Jazz pianist David Benoit's musical accomplishments over the past 30 years have been nothing short of amazing. The man has recorded 25 solo recordings, appeared on Robert Altman's Nashville movie soundtrack, recorded a Peanuts tribute disc back in the early 80's which helped usher in the age of smooth jazz and he's been nominated for 5 Grammy Awards. Perhaps the latest CD in Benoit's arsenal Full Circle will finally see him win an award because the performances on this disc are absolutely magnificent.
Full Circle sees Benoit rekindling some musical relationships that go back to the very beginning of his career and most of these players have played on and off with him at one point or another. The first single "Beat Street" finds Benoit doubling on the Fender Rhodes as well as the piano over the songs buoyant and infectious rhythm section which creates a perfect match of retro funk / jazz with R&B and contemporary. In fact the whole CD is one great big mix of smooth jazz and funk and many of the tracks are up tempo in nature which makes for just great listening. The rhythms are so damn catchy and the overall musicianship and production on Full Circle are top notch. When things quiet down a bit as they do on the playful "Katrina's Little Bear", which features some excellent cello work courtesy of Timothy Landauer by the way, this is where Benoit really shines and he absoutely rips on the Hammond B3 on the CD's closing number "Monster In The Attic". I'd be the first to admit that smooth jazz isn't really up my alley generally but David Benoit and his brilliant supporting cast of musicians have definitely opened my eyes with their superb performances on this CD. This one is highly recommended.
Track Listing
1) Café Rio
2) First Day Of School
3) Water To Drink (Agua De Beber)
4) Beat Street
5) Six PM
6) Chasing The Tides
7) Neat With A Twist
8) Katrina's Little Bear
9) Yusuke The Ghost
10) Monster In The Attic
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