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| Guitarist Roni Ben-Hur at The Lenox Lounge in Celebration of "Signature" Critically-acclaimed guitarist and composer Roni Ben-Hur will be appearing in support and celebration of his fourth CD as a leader, Signature, at The Lenox Lounge on Friday and Saturday, July 22 & 23 (sets at 9:00 PM, 10:30 PM, 12:00 AM). Ben-Hur will be appearing with the amazing band from the recording, including John Hicks on piano, Rufus Reid on bass, Leroy Williams on drums and Steve Kroon on percussion (Friday night only). On June 21, 2005 Reservoir Music releases Signature, the fourth recording from guitarist, composer, arranger, educator and author, Roni Ben-Hur. Winner of the JAZZIZ 2000 Reader’s Poll for “Best New Talent” and a favorite of jazz critics since his emergence on the scene in the 1990’s, Ben-Hur reveals on Signature his evolution and accomplishments as a composer, arranger and leader of strength and substance, whose synthesis of styles and cultural influences defy category. Signature is also Ben-Hur’s most personal statement on record yet, featuring music that is near and dear to the guitarist's heart. Throughout the recording, Ben-Hur, with John Hicks on piano, Rufus Reid on bass, Leroy Williams on drums and Steve Kroon on percussion, delivers melodically and rhythmically rich versions of originals, and compositions by Jobim, Porter, Hicks, Arlen and Heitor Villa-Lobos. With the release of Signature Roni Ben-Hur offers the world a piece of himself; a glimpse into his life, his mind and his heart, and therefore his most meaningful musical statement to date. Signature will be in stores on June 21, 2005, on Reservoir Music. “As eloquent as a cool breeze, this understated exercise in bebop equilibrium goes down so easy you might underestimate the magic. A limber and inventive guitarist, who is often heard with Barry Harris and the Elmo Hope memorial group, Ben-Hur keeps the modernist flame alive and pure. An inventive bebop romp by a guitarist who knows the changes and his own mind.” – Gary Giddins, The Village Voice As a leader, Ben-Hur has won high praise from jazz critics around the world for his previous three recordings, Backyard (TCB-1996), Sofia's Butterfly (TCB-1998) and Anna's Dance (Reservoir Music- 2001). Cadence says, “A gorgeous offering.” Fast Taste writes, “With a crisp, controlled delivery, a sharp ear for melody and a refreshing air of originality, Ben-Hur leads the conversation.” Among his most ardent admirers is award-winning writer Gary Giddins, who selected Ben-Hur's Anna's Dance as “One of the Best Jazz CD’s of 2001” in The Village Voice, describing him as “a guitarist with a low flame burning in every note.” In addition to his activities as a leader and a world-class educator, Ben-Hur has also performed and recorded as a sideman of choice with such jazz luminaries as Barry Harris, Chris Anderson, Walter Booker, Rufus Reid, Jimmy Heath, Clark Terry, Slide Hampton, Cecil Payne, Charles McPherson, Earl May, Etta Jones, Teri Thornton, Charles Davis, Bill Doggett and Marcus Belgrave. “When historians look back at the start of this millennium, they'll definitely single out Roni Ben-Hur as one of the best and brightest guitarists of his time -- and for all time.” – Renowned jazz writer Leslie Gourse. write your comments about the article :: © 2005 Jazz News :: home page |