Daily Dose Of Jazz…
David Bryan Benoit was born in Bakersfield, California on August 18, 1953. He studied piano at age 13 with Marya Cressy Wright and continued his training with Abraham Fraser, who was the pianist for Arturo Toscanini. He attended Mira Costa High School and went on to focus on theory and composition at El Camino College, studying orchestration and later took film scoring classes at UCLA. He went on to study music conducting and worked with Jeffrey Schindler, Music Director for the UC Santa Barbara symphony orchestra.
He began his career as a musical director and conductor for Lainie Kazan in 1976, before moving on to similar roles with singer/actresses Ann-Margret and Connie Stevens. His GRP Records debut album, Freedom at Midnight in 1987, led his roster of top ten albums he has released. He has recorded tribute albums to pianist Bill Evans, Peanuts creator Charles Schulz and Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story. Collaborators included the chorus group Take 6, guitarist Marc Antoine and trumpeter Chris Botti.
Benoit has arranged, conducted, and performed music for Russ Freeman and the Rippingtons, Kenny Loggins, Michael Franks, Patti Austin, Dave Koz, Kenny Rankin, Faith Hill, David Lanz, Cece Winans, David Pack, David Sanborn, The Walt Disney Company and Brian McKnight.
Pianist David Benoit, who has three Grammy nominations, has performed three times at the White House, and has a morning program on jazz radio station KKJZ in Long Beach, California, continues to perform and record..
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Daily Dose Of Jazz…
Francis Henry “Jumbo Jack” Gardner was born in Joliet, Illinois on August 14, 1903. In the early-1920s he played locally in Denver, Colorado with Doc Becker’s Blue Devils, Boyd Senter’s band and others.
Moving to Chicago, Illinois in 1923, he led his own band in addition to playing with musicians like Wingy Manone, Jean Goldkette, and Gene Austin. He remained in the city through 1937, playing with Jimmy McPartland in 1936.
When he rellcated to New York City he began associations with Sandy Williams’s orchestra and Harry James, but returned to Chicago early in the 1940s, where he led his own group. In 1944, he recorded with Baby Dodds.
He spent much of his later life playing in Dallas, Texas, where he died in 1957. Gardner’s compositions include the song Bye, Bye, Pretty Baby, co-written with George Hamilton.
Pianist Jack Gardner died on November 26, 1957 in Dallas, Texas at the age of 54.
Daily Dose Of Jazz…
Bent Axen was born on August 12, 1925 in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Axen played for a year with Ib Renard in 1949 and in 1950 became a member of the Johnny Campbell and Max Brüel bands until 1958. He then moved on to work in Ib Glindemann’s orchestra. In 1960 he founded his own jazz quintet and also accompanied guest soloists such as Eric Dolphy in Erik Moseholm ‘s trio.
Between 1961 and 1967 he was a member of the radio jazz groups of Danmarks Radio, for which he also wrote compositions. He also performed with Don Byas. He went on to work as a theater musician and composer, first at Gladsaxe Teater and from 1971 at Folketeatret.
In 1960 he was honored as Danish “Jazz Musician of the Year”. Pianist, theatre and film composer Bent Axen, who released a half dozen albums as a leader, died on May 20, 2010.
WILLIAM GREEN TRIO
William Green is an extraordinary musical artist that captures and expresses the sentiments of a generation. He is continuously expanding his horizons to make an impact on society by creating a union between music and life. Through his music, he has allowed different genres of contemporary jazz, rhythm and blues, pop and gospel to integrate into a new and unique form.
Requisites
Monty Alexander In Tokyo | By Eddie Carter
I first heard Monty Alexander In Tokyo (Pablo Records 2310-836) in 1985 at the former jazz station, WNOP 740 AM, after my move to Cincinnati from Cleveland, Ohio. It was recorded during the pianist’s first trip to the city and is his nineteenth release as a leader. Here, he is working with two of the best in the business: Andy Simpkins on bass and Frank Gant on drums. My copy is the 1979 U.S. Stereo pressing, and the trio opens this musical adventure with a trip to Broadway by Billy Byrd, Teddy McRae and Henri Woode. They begin this catchy tune with a delightfully crafted melody. Monty cuts loose in a spirited statement that’s sure to have your fingers popping and toes tapping along until the song’s conclusion.
Just In Time by Jule Styne, Betty Comden, and Adolph Green starts with a short introduction by Monty, segueing into the threesome’s pulsating theme, who treats the standard like an old friend. Monty comes alive in the song’s only interpretation ahead of the closing chorus and finish. Sweet Lady is a lovely ballad by Dave Zoob, Frank Crumit, and Howard E. Johnson. It’s a showcase for Monty and Andy, who start the song with a tender introduction that leads to their enchanting melody. The duo sustains the gentle mood in the delicately sensitive statement they share, preceding a polite reprise and climax.
Tricotism by Oscar Pettiford begins with the trio introducing this happy swinger collectively before taking the theme at a fast clip. Monty kicks off the solos with a scintillating opening statement; then Andy takes over for a bit of brisk walking. The pianist has a second interlude before Frank engages in a short workout ahead of the melody’s restatement and ending. Never Let Me Go by Jay Livingston, and Ray opens with the threesome’s slow-tempo introduction. The pace picks up to a medium beat for the opening chorus, ahead of the pianist’s driving solo that has something to say into the closing chorus.
Up next is Montevideo by Richard Evans, which takes off from the opening notes of the trio’s upbeat introduction and melody. The rhythm section spurs Monty to soar into the stratosphere in the song’s only statement until he returns to Earth for the theme’s reprise and abrupt ending. Pawnbroker by Quincy Jones is a very pretty ballad from the 1964 film drama. It’s a solo showcase for Monty Alexander, and the pianist uses the poignant melody effectively to depict the song’s sincerity and melodic beauty in a gorgeous interpretation, preceding the melody restatement and a lovely summation.
See See Rider by Ma Rainey brings the album to a close on an upbeat note. The trio starts expressing their joy and pleasure in the melody. Monty is up first with an especially impressive interpretation; then Andy takes a short walk through the second reading. The pianist puts the finishing touches on the song ahead of the closing chorus and ending. Monty Alexander produced Monty Alexander In Tokyo, and Katsuyuki Handa and Kazutoyo Takeda were the recording engineers. The sound quality is excellent, with a vivid soundstage that transports the trio to your listening room’s sweet spot.
Whether you’re new to Monty Alexander’s music or a seasoned fan, Monty Alexander In Tokyo is a versatile album that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s the perfect soundtrack for a relaxing evening or a lively dinner with friends. I highly recommend adding it to your jazz library. With its diverse range of tracks, it’s a testament to the trio’s musical prowess and a must-have for anyone who loves a piano trio!
~ Just In Time – Source: JazzStandards.com
~ Broadway, See See Rider – Source: Wikipedia.org
© 2024 by Edward Thomas Carter
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