Benny Reid | Findings
At twenty-six years old, alto saxophonist [keyboardist/vocals] and composer New Jersey native Benny Reid bursts onto the music scene with one of the brightest offerings of 2007 on his Concord Jazz debut titled “Findings.” While some jazz enthusiasts might argue that he’s straddling the fence with one foot on the smooth turf while the other is steeped in the musings of authentic jazz territory.
At a glimpse, you might find yourself a little distraught at the number of tracks (6) offered on the disc. Fear not. Because there’s over fifty minutes of incredible gems with extremely long track times. You’ll find Reid’s debut quite attractive in the way it beckons you with each note as his bright yet simplistic shades and colors of his alto horn soars with consistency throughout.
Admittedly, Reid’s debut isn’t necessarily an adventurous outing. Nevertheless, he assuredly makes his case from the inception with cuts like “Destiny, Transient Melody, Waves of Red and Dance With My Father.” He embraces the voice of Pat Metheny’s tonality with emphathy on tightly structured mid-tempo, and lavish melodic textures, which are essential and calls for repeated spins.
With grace, talent and opportunity Ben Reid decided to draw from a wealth of fine musicians to shape these intriguing compositions and arrangements. From left to right he summoned the brilliant ensemble beginning with Aaron Goldberg on piano & Rhodes, also Reuben Rogers plays acoustic bass; along with the noble Antonio Sanchez, drums (Pat Metheny, Manuel Valera), and another newcomer on the scene named Richard Padron on guitars. Also featured on the album is vocalist Jeff Taylor, he provides the chant like vocal with help from percussionist Ryan Fitch.
Without compromise, Benny Reid makes a profound statement musically, etching out his own niche while making his mark as a new artist without cloning his contemporaries along the way. Therefore, “Findings” is potent formula of music by newcomer Benny Reid. His relentless chops illustrates that his prophetic voice and compositional and arrangements are well worth the listen.
Rob Young
The Urban Music Scene
Please visit, this outstanding "Nu-Voice" in jazz at these locations on the web: BennyReid.com and www.MySpace.com
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