Old Friends
Cafe Pacific, 2021
8/10
An aptly titled record, the singer and lyricist Mark Winkler teams up with pianist and composer David Benoit to celebrate 37 years of friendship with a batch of their favorite songs by their favorite artists, while sprinkling in some of their own, too.
The frisky opener “I’ve Got Just About Everything” starts the listen with jumpy keys from Benoit as Winkler’s bright and bouncy singing complements the warm guitar lines and shuffling percussion, and “Sweet Kentucky” follows with piano balladry where Winkler’s vivid storytelling aligns with agile and intricate piano work.
As we get towards the middle, “Two For The Road” flows with a soulful approach where sublime chemistry between Winkler and Benoit is present, while “Old Friends/Bookends” benefits from Stefanie Fife’s cello playing amid the emotive Paul Simon rendition. “In A Quiet Place”, an especially noteworthy track, then welcomes Pat Kelley’s guitar prowess and Kevin Winard’s incredible percussion in a dreamy setting on the original.
Close to the end, “Dragonfly” pairs Gabe Davis’ bass with Clayton Cameron’s drums amid an elegant and moving display of timeless beauty, and “Some Other Time” exits the listen with just Winkler and Benoit interacting with proficient and easily enjoyable talent.
An effort that’s heartfelt, cozy and full of sophisticated interpretations as well as 3 well crafted originals, Winkler and Benoit accent each other superbly across the intimate and adventurous musicianship.
Travels well with: Mike Scott- Collecting Things; Max Haymer- Whirlwind: Live At Sam First