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Musical Echoes

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(from an extended article, copyright 2006 Michael F. Hopkins)

Master singer Sathima Bea Benjamin has forged her
amazing career and reputation over the course of
40 years. These are amazing years which have seen
upheavals, uprisings, and momentous struggle shape
the future of her homeland, finally bringing about
South Africa's abolition of Apartheid by the early-
mid 1990s.
In particular, it is the spirit of homecoming which
charges MUSICAL ECHOES with a beauty all its own.
Recorded in 2002 on her own Ekapa label, it is one
of two releases which marks Benjamin's return to
South Africa, and the unique music scene which has
nourished her artistry through these long decades.

This sense of aesthetic convergence is further
defined by her fine choice of musicians for this
date; American pianist Stephen Scott bringing his
astute touch to kindle all manner of harmonic
delight alongside the stunning South African
polyrhythmatics of bassist Basil Moses and drummer
Lulu Gontsana.
The result is an astonishing musical stroll through
the contours of uplifting standard bearing, bountiful
swing, and the most haunting balladry. The years have
imbued Benjamin's ability to mold note and lyric with
a subliminal fire which deepens her renowned artistic
allure.
Her emotional insistency and incisive focus is a
precious gift worthy of Billie Holiday herself. Her
playful touch and charm belies the serious nature of
her work as few since Abbey Lincoln, Jeanne Lee, and
Jeri Brown have been able to bring together in this
field.

Listen to the nine selections which comprise this
lovely tone portrait, from the proudly surging shuffle
of "Caravan", to the gripping plea of "Something To
Live For", or the queries posed by the singer's own
title theme, and you will find yourself in the midst
of the highest inspiration, along with the deepest
feelings stirred by a vital imagination.

A seeker comes home to testify.
Once more, the search is on.

MS. BENJAMIN SOUNDS UNSURE OF HERSELF. AND WHY NOT--
SHE CANNOT EVEN FIND SOME OF THE NOTES SHE'S
SUPPOSED TO BE SINGING.
SOME "CRITICS" --PROFESSIONAL WRITERS, MAYBE, BUT
CLEARLY UNTRAINED IN THE NUANCES OF JAZZ VOCAL
PRODUCTION-- SHOULD BE VERY CAREFUL WHO THEY
PUT IN THE "TOP 10" OF ANY LIST, INCLUDING
JAZZ.
HERE'S AN EXAMPLE OF WHY NOT TO BELIEVE EVERYTHING
THAT HAPPENS TO BE "IN PRINT."