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…
Randy Brecker (left) and Eric Marienthal are set to release Double Dealin’ (Shanachie) on Sept. 11.
(Photo: Courtesy Shanachie)Trumpeter Randy Brecker and saxophonist Eric Marienthal both have led careers that sit at the edge of genre.
Double Dealin’, which is due out Sept. 11 on the Shanachie imprint, finds the frontline bandleaders joined by an inimitable cast, including Marienthal’s compatriots from the Chick Corea Elektric Band, bassist John Patitucci and drummer Dave Weckl. George Whitty doubles as keyboardist and producer here.
“Fast Lane”—a tune off that upcoming album, which premieres below—finds the ensemble in funky form, splitting the difference between each player’s past in jazz and other soulful musics.
“This one gives Dave Weckl and John Patitucci a chance to really shine. They both played so great on this track,” Marienthal said. “Randy plays an absolutely classic solo on this tune, too. I flip out every time I hear it.”
The album, which ranks as Marienthal and Brecker’s first co-led effort, largely was completed prior to COVID-19 shutting down the world, though some fine-tuning came after all involved were cloistered at home.
“When the pandemic hit, the mixing phase was about to begin,” Marienthal recalled. “I have to say, it was a welcome distraction to deep-dive into this music.” 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…
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