david benoit / albums

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The Benoit/Freeman Project 2,David Benoit

- The Benoit/Freeman Project 2
- - 13,381 plays
  - 5 favs
  - 2 shares
David Benoit
Released 2004

[Untitled Track]
02:30
5 plays

Palmetto Park
04:01
1,797 plays

Club Havana
05:37
1,526 plays

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songs

- 1
- Palmetto Park
- 04:01
- 1,797 plays

- 2
- Via Nueve
- 05:17
- 1,482 plays

- 3
- Montecito
- 04:39
- 1,439 plays

- 4
- Club Havana
- 05:37
- 1,526 plays

- 5
- Two Survivors
- 05:03
- 1,079 plays

- 6
- Samba
- 04:48
- 1,190 plays

- 7
- Moon Through The Window
- 04:47
- 1,070 plays

- 8
- Struttin'
- 04:41
- 1,324 plays

- 9
- Stiletto Heels
- 04:12
- 1,290 plays

- 10
- Waiting For The Stars To Fall
- 03:32
- 1,179 plays

- 11
- [Untitled Track]
- 02:30
- 5 plays

- play all

album review

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 à 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, All Music Guide