BENNY SHARONI Tenor saxophonist Benny Sharoni is a bandleader, composer and arranger who is a mainstay on the U.S. and European jazz scenes. Fusing together classic bop influences of Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon and Steve Grossman, Sharoni flavors his music with Latin rhythms and an energetic drive that delights audiences world- wide. The repertoire includes unique arrangements of standards from the American Songbook, as well as dynamic original compositions.

Benny’s most recent recordings, “Eternal Elixir” and “Slant Signature”, captured the hearts and ears of jazz listeners and critics, earning tremendous acclaim in the jazz world:

“...Sharoni’s crack quartet brings [an] exhilarating groove……..he’ll let out an r&b-style honked bell note amidst nimble lines, and wax free in climax to an otherwise rail-running foray” Michael Jackson, DownBeat Magazine

"filled with talent and verve and amazing music on top. It's one of a kind, a bebop tour de force of the highest calibre" Reuben Klein, The Ear

“…a voice quite his own, demanding to be heard on common ground with other practicing giants” Raul D’Gama Rose, All About Jazz

“...a tenor saxophonist with a big tone and a hard-driving style” Scott Yanow’s LA Jazz Scene

INTERNATIONAL VENUES & FESTIVALS: Blues Alley, Washington, D.C. Jazzland, Vienna, Austria Miles’ Jazz Café, New York, NY Jamboree Jazz, Barcelona, Spain Scullers Jazz Club, Boston, MA Club Milano, Barcelona, Spain Gregory’s Jazz, Rome, Italy Barcelona Jazz Festival, Barcelona, Spain Jazz Soho, London, UK The Rex, Toronto, Ontario Bull’s Head, London, UK Upstairs Jazz, Montreal, Quebec Market Harborough Jazz Club, UK Diese Onze, Montreal, Quebec The Old Duke, Bristol, UK Options Jazz Lounge, Ottawa, Ontario Berkhamsted Jazz, Berkhamsted, UK Yardbird Suite Jazz Club, Edmonton, Alberta Music at Marigolds, Old Harlow, UK Coastal Jazz Club, Vancouver, British Columbia Shablul Jazz Club, Tel Aviv, Israel NightTown, Cleveland, OH Yellow Submarine Jazz Club, Jerusalem, Israel The Side Door Jazz Club, Old Lyme, CT Milestone Jazz Club, Binyamina, Israel Old Capital Arts Center, Iowa City, IA Petit Journal Montparnasse, Paris, France River Music Experience, Davenport, IA Porgy and Bess, Vienna, Austria Bar Harbor Jazz Festival, Bar Harbor, ME

Website with Audio Clips: http://bennysharoni.com/music/

Video Performances: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSB2R7FVdluVH3e2h_VpbZJVecBgoKy0i

BOOKINGS: PUBLICIST: HM Artist Management Ann Braithwaite Boston, MA Braithwaite and Katz (617) 470-2056 (781) 259-9600 [email protected] [email protected]

