Leaving behind the downtempo electronic approach of 2010's
Earthglow, pianist
David Benoit returns to a more traditional contemporary jazz vibe on 2012's
Conversation. Once again working with producer
Clark Germain,
Benoit has put together a more organic, swinging sound this time around. To these ends, we get the R&B-infused Latin number "Feelin' It" as well as
Benoit's take on the
Vince Guaraldi-sounding theme to the film Diary of a Wimpy Kid featuring guitarist
Jeff Golub. Similarly engaging are such cuts as the roiling spy-movie funk of "Q's Motif" and the jazz-funk of "Let's Get Ready" with saxophonist
David Sills. One of the main draws here, of course, is the title track composition that
Benoit culled from the last movement of his suite "Music for Two Trios." The track showcases a classical trio featuring pianist Robert Theis and a jazz organ trio led by
Benoit trading sections and going head to head on this cinematic and rambling "conversation" piece. ~ Matt Collar