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Benny Reid

Concord Jazz announced the release of Escaping Shadows, the sophomore album from alto saxophonist and bandleader Benny Reid. On his new release, 28-year-old Reid reveals the next vital step in his maturation as an adventurous artist and an ambitious composer. The album features nine originals and one cover song, and will be available everywhere September 15, 2009.

Produced by Reid and Chris Dunn, Escaping Shadows spotlights Reid and his band as embarking on a passionate, largely upbeat and lyrical journey. The album includes pieces that were written around the time of his debut album Findings, which the saxophonist cites as a highly creative period for him. "Half the songs on Escaping Shadows were written before the first record came out," he says. "For example, I had hopes that the tune "Escaping Shadows" would make it on to Findings, but there wasn't enough time in the studio to record it. It turned out for the best because I restructured it, building in new elements and making it stronger."

Reid recorded Escaping Shadows with his own group to build upon the rapport the members developed while working on the road together for the past two years. "We are a family. We've developed a way to work on my compositions and grooves." Members of the group include guitarist Richard Padrón, wordless vocalist Jeff Taylor and percussionist Ryan Fitch, all of whom also played on Reid's debut album. In addition, Reid recruited pianist Pablo Vergara, bassist Daniel Loomis and drummer Kenny Grohowski.

Yet Reid's alto takes the melodic lead on the tunes. He says, "I want to create the most beautiful melodies I possibly can." That's especially the case on the sublime tune, "The Most Beautiful Girl I Ever Knew," which is dedicated to his sister who passed away when Reid was 13. "She inspired me," he says. "I wrote this in college in a practice room. It was a very emotional experience for me. I escaped into the music after her death, knowing that I would honor her with it someday." He also adds, "I've always found my musical voice the truest way to express my feelings; it's easier for me to pick up the saxophone and express myself creatively through my horn, than it is through my speaking voice. I feel that I can find the heart of my soul when I play. I try to create the most moving melodies possible that represent my influences. My sister is my most dominant influence, and I strive to achieve some sort of musical comparison to her with every song I write."

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300
Album Review

Benny Reid: Escaping Shadows

Read "Escaping Shadows" reviewed by Woodrow Wilkins


To listen to Benny Reid's music is to hear a strong Pat Metheny influence. That's not a bad thing, but it is something the 28-year-old aims to move away from with Escaping Shadows, his second release as a leader. Reid graduated from the music program at Indiana University. In addition to Metheny, his influences include Phil Woods, Sonny Rollins and Michael Jackson. Accompanying Reid on this outing are guitarist Richard Padron, keyboardist Pablo Vergara keyboards, bassist Daniel Loomis ...

233
Take Five With...

Take Five With Benny Reid

Read "Take Five With Benny Reid" reviewed by AAJ Staff


Instrument(s):Alto saxophone.Teachers and/or influences?Starting with my alto sax teacher in high school, Andy Fusco of Buddy Rich Band fame, and throughout college at Indiana University I studied with Tom Walsh, who is a great jazz and classical player that really knows how to bring out the individualism in each student. I also mentored under tenor great Eric Alexander and pianist Mike LeDonne and took lessons with Chris Potter, Dick Oatts and several others over ...

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164

Radio

The Jazz Session #113: Benny Reid

The Jazz Session #113: Benny Reid

Source: Michael Ricci


131

Recording

Benny Reid Releases New CD - Escaping Shadow

Benny Reid Releases New CD - Escaping Shadow

Source: On Target Media Group


235

Recording

Benny Reid to Release New Album

Benny Reid to Release New Album

Source: On Target Media Group

On September 15th, Concord Jazz Records will release Escaping Shadows, the new album from jazz saxophonist Benny Reid. On his new release, 28-year-old Reid reveals the next vital step in his maturation as an adventurous artist and an ambitious composer. The album features nine originals and one cover song. Noteworthy originals include the volume-surging, rock-grooved “Facing the Edge” and the hybrid “New Days” that starts with a jazz groove followed by a jungle beat in the middle section. The lone ...

162

Recording

Concord Jazz Will Release Benny Reid's "Escaping Shadows" on September 15

Concord Jazz Will Release Benny Reid's "Escaping Shadows" on September 15

Source: Fully Altered Media

Concord Jazz announced the release of Escaping Shadows, the sophomore album from alto saxophonist and bandleader Benny Reid. On his new release, 28-year-old Reid reveals the next vital step in his maturation as an adventurous artist and an ambitious composer. The album features nine originals and one cover song, and will be available everywhere September 15, 2009. Produced by Reid and Chris Dunn, Escaping Shadows spotlights Reid and his band as embarking on a passionate, largely upbeat and lyrical journey. ...

234

Festival

Saxophonist Benny Reid at the Tanglewood Jazz Festival

Saxophonist Benny Reid at the Tanglewood Jazz Festival

Source: Dawn Singh Publicity

Alto saxophonist Benny Reid made an auspicious debut as a leader on his first Concord Records CD, “Findings," last year. Born in Westfield, New Jersey on October 7, 1980, Reid grew up in a musical household where the records of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, {Stan Getz}} and Pat Metheny provided a soundtrack for daily life. “Since I was a kid, my mom and dad listened to all kinds of music," says Benny. He recalls, “When I was in second grade, ...

108

Recording

Benny Reid - 'Findings' Concord Jazz Debut CD Free Download

Benny Reid - 'Findings' Concord Jazz Debut CD Free Download

Source: On Target Media Group

The upcoming Concord Jazz debut from 26 year old alto sax prodigy and rising jazz star Benny Reid, titled Findings, is set for release this coming Tuesday (Feb 27th). You can download the track “Dancing with my Father" for free right here:

Findings is a fully realized work of remarkable depth and maturity that takes listeners on a musical journey traversing a whole range of emotions within each individual piece. “The major inspiration for this record is my sister, who ...

151

Performance / Tour

Benny Reid: Findings at 55 Bar on Sep.12 7-9pm

Benny Reid: Findings at 55 Bar on Sep.12 7-9pm

Source: All About Jazz


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Performance / Tour

Saxophonist Benny Reid at Fat Cat Jazz Club

Saxophonist Benny Reid at Fat Cat Jazz Club

Source: All About Jazz


Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Escaping Shadows

Concord Music Group
2009

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