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…
Icons from the world of rock, blues, reggae, pop and country music have joined together to salute legendary piano man Fats Domino for the upcoming double CD Goin’ Home: A Tribute To Fats Domino.
The roster of musicians contributing their interpretations of classic Fats Domino songs includes Herbie Hancock (“I’m Gonna Be A Wheel”), Paul McCartney (“I Want To Walk You Home”), Tom Petty (“I’m Walkin’”), Robert Plant (“It Keeps Rainin’”), Willie Nelson (“I Hear You Knockin’”), B.B. King (“Goin’ Home”) and Norah Jones (“My Blue Heaven”). The release will also feature John Lennon’s version of Fats’ most popular song, “Ain’t That A Shame.”
The album is set for a Sept. 25 release on Vanguard Records. The tribute will help raise funds specifically earmarked for instruments to be donated to New Orleans’ public school children. Monies raised will also go toward rebuilding Fats Domino’s home and creating a community center in the Crescent City’s still ravaged Lower 9th Ward.
The Tipitina’s Foundation, a non-profit corporation dedicated to preserving the cultural legacy of New Orleans through music education for youth and providing programs that support working musicians of New Orleans and the Gulf Region, conceived and executive produced Goin’ Home. For more information about the album, see tipitinasfoundation.org.
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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