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…
Joey Alexander’s new album, Countdown, will be released on Sept. 16.
(Photo: Courtesy of Motéma Music)Following the success of Joey Alexander’s 2015 debut, My Favorite Things, Motéma will release the 13-year-old pianist’s sophomore album, Countdown, on Sept. 16.
The nine-track program features a mix of originals by Alexander, as well as new arrangements of classics by John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Billy Strayhorn and Herbie Hancock.
Bassist Larry Grenadier, drummer Ulysses Owens Jr. and producer Jason Olaine join Alexander on Countdown, reprising their roles from My Favorite Things.
The young pianist’s debut received Grammy nominations in two categories: Best Jazz Instrumental Album and Best Improvised Solo (for his solo on “Giant Steps”). Alexander topped the category Rising Star–Piano in this year’s DownBeat Critics Poll.
Alexander, who generated considerable media attention for his performances at the 2015 Newport Jazz Festival, will return to Newport on July 30.
The pianist will play at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola in New York on Sept. 29–Oct. 2.
(Note: For additional information on Joey Alexander’s album Countdown, visit the Motéma website.)
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. Apr 2, 2024 12:59 PM Casey Benjamin, the alto saxophonist, vocalist, keyboardist and producer who stamped his distinctive sounds on the… “He’s constructing intelligent musical sentences that connect seamlessly, which is the most important part of linear playing,” Charles McPherson said of alto saxophonist Sonny Red. Feb 27, 2024 1:40 PM “I might not have felt this way 30 to 40 years ago, but I’ve reached a point where I can hear value in what people… Albert “Tootie” Heath (1935–2024) followed in the tradition of drummer Kenny Clarke, his idol. Apr 5, 2024 10:28 AM Albert “Tootie” Heath, a drummer of impeccable taste and time who was the youngest of three jazz-legend brothers… “Both of us are quite grounded in the craft, the tradition and the harmonic sense,” Rosenwinkel said of his experience playing with Allen. “Yet I felt we shared something mystical as well.” Mar 12, 2024 11:42 AM “There are a few musicians you hear where, as somebody once said, the molecules in the room change. Geri was one of… Larry Goldings’ versatility keeps him in high demand as a leader, collaborator and sideman. Feb 21, 2024 10:45 AM Are you having any fun? Larry Goldings certainly is. Consider just two recent examples: Scene 1: “If anyone had…
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