Benoit/Freeman Project 2

Benoit/Freeman Project 2

ASIN: B00025EU0Y

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
It took these two a decade to follow up their first project, one of the best smooth jazz albums of the '90s. The songs, half of which were co-written by the leaders, are well-crafted gems. Some are radio friendly ("Palmetto Park," "Club Havana," and the Brazilian-tinged "Samba") and one--"Struttin'" featuring trumpeter Chris Botti--has soloing that may catch critics of smooth jazz by surprise. As with the first album's Kenny Loggins feature, there's also a cameo here with a singer not associated with jazz, Vince Gill. The album has the feel of Benoit's jazziest effort, Waiting for Spring, which he recorded with the late guitarist Emily Remler, and his handling of the string arrangements throughout this album is superb. One can only hope the pianist and guitarist get together again before 2014. --Mark Ruffin

Tracks:

Palmetto Park
Via Nueve
Montecito
Club Havana
Two Survivors
Samba
Moon Through The Window
Struttin'
Stiletto Heels
Waiting for The Stars To Fall

Amazon.com

It took these two a decade to follow up their first project, one of the best smooth jazz albums of the '90s. The songs, half of which were co-written by the leaders, are well-crafted gems. Some are radio friendly ("Palmetto Park," "Club Havana," and the Brazilian-tinged "Samba") and one--"Struttin'" featuring trumpeter Chris Botti--has soloing that may catch critics of smooth jazz by surprise. As with the first album's Kenny Loggins feature, there's also a cameo here with a singer not associated with jazz, Vince Gill. The album has the feel of Benoit's jazziest effort, Waiting for Spring, which he recorded with the late guitarist Emily Remler, and his handling of the string arrangements throughout this album is superb. One can only hope the pianist and guitarist get together again before 2014. --Mark Ruffin

Customer Reviews:

Tenth Anniversary.......2006-02-15

Ten years ago a younger David Benoit and Russ Freeman did the 'Benoit/Freenan Project 1'{1994}. And to this day it is stiil one of my most favourite albums. I had just about given up all hope that these guys would ever do another album together. But as they say 'Good things come to those who wait'. And the good thing is the release of 'Benoit/Freeman 2'{2004}. I brought this album about a year ago and I listen to it all the time. With guest recording artist like Vince Gill and Chris Botti. And songs like Palmetto Park,Via Nueve,Samba and Club Havana 'Project 2' is a beautiful album. So what as changed over the last ten years? Well,for one thing Mr Benoit hair is now more grayer and Mr Freeman hair is a lot shorter. But the music is still top notch. And once again Benoit and Freeman demonstrate their ability to compose good music apart and together. So just sit back in your easy chair and enjoy this smooth jazz treat. And while you're at it why not give 'Project 1' a listen

The Best Benoit CD yet.......2005-08-04

I listen to alot of jazz and seem to know what I like. As soon as I heard this one it reminded me a little bit of Pat Mentheny (on his good days) and that is a compliment. In the other reviews people seem to be getting a little picky. No album is perfect and neither is this one. However I loved it and play it all the time.

SMOOTH JAZZ IS ALMOST DEAD.......2005-03-11

This CD is decent at best. I give it 2 stars just based on the 3 songs (Palmetto Park, Samba, Via Nueve). They sound great and soothing, but everything else is mediocre. It is just uninspired. The 2 major flaws with the CD are Vince Gill singing, and the uneven solo time Russ takes over David. I love piano a lot more than classical guitar, and it seems Russ always takes 2 solos to David's 1. He is not the best guitarist in the world (all riffs sound the same from this guy) and David is much more technically proficient (classically trained pianist) in my opinion. Also, there are too many vocal tracks on today's smooth jazz CD's, and the vocal tracks always SUCK (excluding Fourplay, Norman Connors and Pat Metheny Group). If I want to hear singing, I'll buy Norah Jones, Al Jarreau, Diana Krall, and other VOCALISTS. One more thing, Trumpet is not the best smooth jazz instrument, so why the hell is Chris Botti on everything? I also play trumpet and would like to keep it in traditional jazz or classical music.

Smooth jazz + Country singer = boring.......2005-01-22

I know you need to be a "smooth jazz" fan to like this album but I want to write my opinion after listening to this album. David Benoit is a talented pianist and Russ Freeman is a talented guitarist, but like most smooth jazz albums, all the music in this album are predictable. Why they must waste their talents for 'smooth jazz' albums?

And why they invite Vince Gill to sing? He can't sing jazz, he's so boooriingg. If they want to invite pop singer to sing jazz, why they don't invite Norah Jones instead? She have a great voice... Or how about Brian McKnight, Vanessa Williams, Stevie Wonder, James Ingram?!?!? There's so many pop singer that could sing jazz but why Vince Gill (or to make thing worse... how about Robbie Williams)?

doesn't quite make it.......2004-11-16

I'll start off by saying that Russ Freeman is what started my interest in contemporary jazz for twelve years now and I generally love anything he's involved in. I discovered David Benoit through his guest appearances with The Rippingtons, and went through a bit of a phase after seeing him live in some smooth jazz christmas concert (he was the only one who really stood out to me). I'm actually quite fond of Benoit's late 80's to early 90's solo work, as the producing is light and they generally show off his unique sound.

That being said, this CD was a bit of a let down for me. It sounded like, instead of combining the brillance of both artists, the compositions were trying to be generic enough to fit both playing styles. My favourite track is the one that Russ wrote himself. The album is decent enough to listen to, and if anything else, something new, but I don't think you would miss anything in passing it up. This is just my view of it, anyway.

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