Wednesday, December 16, 2015 Slant Signature Benny Sharoni Papaya Records This is bebop of the highest pedigree. With more energy and talent than some of the original musicians that it pays homage to. There is much here for those who are looking to discover what bebop is about and for the many who would like to be reminded why jazz as an art form is so unique. An uber album by uber musicians that will make any jazz lover uber happy. RK Despite that bump on his road to success and
jazz mastery, Sharoni managed to study with
such Boston-based jazz Brahmins as the
saxophonists Jerry Bergonzi and George
Despite that bump on his road to success and
Garzone. Eventually, he established himself on
jazz mastery, Sharoni managed to study with
the Boston scene where he has led his own
such Boston-based jazz Brahmins as the
bands and appeared with such renowned
saxophonists Jerry Bergonzi and George
players as Joshua Redman, Danilo Perez, Kenny
Garzone. Eventually, he established himself on
Garrett and Larry Coryell. Today he tours and
the Boston scene where he has led his own
performs with his own bands throughout the
bands and appeared with such renowned
East Coast, Canada, Europe and Asia. players as Joshua Redman, Danilo Perez, Kenny
Garrett and Larry Coryell. Today he tours and
performs with his own bands throughout the On the studio recording of Slant Signature,
East Coast, Canada, Europe and Asia. Sharoni beefs-up his working quartet, which features Barbato, Baker and Langone, with two special guests -- the fiery trumpeter Jim Rotondi On the studio recording of Slant Signature, and guitarist Mike Mele. Although Rotondi had
Sharoni beefs-up his working quartet, which never played with Sharoni’s quartet before, his features Barbato, Baker and Langone, with two interaction with the tenor saxophonist sets special guests -- the fiery trumpeter Jim Rotondi sparks
flying right from the opener, a Sharoni and guitarist Mike Mele. Although Rotondi had
original called “Minor City.” never played with Sharoni’s quartet before, his (http://mediad.publicbroadcasting.net/p/wnpr/files interaction with the tenor saxophonist sets Benny Sharoni sparks
flying right from the opener, a Sharoni original called “Minor City.” CREDIT ANASTASIA SIERRA (http://mediad.publicbroadcasting.net/p/wnpr/files Throughout the session, the pieces are graced withBenny refreshing Sharoni vigor, verve and a continuous sense /styles/x_large/public/201505/unnamed__1_.jpg) of celebration, whether the band is grooving on an originalCREDIT ANASTASIA samba, SIERRA or on such jazz pieces as Freddie Hubbard’s “Down Under,” Lee Morgan’s Ceora (done as a romantic bossa nova with Sharoni in a reflective mood), or Ray Bryant’s buoyant, funky “Tonk,” the soulful, sterling grand It’s been five years since the big-toned, Israeli- Throughout the session, the pieces are graced with refreshing vigor, verve and a continuous sense /styles/x_large/public/201505/unnamed__1_.jpg) born tenor saxophonist Benny Sharoni made his finale sparkling with a Horace Silver lining. "Our mission was to make of celebration, whether the band is grooving on an original samba, or on such jazz pieces as recording debut with an acclaimed album called Freddie Hubbard’s “Down Under,” Lee Morgan’s Ceora (done as a romantic bossa nova with the most beautiful music we Eternal Elixir. Sharoni in a reflective mood), or Ray Bryant’s buoyant, funky “Tonk,” the soulful, sterling grand could." finale sparkling with a Horace Silver lining. All the promise resonating through that warmly Sharoni listened widely over the historic range of tenor Benny Sharoni expressive debut disc -- a spiritually inspired work that touted music as the eternal elixir for styles as he honed his own voice. the world’s woes -- has been more than fulfilled in the Boston-based saxophonist/composer’s new release, Slant Signature (Papaya Records). Sharoni listened widely over the historic range of tenor styles as he honed his own voice. An
excellent showcase for his writing and playing, the CD rings with increased authority, additional
Obviously, Sharoni, who is a diligent scholar of the tenor saxophone, listened widely over the creative breadth and depth and a re-affirmation of Sharoni’s basic credo to make beautiful music. historic range of tenor styles as he honed his own voice and found his independent sense of artistic direction leading to fresh approaches to the music. His heartfelt aesthetic on beauty and truth is rooted in and originally inspired by the lyrical expressiveness of Sonny Rollins that he first encountered at home years ago as a musically gifted Nonetheless, you still sometimes hear hints or catch glints of luminous Sonny elements beaming kid who was born and raised in a kibbutz near the Gaza Strip. His life-changing Rollins epiphany through, whether it shines in emotion-filled gruff tones or in smart thematic playing. It lights up in came to him wrapped up in a batch of vinyl LPs that his music-loving mother had brought home to flashes of wit and a bright sense of play, for example, when Sharoni makes his grand entrance on him after a trip to New York City. the Freddie Hubbard tune.

Music of all kinds reigned supreme in the Sharoni household presided over by his émigré parents. What he’s all about is life-affirming energy and the perpetual celebration of beauty. His mother, who grew up in Chile, and his father, who had lived in Yemen, both emigrated from “This record is 99 percent heart,” Sharoni has said of his artistic goal. “The band is so full of heart their original homelands to Israel where they later met at a kibbutz not long after Israel became a and joy and intensity.” nation in 1948. As he confides in the CD’s liner notes to jazz critic Ed Hazell: “Our mission was to make the most The Sharoni home was alive with the sound world music, including Latin styles from Chile and beautiful music we could.” With total honesty and no hyperbolic exaggeration, Sharoni can stand African-based melodies and rhythms from Yemen. Plus, of course, the fortuitous cache of Rollins proudly in front of any banner proclaiming: mission accomplished. recordings, which Benny totally immersed himself in as a young man who suddenly had a calling to become a jazz musician. It was a calling that led him all the way to America, the Promised Land for many aspiring jazz musicians from foreign nations.

Hearing Rollins not only forever changed his
life, but also lit the way to discovering a litany
of tenor saxophone greats, including Zoot Sims,
John Coltrane, Dexter Gordon, Benny Golson
and many other American icons. His love for
jazz led him to Boston’s Berklee College of
Music for just one semester, his collegiate
career cut short by his need to work full-time to
get by on his own in a land not quite so full of
milk and honey for a young, idealistic jazz
student.

