Third Time’s A Charm
La Reserve, 2023
8/10
Listen to Third Time’s A Charm
The trumpeter, vocalist and composer Benny Benack III assembles an impressive New York outfit of Emmet Cohen, Russell Hall and Kyle Poole, plus guests, for these 14 timeless jazz tracks.
The title track opens with Benack’s lively trumpet and smooth vocals alongside Ruben Fox’s agile tenor saxophone for the warm climate, and “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again” follows with Cohen’s meticulous keys populating the frisky Burt Bacharach tune.
Closer to the middle, “Thank You For The Heartbreak” benefits much from Peter Bernstein’s lovely guitar for the intimate and heartfelt delivery, while “In A Melllow Tone” makes great use of Bria Skonberg’s trumpet and vocals for playful duet that’s the album’s best.
Near to the end, “Jade” finds a poetic place to reside thanks to the mature keys and dreamy guitar that complement Benack’s expressive pipes, and “Pretty Eyed Baby” exits with Michael Stephenson’s distinct vocals and Russell Hall’s intricate bass for the upbeat and dance floor ready finish.
Benack has been Emmy nominated, and it’s not hard to see why, as he guides the esteemed players through a diverse and dynamic listen that warrants many, many listens.
Travels well with: Steven Feifke- Catalyst; Doxas Brothers- The Circle