Phoenix

Rhythmically, Benjamin’s songs move coherently from heavy, funky backbeats to zestful swing to Dolphy-like avant-blues, and her punchy, high-energy attack and growling, rasping tone lend authority... — Jazzwise, February 2023, 4 out of 5 stars More…

Release Date: 21st Apr 2023
Catalogue No: WR4797LP
Label: Whirlwind Recordings

Jazzwise

Editor's Choice

February 2023
Downbeat

Editor's Pick

February 2023
Presto Recording of the Week

27th January 2023
Stereogum

Best Jazz Albums of 2023

Phoenix

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Recording of the Week, Lakecia Benjamin, 'Phoenix'

27th January 2023

The saxophonist and composer finds strength in spite of personal trauma and wider social upheaval on her latest album Phoenix, which features contributions from the likes of Wayne Shorter, Angela Davis and Patrice Rushen.

'Phoenix' is the highly-anticipated, expansive next album in the musical evolution of alto saxophonist and composer Lakecia Benjamin, and first for Whirlwind.

The album was produced by the multi-Grammy-award winning Terri Lyne Carrington and featuring a star-studded line up of specially curated guests; Dianne Reeves, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Patrice Rushen, Sonia Sanchez, Angela Davis and Wayne Shorter.

The band comprises trumpeter Josh Evans, Victor Gould on keys, Orange Rodriguez on synths, drummer Enoch (EJ) Strickland, percussionist Ngah Santos and bassist Ivan Taylor. Trumpeter Wallace Roney Jr., Rhodes organist Anastassiya Petrova and bassist Jahmal Nichols all join for one track each.

Reviews

February 2023

Rhythmically, Benjamin’s songs move coherently from heavy, funky backbeats to zestful swing to Dolphy-like avant-blues, and her punchy, high-energy attack and growling, rasping tone lend authority and momentum to the material, which is helmed by a fine rhythm section.

February 2023

In an era of making singles that cater to the perceived attention span of the listening public, Lakecia Benjamin shows y’all how to throw down an album — an amazing album, at that.

Phoenix

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Recording of the Week, Lakecia Benjamin, 'Phoenix'

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Phoenix

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