Professional Dreamer

David Benoit | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 1, 1999)
• Original Release Date: June 1, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Grp Records
• ASIN: B00000J7QH
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #42,455 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Rick Braun acted as producer for six of the tunes on Professional Dreamer, and it adds a funkier dimension to Benoit's rich keyboards and lyrical piano solos. Funky is a direction that Benoit is clearly ready for. You hear it especially on "ReJoyce," a celebration of the groove with Benoit using a Hammond B-3 organ for some deep soul. "Miles After Dark" also stands out, with Braun adding some tasty muted trumpet to the midnight mood. Benoit's style is still in evidence, though, especially on the slow tunes and the characteristic classical touches and Latin beats. "Dad's Room" is a beautiful ballad, with rays of light breaking into the slightly somber mood. It shows just what a master of shading Benoit is. --Adam Rains

From Jazziz

"My last album, American Landscape, was very heavy thematically," says David Benoit, "and I wanted this time to just have fun, keep things jamming and upbeat." To help him make the switch, the keyboardist enlisted the king of funky smooth jazz, Rick Braun, as his producer. The resulting album, Professional Dreamer (GRP), finds Benoit in the midst of thick hip-hop grooves, at times playing Hammond B-3 organ. "I'd never given an outside producer free reign like this before," say Benoit, "and there was every chance he'd obliterate my voice. Fortunately, he respected that. He said, 'Play the way you play, and I'll give you the funky environment.'"

--- JAZZIZ Magazine Copyright © 2000, Milor Entertainment, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Heard it a hundred times, haven't heard it enough, January 4, 2000

By 

"nightfly27" (Temple, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Professional Dreamer (Audio CD)

I caught Benoit in concert with Dave Koz and he played ReJoyce. After picking my jaw up from the floor, I went out the next day and bought the record. It's been in my CD changer and it ain't moving out anytime soon. Benoit has added a new dimension to his music, a funky side that wasn't there before. Obviously, teaming with Rick Braun allowed David to grow as an artist. This is an excellent buy for anyone seeking some jazz that is light and funky at the same time. I'd give it 6 stars, but five is the best I can do.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best So Far, August 12, 2000

By 

Steve Aylor (Oklahoma City, OK USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Professional Dreamer (Audio CD)

I have at least 7 previous CDs by David Benoit, all of them are great, but this one is the best so far. The funkier rythms are a great addition to the usual David Benoit style. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next. This would be a great addition to anyones Jazz library.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars David Benoit is Back!, October 1, 2000

By 

Chuck S. (New Jersey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Professional Dreamer (Audio CD)

After a couple of releases that were just O.K. David Benoit may have just released his best collection of songs. The funk is here with songs like "Why, Not", the gorgeous ballad is here in "Golden Gate", and another one of my favotites is "Thinking Bout the Cove". I love that Fender Rhodes solo at the end of the song. Only thing is, is fades out too fast and the song itself could be longer. 7 of the 10 songs are upbeat. Rick Braun co-wrote half of the tracks, and as you probably know by this time, you can hear his trumpet on "Miles After Dark". Truly one of the finest jazz records of 1999.