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| Bennett Paster Indivisible CD Release Party Tuesday, June 18th, 8:30pm Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 3 Bennett Paster debuts ten originals on Indivisible which explore a variety of grooves that are both accessible and inventive. The pianist-organist leads a trio augmented by guitar, tenor and percussion on catchy songs that are filled with creative solos and colorful ensembles. In his career thus far, keyboardist, producer and arranger-composer Bennett Paster has performed with many of the who's who of jazz in a variety of contexts. He says of his latest recording, "Deep groove is the number one priority on Indivisible. Each song explores a different flavor of groove, from 5/4 swing to funky 70s samba, from New Orleans to Nordic open 8th, and onwards to funk, country waltz, fusion, surf and beyond. This collection draws connections between the contrasting rhythms through the constant focus on groove." With a core trio that includes bassist Jeff Hanley and drummer Tony Mason plus several guests (guitarist Al Street, tenor-saxophonist Kenny Brooks, and percussionists Samuel Torres and Todd Isler), Paster is heard in top form as a pianist, organist and keyboardist, performing ten of his compositions. Among the highlights, "Blues For Youse" has a funky soul jazz groove that may remind some in spots of Ramsey Lewis and early Herbie Hancock. "(Givin' The People) What We Want" has an infectious half-time funk feel while "Belgrade Booty Call" takes one to a funky New Orleans parade. The medium-tempo ballad "Gratitude, " an assertive "Gritty Greens" (shuffling a bit like "Work Song"), the sweet country backbeat of "The Murfreesboro Waltz, " and the fusionish "Salamander" (which is worthy of the Brecker Brothers) add to the variety of the consistently colorful program. The blend of the instruments along with a singular purpose by the players give a unity to the varied program while keeping listeners guessing as to what will happen next. As a keyboardist, arranger-composer, bandleader, producer, recording and mixing engineer and the owner of his own studio, Bennett Paster has had a busy career, and one that has been steadily building in momentum and accomplishments. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Bennett Paster began performing professionally at the age of 14. He studied at the New England Conservatory of Music with such notables as Dave Holland, Cecil McBee, Geri Allen, Paul Bley and Stanley Cowell. Since moving to New York in 1996, he has worked with such talents as Wallace Roney, Keb' Mo, ' Robben Ford, Kurt Elling, Bill Stewart, Billy Hart, Peter Erskine, Albert "Tootie" Heath, Yosvany Terry, Curtis Stigers, and Ann Hampton Callaway among others. Always fluent in a variety of different styles and musical idioms and equally talented on piano, organ, and electric keyboards, Paster (who co-led the Latin jazz ensemble Grupo Yanqui with bassist Gregory Ryan) has appeared on a countless number of sessions as a studio musician including with many singer/songwriters. As a leader he headed a trio on Skyline (2004) and Invisible Horizon (2006), was featured in the group Organic! on The Undoing (2001) and Sweets (2006), and led an all-star septet on Relentless Pursuit Of The Beautiful (2011). He also has extensive experience as a producer and recording engineer. Bennett Paster sums up his newest recording this way: "Music moves us all, from finger snapping to full-on dancing. The power of groove to unite and bring joy is undeniable. It transcends cultures, nations, races and religion. This gravity is the force that I'm tapping into on the collection of songs that form Indivisible." BENNETT PASTER "Indivisible" (Self Produced) Street Date: May 3, 2019 BENNETT PASTER- KEYBOARDS, JEFF HANLEY- BASS, TONY MASON- DRUMS, AL STREET- GUITAR, KENNY BROOKS- TENOR SAX, SAMUEL TORRES- CONGAS & PERCUSSION, TODD ISLER- PERCUSSION write your comments about the article :: © 2019 Jazz News :: home page |