5/18/2015 Jazz Police - "Slant Signature": Benny Sharoni Featuring Jim Rotondi "Slant Signature": Benny Sharoni Featuring Jim Rotondi Written by Glenn A. Mitchell, LA Jazz Scene Thursday, 05 March 2015

With his second CD, Slant Signature (2015, Papaya Records), saxophonist Benny Sharoni has moved the bar up a notch from his previously released Eternal Elixir (2010, Papaya), which garnered rave reviews. Sharoni’s longtime quartet appears on the new release, with pianist Joe Barbato, bassist Todd Baker, and drummer Steve Langone, plus special guests, trumpeter Jim Rotondi and guitarist Mike Mele. Mele also played on Sharoni’s Eternal Elixir. Although this was Rotondi’s first time performing with the Sharoni ensemble, he sounded as if he'd been with the band for a long time. Sharoni mentions that the bottom line is that the music moves and inspires people. He says, “This record is 99% heart. The band is full of heart and joy and intensity and everybody’s mission was to make the most beautiful music they could.”

Sharoni’s home for many years has been Boston, MA, where he has spent time not only performing but also composing. Five of his original tunes are on his new CD, along with three famous classy jazz tunes -- Freddie Hubbard’s “Down Under,” Lee Morgan’s “Ceora,” and Ray Bryant’s “Tonk.” They are all done with lots of favorable flavor. The musicians support each other to the max and everyone plays an important part in every tune. The front line, Sharoni, Rotondi, and Mele, are perfect and backed 1000% by the rhythm team of Barbato, Baker, and Langone.

One of several jazz influences for Sharoni has always been Sonny Rollins. His powerful tone is reminiscent of Rollins on his original "Minor City Blues." You can hear just how tight this band is by listening to Sharoni’s compositions “Subterranean Samba” and “The Bodega." Another Sharoni original, “Bitter Drops,” has relaxed blues lines and gives way to outstanding solos from Sharoni, Mele, and Barbato. On the title track, Sharoni's “Slant Signature,” the group performs immaculately. It is an up-tempo and hard-driving piece.

Slant Signature will be released on March 17, 2015. This CD will be wonderful to play and play many more times. See Benny Sharoni’s website: http://www.bennysharoni.com

Reprinted with permission from L.A. Jazz Scene, March 2015

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This year’s Puerto Rico Heineken Jazz Fest was steeped in the nostalgia of triumphs past as it paid tribute to many of the notables who’ve graced its stages over the past two decades. While several, most prominently conga player Mongo Santamaria and bandleader Tito Puente, have passed away, many who’ve been honorees of previous festivals were on hand once again for this year’s 20th-anniversary edition. Among them were drummer Alex Acuña, pianist Michel Camilo, woodwind artist Paquito D’Rivera and saxophonist Leandro “Gato” Barbieri, who, although in his mid-70s and in failing health, electrified fans with a virile reading of his 1970s hit “Europa.” The four-day series of outdoor concerts, attended this year by some 6,000 spectators, has always served as a showcase for the talents of the extended family of Puerto Rican notables. This year featured such native From Battlefield to Bandstand sons as bassist Eddie Gomez, conguero Giovanni Hidalgo, trombonist William Tenor saxophonist Benny Sharoni says that music saved him. When the 49-year-old Cepeda, saxophonist Miguel Zenón and Israeli native was doing his mandatory three-year stint in the Israeli Army in the early ’80s, trumpeter Humberto Ramírez alongside the horrors of battle were overwhelming. such U.S.-born Puerto Rican talent as “While I was in the Army, when I had a moment of quiet at night, I’d put on headphones flautist Dave Valentín and pianist Eddie and listen to Steely Dan and Sonny Rollins,” he says. “It saved me. The war experiences were Palmieri. The festival is also noted for just so ugly and so painful and so overwhelming that I think music really healed me. Music its strong relationship with the Berklee kept me safe from those insane experiences. It still does to this day. When I’m playing music, College of Music. This year scholarships I’m in the moment, I don’t have to think about the experiences that I hated in the past. Music totaling over $700,000 were awarded to just elevates me; it puts me in a place that you can’t match any other way.” the Puerto Rican jazz stars of tomorrow. The 10 cuts on Sharoni’s debut CD as a leader, Eternal Elixir (Papaya Records), reflect his The sonic signature of the festival, depth of experience and overflow with the joy of living. Working with different small group- however, turned out to be provided ings of six Boston-area musicians who also happen to be close friends, Sharoni and company by the omnipresent two-tone chirp of tackle a vibrant selection of material on Eternal Elixir — from a couple of Donald Byrd covers the island’s indigenous frog, the coquí. from the trumpeter’s 1961 album Free Form (which featured saxist Wayne Shorter) and a reci- During quiet passages, the presence of tation of Blue Mitchell’s “The Thing to Do” to four original compositions, a version of Fiddler the so-called “coquí chorus” became an on the Roof’s celebratory “To Life,” and sumptuous bossa fare (a cover of the classic “Estate” inescapable part of the aural mix. At and Sharoni’s own “Benito’s Bossa Bonita”). one point, D’Rivera aimed his clarinet “I just picked tunes because my heart was attracted to them,” Sharoni says. “It’s the same into the surrounding darkness, picked way when I improvise; I go after the notes that are beautiful. Every musician has a gift, and the perfect interval, and engaged in I think mine is to make music simple enough, but emotional enough, so everyone can feel a tuneful call-and-response with the good about it. I didn’t think about having something for everyone on the disc, although I tiny creatures. Pure magic. —Story and think everyone can find something they like on it.” photos by Mark Holston In 1986, after his traumatic battle experiences in Lebanon, Sharoni moved to Boston, where Opposite, clockwise from top left: he enrolled at the Berklee College of Music. He left after a single semester, opting instead for Bandoneón player Jofre Romarion, private lessons with saxophonists Jerry Bergonzi and George Garzone. In the meantime he be- bassist Pedro Giraudo and percus- gan leading his own bands and has since appeared with Joshua Redman, Danilo Perez, Kenny sionist Enrique Cárdenas; clarinetist Garrett and Larry Coryell. Today, having survived the trials and tribulations of war, Sharoni Paquito D’Rivera; bassist Eddie Gómez; and his music stand as living testaments to the power of jazz to restore mind, body and spirit. trombonist William Cepeda; and flutist “Music healed me in so many ways,” the saxophonist says. “If I didn’t have music, I don’t Dave Valentin. know what I’d do. Music is the only reason I’m still alive.” L

