Road Trips by Ben Schwendener

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Free Jazz | Jazz Fusion

6 tracks | 52 minutes

Released May 2002
on Gravity Records

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sample lyrics "DOWNLOAD" 08:27 Diversity is Within lyrics BUY MP3 08:27 Diversity is Within lyrics "GIFT MP3" 08:27 Diversity is Within

sample lyrics "DOWNLOAD" 05:45 The New Year lyrics BUY MP3 05:45 The New Year lyrics "GIFT MP3" 05:45 The New Year

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An expansive set of creative and mesmerizing musical journeys - innovative and interactive progressive jazz.

Editorial review

Keyboardist Ben Schwendener is a New England area artist who seems comfortable performing within a variety of frameworks. His 2002 duet piano outing with Marc Rossi, titled "Living Geometry," features artfully rendered harmonic forays, drawing upon composer George Russell's infamous Lydian Chromatic Concepts. Here, Schwendener leads an electric-acoustic quintet that skirts the borders of jazz fusion and modern jazz. In fact, this outing signifies one of those rare entities where synths and thrashing electric guitar lines coalesce with avant-garde-type soloing atop sturdy backbeats. Schwendener uses an acoustic piano to augment his array of electronic keyboards, while noted modern jazz saxophonist Bhob Rainey renders either warmly melodic choruses or heated soloing forays consisting of jagged lines amid a multitude of abstracts. Guitarist Gregg Ramsey explores Hendrix-like concepts, yet also tempers the pace when required. However, Schwendener's compositions bridge the gap between relatively loud, fusion-type extravaganzas or moody contemporary jazz grooves. He displays a flair for melody whether soloing or executing an ostinato-based melody. Through it all, the musicians' discerning excursions and the leader's articulately crafted compositions provide the winning formula. Recommended. ~ Glenn Astarita, All Music Guide

Bio / Background

Artist  Ben Schwendener

Album Title  Road Trips

Date of Release  2002

AMG Rating: **** 

Genre  Jazz

Styles  Modern Creative

Type  live

"Keyboardist Ben Schwendener is a New England area artist who seems comfortable performing within a variety of frameworks. His 2002 duet piano outing with Marc Rossi, titled "Living Geometry," features artfully rendered harmonic forays, drawing upon composer George Russell's infamous Lydian Chromatic Concepts. Here, Schwendener leads an electric-acoustic quintet that skirts the borders of jazz fusion and modern jazz. In fact, this outing signifies one of those rare entities where synths and thrashing electric guitar lines coalesce with avant-garde-type soloing atop sturdy backbeats. Schwendener uses an acoustic piano to augment his array of electronic keyboards, while noted modern jazz saxophonist Bhob Rainey renders either warmly melodic choruses or heated soloing forays consisting of jagged lines amid a multitude of abstracts.