Knights Of The Round Table
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
Listen to Knights Of The Round Table
A 10 segment listen that depicts the Knights of the Round Table, the composer/drummer Benjamin Shorstein brings along 11 musicians for the unpredictable jazz setting that constantly shifts in tone and mood.
“The Lady Of The Lake” opens the listen with a jazz waltz that uses Jonah Pierre’s keys amid many grooves, and “Galahad” follows populated by military-esque horns from Lance Reed (trombone) and Steve Strawley (trumpet) that ends up being pretty romantic.
“Camelot” lands in the middle and is richly textured thanks to Shorstein’s agile drumming, while “The Holy Grail” lands in mysterious areas via the moody guitar from Jarrett Carter’s guitar that suits the dizzying keys.
Close to the end, Juan Rollen’s soaring tenor sax makes “King Arthur” the best selection, and “Lancelot” exits with bright layers that benefit from the soulful brass, dreamy piano and, of course, the proficient drumming from Shorstein.
Shorstein is versed in both jazz and classical sounds, and he brings that plus many other ideas to this modern and cultured body of work that’s immediately striking.
Travels well with: Bobby Kapp And Richard Sussman- Synergy; Doug MacDonald Trio- Edwin Alley