Benzali

by Daniel Benzali

Overview

Daniel Benzali is famous as an actor, having appeared regularly on the television series L.A. Law and NYPD Blue and acting in over 30 films. At the time of this CD, he decided to diversify and become a jazz-influenced singer. For this project he utilizes three background singers, three horns including trombonist Bill Watrous and tenor saxophonist Terry Harrington, and a rhythm section that includes guitarist Grant Geissman. Benzali has a strong and personable voice, although he does not improvise much. The arrangements are fine, but do not give Benzali's fine backup players much to do. Watrous is really only heard on "My Foolish Heart" (which he plays beautifully), while pop saxophonist Mindi Abair has a spot on "Blue Skies" and some background playing on "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face." Next time Benzali should give his sidemen more of a role. However, this is an excellent debut, featuring modernized versions of older standards along with a few newer songs and showcasing Daniel Benzali in his second job quite well. ~ Scott Yanow

Product Details

Release Date:	05/10/2005
Label:	33Rd Street Records / Rio Kat
UPC:	0641444956326
Rank:	220499

Tracks

1. I've Got You Under My Skin
2. My Funny Valentine
3. Pretty Women
4. This Nearly Was Mine
5. Soon It's Gonna Rain
6. I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face
7. Where Is Love
8. My Romance
9. Anyone Can Whistle
10. 'Round Midnight
11. My Foolish Heart
12. Blue Skies

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Daniel Benzali   Primary Artist,Vocals
Melanie Taylor   Vocals (Background)
Chris Tedesco   Trumpet
Dana Bronson   Piano,Keyboards
Terry Harrington   Sax (Tenor)
Paul Morin   Bass
Jim DeJulio   Bass (Acoustic)
Mindi Abair   Sax (Soprano)
Grant Geissman   Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric)
Bill Watrous   Trombone
Janelle Sadler   Vocals (Background)
Steve Rawlins   Piano
Adrian Rosen   Bass

Technical Credits

Tom Jones   Composer
Robert Knight   Photography
Dana Bronson   Arranger,Producer
Bill Airey Smith   Engineer,Digital Editing
Frederick Loewe   Composer
Irving Berlin   Composer
Cole Porter   Composer
Alan Jay Lerner   Composer
Doug Sax   Mastering
Lorenz Hart   Composer
Ned Washington   Composer
Thelonious Monk   Composer
Woody Woodruff   Engineer
Lionel Bart   Composer
Stephen Sondheim   Composer
Oscar Hammerstein II   Composer
Richard Rodgers   Composer
Robert Hadley   Mastering
Al Schmitt   Mixing,Engineer
Harvey Schmidt   Composer
Victor Young   Composer
Daniel Benzali   Liner Notes,Vocal Arrangement,Executive Producer