Apr 2, 2024 12:59 PM
Saxophonist, Sonic Explorer Casey Benjamin Dies at 45
Casey Benjamin, the alto saxophonist, vocalist, keyboardist and producer who stamped his distinctive sounds on the…
Medeski Martin & Wood teamed up with producer John King of the Dust Brothers to put together their 14th album (and fifth on Blue Note Records), End Of The World Party (just in case). It will hit stores Sept. 7.
Known for his work with the Beastie Boys and on the Fight Club soundtrack, King joined the trio for some jam sessions in their converted loft studio on the Brooklyn waterfront. They gave him the tapes to paste together.
John Medeski admits he expected more looping. “But he ended up doing a lot of listening,” the keyboardist said. Drummer Billy Martin has dubbed the 12 original tracks on the album, “groove-driven minimalism.” “[It’s] as organic and natural as anything we’ve ever done,” said bassist Chris Wood.
The band will be touring throughout the summer and fall to promote the album, and, well, because they always do. They will be at the Bonnaroo festival in June, and then on the road with 311 and The Roots for the rest of the summer.
For more information, visit www.mmw.net
Benjamin possessed a fluid, round sound on the alto saxophone, and he was often most recognizable by the layers of electronic effects that he put onto the instrument.
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