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Los Angeles Jazz Scene - CD Reviews

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Various Artists Private Treasures From Allegheny Jazz Concerts (Jump)

Joe Boughton, who recently passed away, loved hot jazz. In 1984 he founded the Allegheny Jazz Society, organizing many concerts during the next 25 years. He also acquired the Jump label, reissued recordings that were originally made for Jump in the 1940s and '50s, and recorded newer sets of trad jazz.

PrivateVarious Treasures Artists From Allegheny Jazz Concerts is a two-CD set of previously unreleased performances, and it is overflowingPrivate Treasures with gems. From Most of Allegheny the music Jazzis taken Concerts from concerts dating from 1985, 1992 and 2000. Swing guitarist Marty(Jump) Grosz is well featured, not only at the head of some all-star combos but as an often-hilarious commentator. Among the other greats who make memorable appearances are clarinetists Bobby Gordon, Bob Reitmeier and Ken PeplowskiJoe Boughton, (also heard who recently on tenor), passed the late away, Tom loved Baker hot (heard jazz. In on 1984 trumpet he founded and tenor), the Allegheny trumpeters Jazz Peter Society, Ecklund, organizing Jon- Erikmany Kellso concerts and Joe during Wilder, the next trombonists 25 years. Dan He alsoBarrett acquired and Bob the Havens, Jump label, tenors reissued Bud Freeman recordings (who that plays were “I originallyCover The Waterfront”)made for Jump and inScott the Hamilton,1940s and pianists'50s, and John recorded Sheridan newer and sets Keith of trad Ingham, jazz. guitarist Howard Alden, Vince Giordano on bass sax, and drummer Hal Smith. Highlights of these good-humored and generally inspired performancesPrivate Treasures include From “I'm Allegheny Sorry I Made Jazz YouConcerts Cry,” is“Rose a two-CD Of The set Rio of previouslyGrande,” “After unreleased Awhile” performances, and “Lady Be and Good.” it is overflowing with gems. Most of the music is taken from concerts dating from 1985, 1992 and 2000. Swing guitarist ButMarty that Groszis not isall. well A 1966 featured, rehearsal not only by the at thetrio headof cornetist of some Ruby all-star Braff, combos clarinetist but as Bob an often-hilariousWilber and guitarist commentator. Wayne WAmonright resultedg the other in agreats wonderful who make version memorable of “Mandy appearances Make Up Your are clarinetistsMind,” based Bobby loosely Gordon, on the Bob 1925 Reitmeier Louis Armstrong- and Ken SidneyPeplowski Bechet (also version. heard And on tenor), there are the versions late Tom of Baker “Indiana” (heard and on “Old trumpet Folks” and from tenor), a mid-1950s trumpeters rehearsal Peter Ecklund, that feature Jon- LeeErik Wiley. Kellso and Joe Wilder, trombonists Dan Barrett and Bob Havens, tenors Bud Freeman (who plays “I Cover The Waterfront”) and Scott Hamilton, pianists John Sheridan and Keith Ingham, guitarist Howard Alden, Vince ThisGiordano highly recommendedon bass sax, and two-CD drummer set, Halavailable Smith. from Highlights [email protected], of these good-humored serves andnot onlygenerally as a tribute inspired to the musicperformances that Joe Boughton include “I'm loved Sorry but I to Made the organizer You Cry,” himself. “Rose Of The Rio Grande,” “After Awhile” and “Lady Be Good.”

