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Benny Green: Naturally
ByGreen seems to feel at home at Telarc as well, which is releasing his first CD on that label. Having performed in duo with Oscar Peterson on the Telarc label, and having been a member of Ray Brown's trio, which recorded on Telarc, it was natural that Green would have gravitated to that label also.
The Benny Green Trio once again adopts characteristics of Oscar Peterson's and Nat King Cole's trios. In fact, on "Naturally", as on his last Blue Note release, "These Are Soulful Days", Green's trio consistently sets out to entertain with medium-tempo versions of his own compositions and seldom-played, but musically logical, gems like Carl Perkins' "Grooveyard" and Wayne Shorter's "Lester Left Town".
The camaraderie of the group is apparent, and they perform unpretentiously, confidently and melodically. Indeed, the feel among the three is so rewarding that Green wrote tunes characterizing the two other members of the group. "Captain Hook", referring to Green's nickname for the bassist, sets up McBride for a puckish variation on the theme in an arco style reminiscent of Major Holley. "Russelln'" combines piano and guitar in exposition of the melody as they then rhythmically and steadily back up the other in improvisation which highlights Malone's crystalline sound and relaxed approach.
Now that Benny Green has found a new home, he has fallen into a newer attitude of unhurried and enjoyable exploration consistent with Telarc's style and reputation for quality recording.
Personnel
Benny Green
pianoAlbum information
Title: Naturally | Year Released: 2000 | Record Label: Telarc Records
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