SongSpirit, To Be Released October 17, 2006, Features Abdullah Ibrahim and Sathima Bea Benjamin in Duet of It Never Entered My Mind
Album Release Celebrates Ms. Benjamin's 70th Birthday
ekapa records is proud to announce the release of SongSpirit, an album that celebrates South African jazz singer Sathima Bea Benjamin's 70th birthday with a compilation of 11 of her greatest recorded tracks, plus one previously unreleased duet with her husband, jazz legend Abdullah Ibrahim. Also showcased on the album are pianists Duke Ellington, Kenny Barron, and Stephen Scott; bassist Buster Williams; drummers Billy Higgins and Ben Riley; and many more. Additionally, the newly remastered album features liner notes by jazz critic Francis Davis.
Originally from Cape Town, Sathima Bea Benjamin is one of South Africa's musical treasures, and has over the years established herself as one of the greatest living jazz singers in the world, having worked with such musical legends as Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, and her husband, Abdullah Ibrahim. Throughout her career, Sathima has recorded 11 albums, earned a Grammy nomination, and received in 2004 the Order of Ikhamanga, South Africa's highest honor.
As a singer, Sathima's interpretations of standards have earned her a devoted audience and the highest praise of critics. Jules Epstein, writing for the Philadelphia Tribune, writes “there may be ten great jazz singers alive today, and Sathima Bea Benjamin is unquestionably one." In Jazztimes, Robin D.G. Kelley described Sathima as “South Africa's greatest jazz singer and one of the best the world has ever known."
For more information contact All About Jazz.
