Singer/Songwriter/Lyricist Mark Winkler has released a new album that is a tribute to his 37 years of friendship with Pianist/Composer/Arranger David Benoit. 37 years is a long time but I am glad to report that both of these seasoned musicians are at the very top of their musical game on this CD! Mark Winkler is not only a remarkable Songwriter and Lyricist, he still is one of the most currently active Vocalists performing today. He seems to be everywhere in the current music scene, cutting new CDs, producing new CDs for other up and coming younger Vocalists and writing great new music and Lyrics. Even though Mark is a renowned Vocalist and Composer, I admire his willingness to give back to his industry by helping younger talent break out.
Multiple Grammy nominee David Benoit has a resume that most musicians would die for. He has recorded over 35 projects as a leader and has worked with the best in contemporary Jazz performers like the Rippingtons, Dave Koz, Faith Hill, David Sanborn, CeCe Winans and Brian McKnight.
The idea for this album was born after Benoit invited Winkler over for dinner, after which the two retired to the living room where Benoit started accompanying Winkler on the piano. The informal session started with the idea to pick songs and composers who were meaningful to them.
This CD presents Mark Winkler and David Benoit at the very best of their musical careers. The bond of friendship and musical communication between these two mega-stars is wonderful to experience. I Consider Mark Winkler's vocals on this CD his best work to date. I am already looking forward to "Old Friends II"!
I have attached two "YouTube" videos for your listening pleasure. Picking just two cuts from this CD was difficult. So my first pick was a song that in my opinion has been under-appreciated and under-recorded, "Some Other Time". This song was written by Leonard Bernstein, Betty Comden and Adolph Greene and it's a classic beauty. My favorite version of this song is a recording made by Tony Bennett and Bill Evans but Winkler and Benoit version is mighty good also! My second selection is "In A Quiet Place Kei's Song" a song composed by Benoit with lyric co-written by Winkler and Shelley Nyman. It's a wonderful love poem!
Players:
Mark Winkler- Vocals
David Benoit- Piano
Clayton Cameron- Drums
Gabe Davis- Bass
Pat Kelley- Guitar
Kevin Wizard- Percussion
Stefanie Fife- Cello
Arrangements- David Benoit
Producer- Barbara Brighton
Playlist:
1. I've Got Just About Everything
2. Sweet Kentucky Ham
3. The Shadow Of Your Smile
4. Better Than Anything
5. Two For The Road
6. Old Friends/Bookends
7. When This Love Affair Is Over
8. I Think It's Going To Rain Today
9. In A Quiet Place (Kei's Song)
10. I Wish I'd Met You
11. Dragonfly
12. Thirty Years (Only Sunshine Days)
13. Some Other Time
"Some Other Time"
"In A Quite Place (Kei's Song)
