Duane Benjamin - Round Midnight Today
Jazz, Smooth Jazz, Funk R&B
California, United States
Overall Impression: Whilst there is obviously a myriad of different ways in which a piece of music may connect with a listener, when it comes to the world of jazz and funk fusion I often ask myself one very simple question, does this inspire me to pick up an instrument and play? And as I keep a guitar by my side more or less throughout the day in the hope that a sudden nugget of inspiration may come my way, I found myself reaching for it mere seconds into Duane Benjamin's awe-inspiring jazz-funk extravaganza, "Round Midnight Today". Duane Benjamin offers listeners a truly dazzling display of sheer musical maturity and feel-infused virtuosic performances that feels both fresh and truly exciting, not only does "Round Midnight Today" showcase both fantastic melodic and harmonic intrigue throughout but Duane's inspiring blend of genres makes for one exceedingly fascinating listening experience, one that I will have on repeat for the foreseeable future.
Strongest Point(s): Whilst the track is clearly rooted in jazz and funk fusion, the inclusion of hip-hop elements really helps add an extra dose of excitement and unexpectedness to the track that allows it to adopt a truly unique sense of character. The performances are quite simply exceptional and Duane clearly knows how to get the very best from his musicians, the sheer chemistry between them is utterly compelling and an absolute joy to listen to. The dynamism in these performances is what gives the track its unbridled sense of energy and vigor, ensuring listeners are kept enthralled from start to finish, add in Duane's deft arrangement skills and ultra-cool sense of melody and you have a track that continually rewards its listeners with one well crafted and terrifically catchy phrase after another. It's also worth noting that the excellent production ensures all these positive elements are translated to the listener in the most crisply detailed and sonically thrilling way possible.
Target Audience Appeal: Lovers of contemporary jazz-funk fusion will certainly get a great kick out of "Round Midnight Today".
Artist target suggestions: Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, David Sanborn, Snarky Puppy, Benny Greb, FORQ, Dirty Loops, The Funky Knuckles, The Fearless Flyers, Nate Smith, Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers, Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band
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About the Reviewer:
Andre Avanessian is a freelance session musician, composer, and sound engineer based in the U.K. Having studied music production and composition at a degree level, he has taken his passion for all things audio-related to a level that has allowed him to become both a competent musician and performer. Being a self-confessed "Guitar Nerd" Andre has been continually studying the guitar, as well as teaching it, helping students both learn the instrument, develop their songwriting, and how to become proficient in home recording.