BennyBut that Sharoni is not all. A 1966 rehearsal by the trio of cornetist Ruby Braff, clarinetist Bob Wilber and guitarist Wayne EternalWright resultedElixir in a wonderful version of “Mandy Make Up Your Mind,” based loosely on the 1925 Louis Armstrong- (Papaya)Sidney Bechet version. And there are versions of “Indiana” and “Old Folks” from a mid-1950s rehearsal that feature Lee Wiley. Born and raised in Israel and now based in Boston, Benny Sharoni is a tenor-saxophonist with a big tone and a hard- drivThising highly style. recommendedAlthough Wayne two-CD Shorter set, and available Joe Henderson from [email protected], have influenced his playing serves anot bit, only his assolos a tribute also to the sometmusicimes that recall Joe Boughton Sonny Rollins. loved but to the organizer himself.

SharoniBenny loves Sharoni hard bop of the 1960s and that is very much reflected not only in his intriguing repertoire on Eternal ElixirEternal (which Elixir includes songs by Donald Byrd and Blue Mitchell plus “Sunny” and “Estate”) but in his four excellent originals,(Papaya) most of which would have fit in well on a Blue Note album from 1965. But rather than being merely derivative, the music is fresh and lively as Sharoni and his sidemen are creative within the older genre rather than dealingBorn and with raised recreations. in Israel and now based in Boston, Benny Sharoni is a tenor-saxophonist with a big tone and a hard- driving style. Although Wayne Shorter and Joe Henderson have influenced his playing a bit, his solos also Bennysomet Sharoni'simes recall sidemen, Sonny Rollins. other than trumpeter Barry Ries, are not that well known but all are talented: Joe Barbato or Kyle Aho on piano, guitarist Mike Mele, bassist Todd Baker and drummer Steve Langone. Together they createSharoni a modern loves hard hard bop bop of classic the 1960s in Eternal and that Elixir, is very which much is available reflected from not only www.bennysharoni.com in his intriguing repertoire on Eternal Elixir (which includes songs by Donald Byrd and Blue Mitchell plus “Sunny” and “Estate”) but in his four excellent Fayoriginals, Claasen most of which would have fit in well on a Blue Note album from 1965. But rather than being merely Sing!derivative, the music is fresh and lively as Sharoni and his sidemen are creative within the older genre rather than (Challenge)dealing with recreations.

RanBenny Blake/Sara Sharoni's sidemen,Serpa other than trumpeter Barry Ries, are not that well known but all are talented: Joe CameraBarbato Obscuraor Kyle Aho on piano, guitarist Mike Mele, bassist Todd Baker and drummer Steve Langone. Together they (Innercreate Circlea modern Music) hard bop classic in Eternal Elixir, which is available from www.bennysharoni.com

ThereFay isClaasen no point mincing words. Fay Claasen is a great jazz singer, one of the very best around today. Although fromSing! the Netherlands, her warm voice does not display an accent when singing in English. Not only does she do a superb(Challenge) job of interpreting lyrics, but she swings at all tempos, is not shy at all to take chances, has a wide range, and her singing is consistently full of surprises. Ran Blake/Sara Serpa Camera Obscura (Inner Circle Music)

1 of 5 There is no point mincing words. Fay Claasen is a great jazz singer, one of the very best around today. Although 8/31/10 11:12 AM from the Netherlands, her warm voice does not display an accent when singing in English. Not only does she do a superb job of interpreting lyrics, but she swings at all tempos, is not shy at all to take chances, has a wide range, and her singing is consistently full of surprises.

