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In 1989, George Benson collaborated with celebrated composer-arranger Robert Farnon and his orchestra to create “Dreams Do Come True,” with Farnon’s lush arrangements perfectly complementing Benson’s soulful vocals and fluid guitar work on a program of American standards and reimagined pop classics. The recording was made during a prolific period in Benson’s career and the decision was made to delay the album’s release. In the meantime, the recordings went missing and remained lost until recently, when they were discovered in Benson’s archives. Now, after 35 years, the album is finally receiving it proper release.
Saxophone titan Eric Alexander and keyboard maestro Mike LeDonne have come together for an incredible duo record. With the two principals featured in both solo and duo formats, “Together” is tethered by the supreme musicianship for which LeDonne and Alexander are known, as well as the comfortable tug of trust and bandstand familiarity. Featuring both original compositions and standards, the recording showcases a special musical dialog between these two modern masters whose long-standing friendship and talent enables them to communicate with a kind of musical clairvoyance.
Also this week, Lakecia Benjamin, who wowed the crowd at the Iowa City Jazz Festival last month, unveils “Phoenix Reimagined,” recorded live for a studio audience; alto saxophonist and composer Markus Howell returns with his second disc as a leader, “Chosen Path”; and the cool-toned Danish saxophonist and composer Jan Harbeck, playing a Selmer Balanced Action tenor once owned by Stan Getz, convenes his quartet for “Balanced.”