - David Benoit :: Heroes

Elegant and engaging.

India | 05/29/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The piano master David Benoit has arranged, conducted and performed music for many popular pop and jazz artists over the years, including Russ Freeman and the Rippingtons, Kenny Loggins, Patti Austin, Dave Koz, Kenny Rankin, Faith Hill, David Lanz, Cece Winans, David Pack, David Sanborn, and Brian McKnight.

Collaborators included the chorus group Take 6, guitarist Mark Antoine and trumpeter Chris Botti.

He has done a few fine jazz projects (including a tribute to Bill Evans and a collaboration with Emily Remler).

I like his latest album, his second solo for Peak Records.

This follows up his Top Smooth Jazz Album "Full Circle" with a new collection of classics, from his biggest inspirational jazz musicians, it's a tribute to his 'Heroes' : Dave Brubeck, Miles Davis, The Doors, The Beatles, Dave Grusin, and Horace Silver

The album finds David teaming up with his live band: David Hughes on bass, Jamey Tate on drums, Brad Dutz on percussion.

Also featured on the album is the special guest saxophonist Andy Suzuki and members of the Asia America Symphony's string section.

Benoit puts fresh, exuberant spins on classic songs by legendary pop, rock and jazz artists whose brilliance inspired his own.

While paying homage to Jazz piano icons Dave Grusin, Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson, Horace Silver and Dave Brubeck, on Heroes he also lets fans in on an exciting little secret : he's an unabashed lover of pop and rock music who was equally influenced by the likes of The Beatles, Elton John, Michael Jackson & The Doors.

One the standout tracks is Horace Siver's "Song For My Father", which has been covered lately by other jazz cats, like Stanley Jordan and Victor Wooten.

Other highlights are : "Never Can Say Goodbye", "Human Nature" and " Light My Fire"

He is in excellent form and his instrument playing is getting better and better, like great wine.

Jazz at its best !!

It's a classic !

Give this enjoyable album a spin,you will not regret.

Buy it...you will like it !



State of Nature

Palmystery"

SmoothJazz.com Review

Sandy Shore | Monterey, CA | 06/05/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the finest contemporary piano players of our time releases a gorgeous new recording celebrating the music of his favorite recording artists (his heroes) including: The Beatles, Dave Brubeck, Miles Davis, Oscar Peterson, The Doors, Bill Evans, Michael Jackson and Horace Silver. In the album's liner notes, he says that he realizes that he's saluting jazz greats along with rock gods and that may seem incongruent, his response is, "These are artists that shaped my career. That touched my soul. That gave me a reason to be a musician." He admits a few omissions including Leonard Bernstein, John Barry and Henry Mancini as he believes these artists deserve to be represented in a more orchestral context. Benoit has paid tribute to another hero in the past, Vince Guaraldi and even suggests the possibility of entire album dedications to Antonio Carlos Jobim and Claude Bolling. This tasty outing features David's sophisticated, rich piano styling... he's as engaging as ever on this, his second release on the Peak recording label. HEROES is a brilliantly produced/arranged full band recording featuring strings (violin, viola, cello) making for a very classic jazz presentation. It reminds me of the albums that my father used to play... the likes of Oscar Peterson, Miles Davis, Cal Tjader... From Michael Jackson's "Human Nature" to Dave Grusin's "Mountain Dance," to The Doors "Light My Fire," Benoit suspends time with this elegant homage to his musical champions!"

Benoit Plays the Classics

David S. Liebschutz | 07/03/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"David Benoit goes back to his roots with lots of clean and crisp piano playing. A wonderful album!!"