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…
Vibraphonist Stefon Harris’ seventh album as leader, Urbanus (Concord), is set for an Aug. 25 release. It will be his debut for the label.
Keyboardist Marc Cary and saxophonist Casey Benjamin are part of Harris’ core group, and the disc also features his new arrangements for strings and woodwinds.
“One of the biggest indicators of our growth as a band is the level of contribution from all the members of the ensemble,” Harris said. “The music not only incorporates all of our writing but everyone’s cultural backgrounds as well.”
New compositions include the ballad “For You” and “Gone,” which features go-go polyrhythms. Harris’ group also covers Stevie Wonder’s “They Won’t Go (When I Go).”
For more info go to concordrecords.com
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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