David Benoit Fuzzy Logic CD

Pianist David Benoit once again delivers a consummate jazz-pop release produced by trumpeter Rick Braun. Braun, who played on Benoit's 1999 Professional Dreamer, does a nice job of updating the piano man's trademark keyboard sound by addressing hip-hop and Latin rhythms. Despite the requisite candlelight noodlings and semi-funk party tracks that Benoit has admittedly popularized, there is much to appreciate here. With its ersatz harpsichord intro, the original "You Read My Mind" is reminiscent of early Bob James, and is a welcome breather from the usual bland jams. Similarly, an irony-free cover of Smashmouth's "Then the Morning Comes" brilliantly recalls the best of Burt Bacharach's '60s output. Fuzzy Math is perfect music for a romantic dinner or shopping a bridal registry at the mall. Either way, Benoit fans will no doubt be pleased. ~ Matt Collar

Tony Maiden, Pat Kelly, Ian Crabtree (guitar); Abe Laboriel, Stan Sargeant, Phil Mulford, Dean Taba (bass); Steve Ferrone, Jeff Olson (drums); Scott Breadman (timbales); Scott Breadman, Brad Dutz (percussion).

Recorded between April 19 and May 24, 2001.

Producers include: David Benoit, Rick Braun, Stuart Wade.

Engineers include: Clark Germain, Steve Sykes, Mick Wilson.

Personnel: David Benoit (piano); Pat Kelley, Paul Jackson, Jr. , Tony Maiden, Ian Crabtree, Ross Bolton (guitar); Tim Weisberg (flute); Jonathan Clark (oboe); Andy Suzuki (saxophone); Rick Braun (trumpet, programming); Rick Baptist (trumpet); Richard Todd (French horn); Nick Lane, Stephen Holtman (trombone); Neil Angilley (keyboards); Larry Bunker (vibraphone); Jeff Olson, Steve Ferrone (drums); Mick Wilson (timbales); Scott Breadman, Brad Dutz (percussion); David Tyler (programming).

Audio Mixers: Clark Germain; Steve Sykes.

Recording information: Brauntosaurus Studio, Woodland Hills, CA (03/27/2001-06/26/2001); Capital A Studio, Hollywood, CA (03/27/2001-06/26/2001); Ocean Way Recording Studio "B", Hollywood, CA (03/27/2001-06/26/2001); O'Henry Sound Studios, Burbank, CA (03/27/2001-06/26/2001); Sonic Sandbaox, San Pedro, CA (03/27/2001-06/26/2001); Village Studios, London, England (03/27/2001-06/26/2001).

Illustrator: Dave Ellis.

Photographer: Rocky Schenck.

Arrangers: David Benoit; Rick Braun; Stuart Wade.

Personnel includes: David Benoit (arranger, conductor, piano, Hammond B-3 organ); Andy Suzuki (saxophone); Rick Braun (trumpet, programming); Rick Baptist (trumpet); Richard Todd (French horn); Nick Lane, Steve Holtman (trombone); Tim Weisberg (flute); Jon Clark (oboe); Larry Bunker (vibraphone); Neil Angilley (keyboards); Paul Jackson, Jr., Ross Bolton,

JazzTimes (3/02, p.60) - "...Elemental arrangements of rootsy funk and retro-jazz, fueled by Benoit's expert finger work and hooky songwriting..."
Mojo (Publisher) (7/02, p.102) - "...Antiseptically smooth..."