American Landscape

David Benoit

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 9, 1997)
• Original Release Date: 1997
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Grp Records
• ASIN: B0000001WS
• Also Available in: DVD Audio  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #161,532 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

From Jazziz

Long before his GRP days, when pianist David Benoit began adding electronics to his albums, he scored TV shows and recorded albums of acoustic piano and strings. Back then, he was known not so much for his playing but for his composing and arranging. On his first release for GRP, 1987's Freedom at Midnight, Benoit composed and arranged "Morning Sojourn," showcasing an articulate contemporary horn-and-string arrangement reminiscent of the symphony-meets-the-Wild-West style of his mentor, Dave Grusin. And though he has yet to do an entire album of piano and strings, Benoit consistently reminds us of his expertise in this area on a track or two of his recent albums. "A Personal Story" from 1997's American Landscape offers a good example.

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

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great Music but not a Great Recording (DTS), January 1, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: American Landscape (DVD Audio)

I would agree that this is a fine CD because of the great musical content, but I bought it primarily because I have DTS equipment and there are few recordings worth having in DTS format thus far. I am less than pleased with the DTS recording quality, and would recommend the others I own for critical listening before I would this one. The sound is muddy when played at loud volumes, and I have a system that is top-notch!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars American Landscape, February 21, 2000

By A Customer

This was the first Benoit CD I listened to. I heard him on the radio, and was awe struck at the wonderful sound of this music. The song I heard was Rue de la Soleil. It's kinda a Vince Gueraldi based song, but it has that Samba beat to it too.

Saying goodbye is a very sad song. It was written for his mother who died on February 18, the very day the album was scheduled for final mastering.

Mr Rodrigues's Opas is a really good song- I recommend it.

As for If I can Believe. Its the best song on the CD. I'd buy it just for this one song. Its a very compassionate, and pretty song.

And for American Landscape, Max's Boogie, Lost in toxyo, and Speed Racer. Those are true "American Music" songs. They are upbeat, and you can hear the people in the swamps of Louisiana just singing along.

"American Landscape is magical, energetic and joyous. There are touches of sadness with a great deal of whimsy. It is constantly changing and filled with surprise. American Landscape is a magnificent adventure."- Sally Field

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best CDs by jazz pianist David Benoit, June 15, 1998

By A Customer

The CD contains soothing jazz piano music that is great for listening alone or when caught in traffic. Will calm your nerves down. GREAT GREAT PIANO CHORDS by David Benoit.