Like a fine wine...
Benny Maupin was there with Miles when Bitches Brew was born. His bass clarinet was the anchor that kept all that electricity hooked to the Earth. He was there when Herbie and the Headhunters blew our minds with Chameleon. He was there with Herbie's Mwandishi band when they showed us that you didn't have to be plugged in to be "electric".

Benny's been in so many places at so many times when great things happened, and that's not a coincidence. Benny's always been under-rated in my opinion.

This new album with a great young rhythm section showcases some great compositions by the master. And please note that the man has an incredible tone on all the instruments he plays. He's the master of the bass clarinet. He blows the Tenor like no one else. His Soprano sound is so fat and beautiful it makes you wonder if that is a Soprano he's playing, and his Flute sound is lovely.

This is not re-cycled Be-Bop. It's original music by a man who was always great and has aged like a fine wine.

Get it. You'll play it till you die.

Nice Jazz
I read about this upcoming CD in my local newspaper. Enjoying jazz I thought I'd give it a try. The article stated Maupin does not adhere to the normal melody and rhythm of traditional jazz players. I was leary, but interested. The cd is a good jazz cd, mixed with others for dinner or light entertaining. Worth the money.