Saxist Jeff Benedict fronts a band with guitarist Dave Askren, joined by Ted P iltzecker/vib, Patrick McDevitt/b and Paul Romaine/dr on a mix of mostly originals. The team bounces to an almost Latinized take of the swing classic “Stompin’ At The Savoy” with some bouncy vibes sprucing things up. Benedict’s alto is bright over the hip groove of “Jackie’s Idea” and bops well around McDevitt’s bass and Askren’s tasty strings on “Englewood Cliffs”, blowing the blues with the co-leader on “Ennue, Anyone”. Benedict’s soprano is sweet and spry on Marie Adele”, while on the dreamy side Askren teams with Romaine’s brushes for a sinewy “Memories”. Romaine rumbles with Piltzecker on “Orange Express” and the team gets modern on “Reslience”. A mile high climb worth the view.Dave Askren/Jeff Benedict: Denver Sessions
Saxist Jeff Benedict fronts a band with guitarist Dave Askren, joined by Ted P iltzecker/vib, Patrick McDevitt/b and Paul Romaine/dr on a mix of mostly originals. The team bounces to an almost Latinized take of the swing classic “Stompin’ At The Savoy” with some bouncy vibes sprucing things up. Benedict’s alto is bright over the hip groove of “Jackie’s Idea” and bops well around McDevitt’s bass and Askren’s tasty strings on “Englewood Cliffs”, blowing the blues with the co-leader on “Ennue, Anyone”. Benedict’s soprano is sweet and spry on Marie Adele”, while on the dreamy side Askren teams with Romaine’s brushes for a sinewy “Memories”. Romaine rumbles with Piltzecker on “Orange Express” and the team gets modern on “Reslience”. A mile high climb worth the view.