Name: The Benoit/Freeman Project 2
Brand: Peak Records
SKU: 41516
Availability: OutOfStock

The Benoit/Freeman Project 2

Rating

Album: The Benoit/Freeman Project 2
#	Song Title		Time
1)	Palmetto Park Album Version	More Info...	4:01
2)	Via Nueve Album Version	More Info...	5:17
3)	Montecito Album Version	More Info...	4:40
4)	Club Havana Album Version	More Info...	5:37
5)	Two Survivors Album Version	More Info...	5:03
6)	Samba Album Version	More Info...	4:48
7)	Moon Through The Window Album Version	More Info...	4:47
8)	Struttin' Album Version	More Info...	4:41
9)	Stiletto Heels Album Version	More Info...	4:12
10)	Waiting For The Stars To Fall Album Version	More Info...	3:32

Album: The Benoit/Freeman Project 2
#	Song Title		Time
1)	Palmetto Park Album Version	More Info...	4:01
2)	Via Nueve Album Version	More Info...	5:17
3)	Montecito Album Version	More Info...	4:40
4)	Club Havana Album Version	More Info...	5:37
5)	Two Survivors Album Version	More Info...	5:03
6)	Samba Album Version	More Info...	4:48
7)	Moon Through The Window Album Version	More Info...	4:47
8)	Struttin' Album Version	More Info...	4:41
9)	Stiletto Heels Album Version	More Info...	4:12
10)	Waiting For The Stars To Fall Album Version	More Info...	3:32

Performer Notes

David Benoit: Russ Freeman (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, classical guitar, synthesizer, guitar synthesizer); David Benoit (piano, Fender Rhodes piano, keyboards).
Additional personnel: David Pack, Vince Gill (vocals); Chris Botti (trumpet); Dave Carpenter, Byron House (bass instrument); Peter Erskine, Vinnie Colaiuta (drums); Luis Conte (percussion); The Nashville String Machine.
Creatively, David Benoit has had his ups and downs over the years. The pianist/keyboardist has recorded more than his share of forgettable smooth jazz albums, but he has also provided some decent straight-ahead discs that were greatly influenced by Bill Evans (the pianist, not the saxophonist). This 2004 release, however, doesn't fall into either category -- Benoit/Freeman Project 2, a collaboration with guitarist Russ Freeman, isn't straight-ahead acoustic jazz, but it isn't an album of mindless "elevator Muzak" either. For the most part, this CD could be described as "smooth jazz with a brain"; pop considerations are a high priority, but at the same time, jazz considerations (spontaneity and improvisation) are not ignored. Benoit/Freeman Project 2 tends to be meatier and more substantial than most of the smooth jazz/NAC releases that Benoit has been a part of, and one of the things that this album has going for it is a more organic production style. Benoit and Freeman, who produced the CD together, don't suffocate their material with excessive production -- this time, they're smart enough to let it breathe, and meaningful solos are encouraged rather than discouraged. Most of the tracks are instrumental; one of the exceptions is "Two Survivors," a likable adult contemporary tune that features singer Vince Gill. The country-pop star might seem an unlikely choice for a Benoit/Freeman encounter, but then, Gill was never a hardcore honky tonker … la Buck Owens, Johnny Cash or Lefty Frizzell -- Gill has often laced his country with big doses of pop, and he's quite appropriate for an AC tune like "Two Survivors." This album has a few throwaway tracks, but they're the exception instead of the rule -- and overall, Benoit/Freeman Project 2 is a cut above most of Benoit's other smooth jazz/NAC outings. ~ Alex Henderson