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…
The Paris-based Birdology Records, a label respected throughout Europe as an industry leader in documenting seminal American jazz artists, continues its North American distribution and marketing arrangement through Dreyfus Jazz and Koch Entertainment Distribution by debuting its line of important reissues from artists such as McCoy Tyner, The Art Ensemble of Chicago, George Coleman, Jackie McLean, Lester Bowie1 Brass Fantasy, Stephane Grappelli and Ahmad Jamal.
Birdology founder, Jean-François Deiber, says: “Francois Dreyfus and I share a passion for classic jazz. Our respective labels share a common language that is understood universally. My longtime friend Ahmad Jamal was a significant influence on me to establish the label. I plan to continue and document him in a myrid of creative settings that underscore his timeless and significant contribution to the jazz legacy.”
Doug Yoel, Director of U.S. Operations for the New York based Dreyfus Jazz label states, “Jean has impeccable taste and we look forward to giving these titles further exposure by enhanced sonic presence, deluxe digi-packaging, bonus tracks when available and forthcoming first-time releases. We hope that reissuing these titles at our new mid-line price ($10.98) will make them attractive to both retailers and consumers.”
Birdology/Dreyfus’ first U.S. release last Fall, Ahmad Jamal’s Olympia 2000 recorded live at Paris’ L’Olympia theater, was recorded shortly after the piano giant celebrated his 70th birthday. The Essence Part One and Big Byrd: The Essence Part Two are Jamal’s first recordings with a saxophonist. Joined by George Coleman are: Jamil Nasser, Manolo Badrena, James Cammack, Idris Muhammad and Joe Kennedy Jr.
Birdology—Tribute To Charlie Parker was the label’s debut release. Organized by Don Sickler, this historic group came together for this recording and a series of concerts to celebrate a 40th reunion. Included are Jackie McLean, Johnny Griffin, Cecil Payne, Duke Jordan, Ron Carter and Roy Haynes. States Sickler who played trumpet, “The conversation was so intense and emotionally stirring that we were mentally and spiritually ablaze, united in a desire to convey our feelings about Charlie Parker through his music.”
Stephane Grappelli’s Live 1992 was recorded nearly 60 years after the groundbreaking first recordings of the Quintet of the Hot Club of France that featured Django Reinhardt. Grappelli organized like-minded musicians who understood the historical link. This unique recording features two impeccable guitarists, Philip Catherine and Marc Fosset (presented in the left and right channels respectively) and European favorite Niels-Henning Orsted Pederson on bass. Performances include three Gershwin classics and originals by Grappelli, Reinhardt and Larry Coryell.
Recorded in Jamaica and France at the close of 1995 and early 1996 with additional studio refinements in January 2002, The Art Ensemble of Chicago’s Coming Home Jamaica is being released for the first time with three additional compositions. This enduring collective that came together more than 30 years ago is now survived by three of its five original members, Roscoe Mitchell, Malachi Favors and Famoudou Don Moye. These sessions also include the band’s professorial spokesman Lester Bowie with a guest keyboard appearance on one track by Bahnamous Bowie.
McCoy Tyner has comprised numerous ensembles over his illustrious five decade solo career, but none more compelling than his big band which first appeared on vinyl nearly 30 years ago. That session’s title track, Fly With The Wind, is updated with support from many musicians who were in on that historic recording and serves as the ceremonious closer to this seven song collection. The Best Of McCoy Tyner Big Band features five Tyner originals, a Steve Turre original and the standard “Angel Eyes.”
George Coleman’s<
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…
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