As part of their Jazz Legends series, Music Video Distributors present us with a concert by pianist Ben Sidran and his quartet. While an unknown to this reviewer , Mr Sidran has played with such notables as : Steve Miller, Diana Ross, Tony Williams and Van Morrison. Touted as " an international superstar", I eagerly anticipated viewing this disc.
And then the music started...Mixing elements of watered down bop, honky tonk, and boogie woogie, Mr Sidran comes across as nothing more than a glorified lounge singer; and not a very good one at that. His vocals skills are almost non-existant as he half speaks, half sings his way through a handful of very forgettable tunes. Even when attempting to explore a more adventuresome brand of jazz, this quartet falls well short of the mark, as there does not appear to be any kind of synergy between the musicians.
If the claim is correct and Mr Sidran is an international superstar, then one must conclude that more people are paying attention to the bands playing the airport lounges and weddings around the world. A highly disappointing set by an act which does not set the bar very high and still barely manages to clear it. To be avoided.
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