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Eternal Elixir Eternal Elixir Benny Sharoni | Self Produced Benny Sharoni | Self Produced

By Jordan Richardson By Jordan Richardson Tenor saxophonist Benny Sharoni's debut as a Tenor saxophonist Benny Sharoni's debut as a leader, Eternal Elixir, mixes the vitality of a leader, Eternal Elixir, mixes the vitality of a spiritual journey with the intelligence of an spiritual journey with the intelligence of an academic lesson, to come up with an academic lesson, to come up with an intoxicating cocktail of brains and brawn. intoxicating cocktail of brains and brawn.

Sharoni is a precise and exciting player. His Sharoni is a precise and exciting player. His record is couched in the idea of music as record is couched in the idea of music as salvation, and is largely culled from his salvation, and is largely culled from his experiences during a mandatory three-year term with the Israeli Army in the 1980s. Says Sharoni, “While I was in the Army, when I hadexperiences a during a mandatory three-year term with the Israeli Army in moment of quiet at night, I'd put on headphones and listen to theSteely 1980s. Says Sharoni, “While I was in the Army, when I had a Dan and Sonny Rollins.” With Eternal Elixir, Sharoni offers similarmoment peace of quiet at night, I'd put on headphones and listen to Steely of mind with these 10 jubilant tracks. Dan and Sonny Rollins.” With Eternal Elixir, Sharoni offers similar peace of mind with these 10 jubilant tracks. Born and raised in Israel on a kibbutz near the Gaza Strip, Sharoni's formative years came filled to the brim with the music of his parents' Born and raised in Israel on a kibbutz near the Gaza Strip, Sharoni's homelands, with the sounds and vibrations from Chile and Yemen filling the home constantly. It was when the saxophonist heard Rollins,formative years came filled to the brim with the music of his parents' however, that he fell in love with jazz. After traumatic experienceshomelands, in the with the sounds and vibrations from Chile and Yemen filling Israeli Army in Lebanon, Sharoni enrolled in the Berklee Collegethe of homeMusic constantly. It was when the saxophonist heard Rollins, and transformed the violence and bloodshed of his past into thehowever, that he fell in love with jazz. After traumatic experiences in the beautiful noise of the present. Israeli Army in Lebanon, Sharoni enrolled in the Berklee College of Music and transformed the violence and bloodshed of his past into the Sharoni's pursuit of elegance, beauty and joy is invigorating, drawing on a lovely mix of original compositions and music from Donald Byrdbeautiful and noise of the present. Bobby Hebb. Through it all, Sharoni's group chase resplendent notes and compelling tones. The joy springs forth from the instruments, propellingSharoni's pursuit of elegance, beauty and joy is invigorating, drawing on the album with equal portions grace and excitement. a lovely mix of original compositions and music from Donald Byrd and Bobby Hebb. Through it all, Sharoni's group chase resplendent notes and Eternal Elixir bounces right out of the gate with “Bernstein,” a Sharonicompelling tones. The joy springs forth from the instruments, propelling original that teems with proud playing and gobs of enticing swing. It is, the album with equal portions grace and excitement. of course, inspired by composer Leonard Bernstein and serves as the ultimate invitation to Sharoni's celebration of joy and life. Eternal Elixir bounces right out of the gate with “Bernstein,” a Sharoni Perhaps some of his mother's influence is tucked into “Benito'soriginal Bossa that teems with proud playing and gobs of enticing swing. It is, Bonita,” a soulful bossa nova that takes full charge of its mediumof course,tempo, inspired by composer Leonard Bernstein and serves as the thanks to drummer Steve Langone's sturdy work. Sharoni sailsultimate high and invitation to Sharoni's celebration of joy and life. drives low, all the while maintaining his instrument's sensual core. Perhaps some of his mother's influence is tucked into “Benito's Bossa Rhythm is the name of the game on “Pentecostal Feelin,'” with its groovy boogaloo beat. The Byrd original, featured on the trumpeter's FreeBonita,” Form a soulful bossa nova that takes full charge of its medium tempo, (Blue Note, 1961), gains an emotional edge as Sharoni takes onthanks to drummer Steve Langone's sturdy work. Sharoni sails high and saxophonist Wayne Shorter's part with boldness and creativity.drives low, all the while maintaining his instrument's sensual core.

For Sharoni, music is a spiritual experience. Through his EternalRhythm Elixir, is the name of the game on “Pentecostal Feelin,'” with its groovy he shares his thirst for life and his continuing quest for pure happiness.boogaloo beat. The Byrd original, featured on the trumpeter's Free Form His story has been one of horror and adversity, but the saxophonist has (Blue Note, 1961), gains an emotional edge as Sharoni takes on managed to change that story into one of hope and love through the unyielding and unstoppable power of jazz. saxophonist Wayne Shorter's part with boldness and creativity.

