Review of Benny Sharoni's newest CD 'Slant Signature'

Acclaimed tenor saxophonist Benny Sharoni’s latest CD titled Slant Signature due to be released on March 17 from Papaya Records, melds high tempo tracks with more subdued, sensual ones to create an album true jazz lovers will adore. On this CD, Sharoni’s second, he is accompanied by pianist Joe Barbato, bassist Todd Baker and drummer Steve Langone. In addition, they are joined by special guests, trumpeter Jim Rotondi and guitarist Mike Mele.

The album’s opening track titled “Minor City,” begins with a swift intro that is the perfect melody to get listeners’ eager for what else the album has in store. The intro combines Sharoni’s booming tenor sax play, Rotondi’s bold trumpet work and Langone’s speedy drumming into an infectious rhythm. In addition, Baker’s casual bass play is prevalent.

The fourth track on the album is titled “Ceora.” It’s a song from famed trumpeter Lee Morgan. Its smooth, silky paced intro makes for an elegant love song listeners could play during their next date night. Sharoni’s soft tenor sax ramps up the romantic ante with its passionate swells and sexy tones.

“Subterranean Samba” is the album’s third track. Barbato’s tickling of the ivories and Langone’s deep drum work pervades the intro. Then, Sharoni enters the melody with light tenor sax play with Langone’s drumming continuing coolly in the background. Listeners could surely envision hearing this delicate track on this season of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars as one of the couples glides across the dancefloor exhibiting a sincere physical expression of love through dance.

The album’s title track is the fifth one on the album. Its sprinting tempo of Sharoni’s masterful tenor sax play, Rotondi’s confident trumpeting and Langone’s flourishing drums merge together seamlessly. In addition, Mele’s guitar solo does a wonderful job of slowing down the rhythm, adding a calmer, serener tone to the song.

Finally, the eighth and final track is a song originally by jazz pianist/composer Ray Bryant titled “Tonk.” On this version, a playful tone initiates the track as Sharoni’s tenor sax and Rotondi’s trumpet with Langone’s drumming faintly in the background all fuse together into one harmonious beat. Baker’s bass in also rampant throughout giving the track it the requisite jazz tone.

In conclusion, Benny Sharoni’s latest CD, Slant Signature takes some songs from accomplished musicians and puts unique spins on them without compromising their original integrity. Also, the original compositions are so bountifully filled with jazz zest that diehard fans won’t be able to resist swaying to this album.

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