Five And One

MICHAEL BENEDICT & BOPITUDE: Five and One
Planet Arts, 2012

HARD BOP – Drummer Benedict and his strong sextet march straight back to the 1950s with a swinging set of classic tunes, most of which don’t get covered very often (or ever). Tenor and baritone sax pull the band towards the low end, but Gary Smulyan has such a supple voice on his horn that it never feels heavy. Solidly mainstream, well played.

Gary Smulyan : baritone sax
Chris Pasin : trumpet, flugelhorn
Brian Patneaude : tenor sax
Bruce Barth : piano
Mike Lawrence : bass
Michael Benedict : drums

Fo’s Picks: 1, 2, 3, 6, 9

1. 5:49 – upbeat bebop: keeps up a steady swing; driving piano & sax solos
2. 7:46 – cool-toned stroll: solos for all, bari sax & trumpet especially fine
3. 5:40 – brisk pace: the twisty melody fits this band very nicely indeed
4. 7:02 – a more modern tune (‘90s), with a light, relaxed & soulful groove
5. 3:53 – snappy swing, short solos get right to the point
6. 6:19 – popular classic: played as marching swing with a spiritual touch
7. 4:02 – relaxed romantic ballad, muted trumpet & piano solo
8. 7:19 – breezy jazz samba with a bit of bluesy feeling, nice horn breaks
9. 6:46 – straight-up hardbop: tight arrangement & flying baritone sax
10. 6:20 – lovely ballad: duet intro for bari sax & piano, then warm and cozy

[ Fo ] - May 2012