For Sharoni, music is a spiritual experience. Through his Eternal Elixir, he shares his thirst for life and his continuing quest for pure happiness. Track Listing: Bernstein; French Spice; Estate; Sunny; PentecostalHis story has been one of horror and adversity, but the saxophonist has Feeling; Benito's Bossa Bonita; To Life; Cakes; The Thing To Do;managed Senor to change that story into one of hope and love through the Papaya unyielding and unstoppable power of jazz. Personnel: Benny Sharoni: tenor saxophone; Barry Ries: trumpet; Joe Barbato: piano; Kyle Aho: piano; Mike Mele: guitar; Todd Baker: bass; Steve Lagone: drums Track Listing: Bernstein; French Spice; Estate; Sunny; Pentecostal CD Review Center | Upcoming Release Center Feeling; Benito's Bossa Bonita; To Life; Cakes; The Thing To Do; Senor Papaya

Personnel: Benny Sharoni: tenor saxophone; Barry Ries: trumpet; Joe Barbato: piano; Kyle Aho: piano; Mike Mele: guitar; Todd Baker: bass; Steve Lagone: drums 1 of 2 9/14/10 5:06 PM CD Review Center | Upcoming Release Center

1 of 2 9/14/10 5:06 PM

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Eternal Elixir Eternal Elixir Benny Sharoni | Self Produced Benny Sharoni | Self Produced

By Raul d'Gama Rose By Jordan Richardson

The Benny Sharoni at work on Eternal Elixir Tenor saxophonist Benny Sharoni's debut as a shares two sides of his emerging voice and leader, Eternal Elixir, mixes the vitality of a therefore a true personality that is developing spiritual journey with the intelligence of an deep within the soul of the tenor saxophonist. academic lesson, to come up with an One side of the artist is a brash young man, who favors the language of modal music. And intoxicating cocktail of brains and brawn. he makes good this aspect of the artist by kicking off the proceedings on “Bernstein,” his Sharoni is a precise and exciting player. His reverential sketch of the legendary American record is couched in the idea of music as musician and conductor of various equally legendary orchestrassalvation, of the and is largely culled from his middle and late 20th Century. The rapid fire changes of Donald experiencesByrd's during a mandatory three-year term with the Israeli Army in “French Spice” give further notice of Sharoni's intentions. In fact,the here 1980s. Says Sharoni, “While I was in the Army, when I had a the saxophonist conjures up the restless spirit of John Coltrane,moment and of quiet at night, I'd put on headphones and listen to Steely even bewitches pianist Joe Barbato into recalling the presence ofDan McCoy and Sonny Rollins.” With Eternal Elixir, Sharoni offers similar peace Tyner. of mind with these 10 jubilant tracks. Then, on “Sunny,” he resurrects the other persona, that one which makes distinct reference to the cool pronouncements of men likeBorn Big andBen raised in Israel on a kibbutz near the Gaza Strip, Sharoni's Webster and especially Lester Young. In fact, so strong a changeformative to this years came filled to the brim with the music of his parents' side of his persona takes place that the music appears to come homelands,from with the sounds and vibrations from Chile and Yemen filling another album. This is not meant to suggest that something is amissthe home constantly. It was when the saxophonist heard Rollins, here. The observation suggests that Sharoni is an emerging voice,however, that he fell in love with jazz. After traumatic experiences in the whose shifts and changes speak to that aspect of artistry that achesIsraeli to Army in Lebanon, Sharoni enrolled in the Berklee College of Music define itself. And it is an amazing thing to be witness to this and transformed the violence and bloodshed of his past into the metamorphosis on a single album. beautiful noise of the present. As a tenorist, Sharoni strives to let his muscular attack meld with a softer intonation. His vocabulary is vast and he can make a myriadSharoni's of pursuit of elegance, beauty and joy is invigorating, drawing on metaphors sit cheek by jowl in a long and flowing line. Sometimesa lovely mix of original compositions and music from Donald Byrd and Sharoni is apt to prolong these lines so that they meander gracefullyBobby like Hebb. Through it all, Sharoni's group chase resplendent notes and rivulets rushing in apparently different directions, but all eventuallycompelling tones. The joy springs forth from the instruments, propelling meeting at a preordained spot. His ideas are exciting and alwaysthe eagerly album with equal portions grace and excitement. awaited. And when he makes statements, they are always exquisitely enunciated and lucid. His solos on “Benito's Bossa Bonita” and onEternal Elixir bounces right out of the gate with “Bernstein,” a Sharoni “Cakes” show just how creative Sharoni can be. original that teems with proud playing and gobs of enticing swing. It is, It is only a matter of time before Sharoni emerges with a voice ofthat course, his inspired by composer Leonard Bernstein and serves as the quite his own, demanding to be heard on common ground with ultimateother invitation to Sharoni's celebration of joy and life. practicing giants of an instrument that he has chosen to make his own. Perhaps some of his mother's influence is tucked into “Benito's Bossa Bonita,” a soulful bossa nova that takes full charge of its medium tempo, thanks to drummer Steve Langone's sturdy work. Sharoni sails high and Track Listing: Bernstein; French Spice; Estate; Sunny; Pentecostaldrives low, all the while maintaining his instrument's sensual core. Feelin'; Benito's Bossa Bonita; To Life; Cakes; The Think To Do; Señor Papaya. Rhythm is the name of the game on “Pentecostal Feelin,'” with its groovy Personnel: Benny Sharoni: tenor saxophone; Barry Ries: trumpet;boogaloo Joe beat. The Byrd original, featured on the trumpeter's Free Form Barbato: piano; Kyle Aho: piano; Mike Mele: guitar; Todd Baker:(Blue bass; Note, 1961), gains an emotional edge as Sharoni takes on Steve Longone: drums. saxophonist Wayne Shorter's part with boldness and creativity.

