Chris Bennett Until The End Of Time CD

There've been many clever cover versions of Bill Withers' "Use Me" over the years (including the new brassy rendition by trumpeter Rick Braun), but vocalist Chris Bennett, with the help of Latin-driven producer Alec Milstein, has come up with one of the contemporary best. Arturo Velaseco's trombone blows heavy over a jumpy piano riff, which introduces Bennett's soulful vocal riding above Freddie Crespo's pitter-patter percussion and horn section accents. Thus, a great adult contemporary vocalist suddenly transforms to a stylish Latin big-band singer. Milstein also helps her find a little Brazilian magic inside of herself, on the bright and breezy "Hopeless Case." "On a Summer Night," "Flamingo," and "Until the End of Time" have a balmy tropical flavor about them, but for the most part they bring Bennett back to her usual middle-of-the-road romantic fare -- which is always appealing. Milstein's playful guitar solo in the intro of "Faster Than Expected" introduces the peppy Latin energy of the tune. The basic premise of Bennett's latest project seems to be driving her into the Latin market, but without getting too far away from the less exotic style that established her. It's an appealing leap. ~ Jonathan Widran

Chris Bennett is a Grammy nominated contemporary jazz singer, pianist and composer.JAZZIZ Magazine - March, 2002- by Jonathan Widran Like Randy Crawford CHRIS BENNETT is a multi-talented jazz-oriented pop singer who plays to sold-out houses in Europe. While Bennett self-produced her three previous recordings, she hands the reins on this Brazilian and Latin flavored disc to veteran bassist Alec Milstein (well-known for his work with Eric Marienthal, Jeff Lorber, and others). He helps transform Bennett into a stylish Latin big-band singer, particularly on fiery cuts like "USE ME". Here Bill Withers' soul chestnut receives a royal salsa treatment, with Bennett's soothing voice gliding over a swirling hurricane of pitter-patter percussion and staccato brass gusts. Occasionally, Arturo Velasco's trombone leaps out and wraps around Bennett like an excited, jumpy lover. On the Brazilian side, original tunes like "Hopeless Case" get the bossa thing going as Bennett gives it her sultry best. Fans of the singer's past romantic stylings will find a cozy familiarity on balmy tracks like "On A Summer Night" and the title tune. Wayne Johnson's buoyant guitar solo in the intro section of "Faster Than Expected" offers a moment of instrumental cool before the true Latin energy of the tune kicks in. And what would even a partially Brazilian-themed project be without a few Jobim tunes? The seductive "Once I Loved" and "Someone To Light Up My Life" feature Marienthal's smoky alto and more of Bennett's breezy vocals.

Recorde at Smart Alec Studios, Venice, California.

Personnel: Chris Bennett (vocals); Alec Milstein (vocals, guitar, piano); Freddie Crespo (vocals, percussion); Kleber Jorge, Wayne Johnson (guitar); Frank Strauss (strings, piano); Eric Marienthal (alto saxophone); Arturo Velasco (trombone); Sandy Stein (piano); Kevin Winard (drums); Kevin Ricard, Bobbye Hall (percussion).

Audio Mixer: Talley Sherwood.

Recording information: Smart Alec Studios, Venice, CA.

Arranger: Alec Milstein.

Personnel includes: Chris Bennett (vocals); Eric Marienthal (alto saxophone); Armando Castagnoli (tenor saxophone); Arturo Velasco (trombone); Alec Milstein (piano, guitar, bass); Frank Strauss (piano, synthesized strings); Wayne Johnson, Kleber Jorge (guitar); Eddy Resto (bass); Kevin Renard (drums); Bobbye Hall, Kevin Ricard, Freddie Crespo (percussion).