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 second series of “Jazz Icons” DVDs, featuring previously unreleased concerts by seven of the most influential jazz artists of the 20th century, will be released Sept. 4.
Reelin’ In The Years Productions and Naxos have put together the series, which features performances by John Coltrane, Dave Brubeck, Duke Ellington, Sarah Vaughan, Dexter Gordon, Wes Montgomery and Charles Mingus.
Each of the new “Jazz Icons” DVDs features concerts filmed live in television studios and concert halls throughout Europe from 1958-1966. The performances have never been officially released, and in many cases, the material is newly discovered and was never broadcast.
The DVDs will be unveiled at this year’s Detroit Jazz Festival, to take place Aug. 31-Sept. 3. Performances from both the first and second series will be broadcast on the Jumbotron screens during all set changes on the main stages.
For more information, see jazzicons.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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