CD Review Center | Upcoming Release Center For Sharoni, music is a spiritual experience. Through his Eternal Elixir, he shares his thirst for life and his continuing quest for pure happiness. His story has been one of horror and adversity, but the saxophonist has managed to change that story into one of hope and love through the unyielding and unstoppable power of jazz. Click the BACK button to return to the previous page.

All material copyright © 2010 All About Jazz and contributing writers. All rights reserved. Track Listing: Bernstein; French Spice; Estate; Sunny; Pentecostal Feeling; Benito's Bossa Bonita; To Life; Cakes; The Thing To Do; Senor Papaya

Personnel: Benny Sharoni: tenor saxophone; Barry Ries: trumpet; Joe Barbato: piano; Kyle Aho: piano; Mike Mele: guitar; Todd Baker: bass; Steve Lagone: drums

1 of 1 CD Review Center | Upcoming Release9/14/10 Center 5:04 PM

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Reviews by Kyle O’Brien - continued from page 8 that creates moods both mysterious andPam fluid. Jones It uses acoustic invites usproach. to ... Brunish Imagine knows whothere’s he is as no a singer. Jazz Straightforward, Society instruments — alto sax and flute by PatrickJSO Cress, Member drums by NightTim Augustmelodic, with 19 -roots Mel deep Brown in the music.B-3 Organ Brunish Groupisn’t breaking any Bulkey,Inside! bass by Eric Perney — and combines them with electric new ground, though his swinging version of Elvis’s “Love Me guitar and electronica from Ryan Francesconi. The musicians MusicianTender” of the is Montha fun departure - Frank from Tribble the original. It would be nice to work together in harmony to create soundscapes that are a mix hear Brunish do more updated takes on these classics, or tackle of jazz and trance music. It can be at times mesmerizing, at times some lesser-known tunes from bygone eras to give them new life. contemplative, and almost always interesting. This is one for the 2010, Brundog Records, “In Concert”: 33:50; “Both Sides”: 37:45. headphones. Morning Star, Vincent Herring & Earth Jazz. 2010, Porto Franco Records, 38:45. Veteran alto saxophonist Herring has played plenty of In Concert, and Both Sides, Corey Brunish. straightahead jazz in his career, so it’s fine when he decides to Stage actor and singer Brunish has two new albums, one live go funky, as he does here with pianist Anthony Wonsey, bassist and one studio recording. The live disc features Brunish singing Richie Goods and drummer Joris Dudli. He funks up Coltrane’s traditional crooner music in a distinctively older style. Classics “Naima” but manages to keep its integrity. Wonsey reaches back like “All of Me,” “Fly Me to the Moon,” “South of the Border,” into the ‘70s for inspiration on the hard grooving “The Thang,” and “Anything Goes” all get straight forward treatments. Not and Herring’s sole composition, “Never Forget,” is a light funker sure if Brunish meant to have a near AM radio sound to this, but that recalls Grover Washington, Jr., and the whole disc feels like that’s what’s here. The recording quality on the live disc is not an updated version of something vaguely cool from 1982. It’s great, but the delivery is solid and crowd appealing. The studio retro all right, but quite a bit of retro fun. recording is stronger, but still sticks to the classic crooner ap- 2010, Challenge Records, 64 minutes. 9