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…
Following Aretha Franklin’s death on Thursday, an outpouring of emotion and appreciation for her work washed over social media channels. Here are a few selections, followed by excerpts from interviews with a pair of musicians who had the chance to work with the singer.
I’ve lost another sister but I am so thankful for all the wonderful memories that we have had. I will love you always Re. pic.twitter.com/mv0cBSA8hk
— Mavis Staples (@mavisstaples) August 16, 2018
RIP Aretha. It’s about more than just music pic.twitter.com/cYJ8GsDaLC
— Jeff Parker (@jeffparkersound) August 16, 2018
Rest in power. pic.twitter.com/Y5U03sPL9U
— vijay iyer (@vijayiyer) August 16, 2018
Absolute and thorough soul through and through. Not just the Queen of song, Ms. Franklin was a fount of great stories delivered with downhome wit, intelligence and incredible insight. The soul quotient in the world is lower today. #ArethaFranklin pic.twitter.com/8XPuYZJHi2
— Wynton Marsalis (@wyntonmarsalis) August 16, 2018
Rest In Peace to our Queen of Soul. Her contribution to music and to the empowerment and enrichment of our hearts, Spirits and souls is immeasurable.
Thank you Ms. Aretha Franklin for sharing your anointed gifts with us. They changed the world. We are deeply grateful!♥️MLH
— Ms. Lauryn Hill (@MsLaurynHill) August 16, 2018
Rest in power, QUEEN <3, in your name we will make a joyful noise #ArethaFranklin https://t.co/iEeh4s5HX5
— Caroline Davis (@caroenildavis) August 16, 2018
“She knew every piece of music that was going on around her. But what really touched my heart was that you could feel her spirit. She spoke like she sang, so you could feel the emotion flowing from her. It was all natural. That’s what was so amazing about her vocals. Some people are good live and not in the studio, and some people are good in the studio and not live. Aretha Franklin was the whole package.” —Joan Collaso, a Chicago-based vocalist, who sang backup with Franklin on her final tour
“She was very kind to me. In this business, most singers are not that sensitive or personal toward their band members. In playing with her, her piano playing was very touching and special.” —Chuck Rainey, a bassist who played on several Franklin albums, including Young, Gifted And Black (1972), Amazing Grace (1972) and With Everything I Feel in Me (1974) DB
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…
