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…
On Aug. 23, a Charlie Parker-Dizzy Gillespie concert recorded June 22, 1945, at New York’s Town Hall will be released on Uptown Records. The six-song set, which features “Bebop,” “A Night In Tunesia,” “Groovin’ High,” “Salt Peanuts,” “Hot House” and “Fift Second Street Theme,” has never been issued.
Joining Parker and Gillespie on stage are tenor saxophonist Don Byas on “Bebop,” Al Haig on piano, Max Roach on drums (replaced by Sid Catlett on “Hot House” and “Fifty Second Street Theme”). Symphony Sid Torin emcees the evening.
The high-quality recording was discovered by Uptown Records owner Robert Sunnenblick, and the story of the set’s discovery is related in a 30-page booklet accompanying the set.
Dizzy Gillespie-Charlie Parker: Town Hall, New York City, June 22, 1945 will be released on Aug. 23.
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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