Search - Bennett Brandeis :: Storytelling

Standing along side the giants...

sonicwarrior62 | Nashvegas TN | 02/10/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"With his third release, "Storytelling", Bennett Brandeis brings to the fore his considerable talent and experience as a composer arranger and guitarist, demonstrating a masterful grasp of what it means to be a contemporary musician. Mr. Brandeis' aural snapsots are most reminiscent of earlier efforts by Pat Metheny with shades of latter-period Wes Montgomery. Mr. Brandeis (all guitars, synths) is joined here by Dave Carpenter on drums and pianist Louis Durra as well as Brazilian journeyman Octavio Bailly on bass, forming the masterful core ensemble.



It would be a mistake to categorize "Storytelling" as possessing overall, a "dark" sound; indeed the record contains a wide range of moods, although none that jar the senses nor induce slumber. Several compositions range from sombre and introspective ("The Journey", "Days End", "Piece Of The Puzzle") to contemplative and yearning ("Singularity", "Good Intentions", "Storytelling") . "Cable Car", a driving variant of the samba (actually reminiscent of a second-line groove from New Orleans) is a delight as well as Mr. Brandeis' "Oh Well Blues", a showcase of taste and restraint (it actually found me wanting to hear these fellows dirty it up a little - try the pork rinds and BBQ).



Like Metheny and Montgomery before him, Mr. Brandeis succeeds overall by integrating a beautiful blend of influences ranging from jazz, Brazil, and popular music. "Storytelling" is pure MUSIC, a seamless blend of the aforementioned genres. As with Metheny and Montgomery's music, this record's real achievement lies in revealing a transparency that effortlessly eliminates the need for such confining descriptions. A real find. 4 stars? Make is 5."