David Benoit - "Heroes" - 4/22/08

Multi-faceted recording artist/composer/and producer David Benoit has mastered his new album, “Heroes,” at Bernie Grundman Mastering. Clark Germain recorded the album at Paramount Studios with Benoit’s live band: David Hughes on bass, Jamey Tate on drums, Brad Dutz on percussion, and Andi Suzuki on sax. Germain mixed at his WonderWorld Studio and then joined mastering engineer Chris Bellman to finalize the project for Peak Records.

“Heroes” is Benoit’s personal tribute album and includes “Your Song,” “Mountain Dance,” “Light My Fire,” “Waltz For Debbie,” and “Human Nature.” Composers and artists represented are Dave Brubeck, Miles Davis, The Doors, The Beatles, Dave Grusin, and Horace Silver. The album includes two new Benoit compositions, including a tribute to Dave Brubeck, “A Twisted Little Etude.”

Following his education at UCLA, Benoit began his career as a musical director and conductor for diva Lainie Kazan in 1976 before moving on to similar roles with singer/actresses Ann Margaret and Connie Stevens. In 2000, after the death of Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz, he released a memorial album entitled “Here’s To You, Charlie Brown: 50 Great Years.” Collaborators included the chorus group Take 6, guitarist Mark Antoine and trumpeter Chris Botti. He also provided the music for “Peanuts” in the later TV specials.

Benoit has arranged, conducted and performed music for many popular pop and jazz artists over the years, including Russ Freeman and the Rippingtons, Kenny Loggins, Patti Austin, Dave Koz, Kenny Rankin, Faith Hill, David Lanz, Cece Winans, David Pack, David Sanborn, and Brian McKnight.

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