 David
Benoit is back!!! After leaving the smooth jazz dock
for a few years and giving audiences some terrific music from
his heart, the David Benoit we all know has returned and in
a big way. Aptly titled Full Circle,
David has gone back to his roots and brought back his signature
sound and writing. There are nine original tracks, one
remake, and not a bad one in the bunch! The CD features such
notables as Rick Braun, Andy Suzuki, Paul Jackson, Jr., Tim
Weisberg, Luis Conte and Alex Acuna,
The CD opens with a kickin’ tune, “Café
Rio.” The beat is fast with a samba sound.
David’s piano sound is crisp, funky and fun. You
can hear the joy in his fingers on this track, and the gentle
vocals that scat along with that samba beat add flavor and
depth. Hearing it played live recently was even better.
Moving into “First Day of School,” David brings
back his 1980’s sound. It’s a beautiful
song that paints a gentle picture. The piano slowly
builds to a full-bodied orchestral-like sound. This
is my favorite because it is unmistakable Benoit. “Water
To Drink” a remake of an Antonio Carlos Jobim
tune, is a very cool, mod-flavored song that allows
David to really stretch on the piano. The soft
flute playing alongside his piano and the middle guitar
solo adds playfulness to this track.
The first single, “Beat Street,” is just that – very
beat driven and funky. With Rick Braun on trumpet,
this is destined to become a favorite for everyone. The
piano and trumpet blend well and get you in that headboppin’ mode
right from the get-go! Great melody. “Six
PM” is becoming a favorite of mine with the muted trumpet
playing note for note with David’s piano. Again,
it is reminiscent of the Benoit sound from years past. A
lot of improvisation, along with a great beat and catchy
melody. If you like a soprano sax, then “Chasing
the Tides” featuring Andy Suzuki will give you what
you need. David’s gentle piano melody is enhanced
by the echoing sax lines. The sax takes over the lead
and carries you through the song.
“Neat With a Twist” is another throwback to
David’s original sound (and a love of martinis!). This
track has a great beat with a very infectious melody. Again
the understated trumpet adds depth, but allows David’s
piano to take the lead. He really puts his personality
into this and stretches out near the end of the song giving
listeners one of his signature “let it fly” endings.
David is always passionate about his music and the events
that influence his writing. We all felt that on his
last CD with the recording of “9/11.” Now
he gives a passionate, tear-your-heart-out, song “Katrina’s
Little Bear.” The emotion of this song is felt
in every note, and the gentle violin played alongside his
stirring piano create a mood of despair and hope all at the
same time. “Yusuke the Ghost” changes
the feel with a fun and lively piano melody. This track
is David at his best. He puts himself into it and lets
those fingers fly. The feel of this is that it could
have been taken off of any of his old CDs, like Stages or Digits.
The final track shows everyone that David is not in any
way afraid to take chances or remain within the confines
of radio-friendly smooth jazz. “Monster in the
Attic” brings out his love of classical music by incorporating
Baroque-style music weaved throughout the driving beat. At
the midway point, David switches gears and takes on the keyboard
and really lets things get funky.
Full Circle truly brings us back
to the David Benoit that has brought us amazing, emotional
and passionate music for nearly 30 years. The music
is fresh, innovative, and truly original. This will
definitely be a standout CD for 2006. It is a must
have.
- Bonnie Schendell
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