2007-06-01
Jersey Jazz - Review
Guitarist RONI BEN-HUR has just released another superb album, "Keepin’ It Open" (Motema Music – 00010). His cohorts for this outing are Jeremy Pelt on trumpet, Ronnie Mathews on piano, Santi DeBriano on bass, Lewis Nash on drums and Steve Kroon on percussion. Ben-Hur is a versatile player who mixes accessibility and creativity, regardless of what style of music is on his plate. He has chosen band members of a similar nature, and they beautifully complement his artistry. The program is an eclectic mix of standards, originals, jazz tunes, Brazilian and Spanish pieces, and an Israeli folk song. The ten tracks cover a lot of ground, but the album does not feel at all disjointed. It is interesting that he has included tunes written by two of the more unique piano players in jazz, Thelonious Monk’s “Think of One” and Elmo Hope’s “One Second Please.” Ben-Hur’s original salute to one of his mentors “My Man, Harris,” Barry that is, is a niftily cooking affair. While the pace varies on "Keepin’ It Open," this disc always keeps your attention. Ben-Hur demonstrates once again that he is among the most interesting players on his instrument currently playing jazz. (www.ronibenhur.com)
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Exquisite Jazz guitar for a great cause. |  listen
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Roni's popular Jazz Guitar Instructional book is the only official guitar book featuring the 'Barry Harris Method' - Published by Mel Bay |
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