David Benoit Records CD in Steinway Hall Rotunda

On Sunday, January 22, 2012, in New York City, jazz great and Steinway Artist David Benoit digitally recorded all of the piano tracks for his new CD with the Steinway Hall Rotunda set up as a studio environment, marking the first time in the almost 90 year history of the Hall that this has been done. Through the years, the famed Rotunda at Steinway Hall has seen many great performances, however this was the first time that the area was used as a studio to digitally record an entire CD of music (a few live concert settings with an audience have been recorded there, but this was the first time the Rotunda was used specifically/only as a recording studio).

The particular Steinway Concert & Artist piano Benoit chose to play for the recording session has previously been center stage at Avery Fisher Hall and was favored by classical heavyweights including Emanuel Ax, Yefim Bronfman and Lang Lang.

“As a Steinway Artist, I’ve been very fortunate in having performed in Steinway Hall on numerous occasions,” said Benoit. “Aside from the great beauty of the Hall itself, I’ve always been intrigued by its incredible acoustics, and the way the most remarkable sound is produced there. For that reason, I chose Steinway Hall to record the piano tracks for my next CD.”

Since 1977, David Benoit’s expansive career as a contemporary jazz pianist has included over 25 solo recordings and 32 total recordings. Among his ‘80s releases,This Side Up, Freedom at Midnight and the Grammy-nominated Every Step of the Wayare considered influential genre classics. Among his other Grammy nominations are those for Best Instrumental Composition (for “Dad’s Room,” from 1999’s Professional Dreamer) and Best Large Jazz Ensemble Performance (for the GRP All-Star Big Band).

His prolific output also includes several prominent Charlie Brown related projects (Here’s To You, Charlie Brown: 50 Great Years and the star-studded 40 Years: A Charlie Brown Christmas), reflecting his lifelong passion for the music of original Peanuts composer Vince Guaraldi and solidifying his own role as Guaraldi’s musical heir.

“Despite more than 25 solo recordings over the course of his career, David Benoit continues to innovate in his music and produce fresh, cutting edge contemporary jazz music,” said Todd Sanders, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Steinway & Sons – Americas. “David is a loyal Steinway Artist, and we were honored to work with him to make this recording project a reality. It’s impossible to explain what a great pianist, on a great piano, in a great acoustic environment sounds like – it’s something that must be heard.”

Aside from an hour long session with the media for photographs and interviews, Benoit spent the better part of 16 hours on Sunday with his longtime producer Clark Germain recording the tracks for his highly anticipated new CD.

[article credit: www.steinway.com]

Short clip of David Benoit leading the Asia America Youth Orchestra in a recording of his music suite, “Native Californian.” The recording took place at Hollywood’s famous Ocean Way Studios earlier this year.

For more information about the Asia America Youth Orchestra, check out their website at http://www.asiaamericasymphony.org/youth/.

*Note: if you are viewing this website on a tablet device, the movie may not be visible.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…and there’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than by going to a concert featuring classic Christmas tunes with a David Benoit twist! Joining David on the tour are David Hughes, Jamey Tate, and Selina Albright.  The tour kicks off November 26 at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe in Incline Village, NV, and criss-crosses the country, with stops in CA, NY, VT, PA, WI, NM, WA, GA, and DC.  We hope to see you at one of the shows!

*Note: if you are viewing this website on a tablet device, the movie may not be visible.

David is starting work on a new record for Concord, which is currently untitled.  When he’s not working the 6am to 10am shift as the on air personality for KJAZZ on weekdays, David is hard at work writing lots of songs, including a commissioned classical work, and a surprise cover tune from a movie.  Can you guess which one?  You won’t have to wait too long….David is going into the studio in mid-January 2012.  Stay tuned to the website and other social media outlets for updates!

On October 1, 2011, David Benoit was honored by El Camino College as one of the recipients of its 2011 Distinguished Alumni Award.  The award is presented to alumni who have achieved great professional success, with the educational foundation provided by their time at El Camino College. Congratulations, David!

Renowned jazz artist, David Benoit understands why “Everyone Deserves Healthcare.” That is why he has generously offered to donate the proceeds from his November 6, 2011 performance at Catalina Jazz Club in Los Angeles to benefit Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP) California.  Join us for “Bubbly, Brunch & Benoit” from noon to 3 PM on Sunday, November 6^th.  Click here to purchase tickets. Each ticket purchased includes one chance to win two roundtrip Comfort Class tickets to Istanbul on Turkish Airlines. Other fabulous prizes available by winning bid at our Silent Auction.

David is a featured performer for Koreatown Youth and Community Center (KYCC)’s 10th Annual Benefit Concert, celebrating 36 years of service to the community. Thursday, August 4 at 7pm, at The Walt Disney Concert Hall. Visit the KYCCLA web site to purchase tickets. Other featured performers are Seung Ju Kim conducting the Korean American Youth Symphony (with guests from the Asia America Symphony Orchestra), Christopher Cross, Rufus Choi and Hak Soo Kim.

David is a featured performer at KindredSPIRITS, a humanitarian aid concert benefiting International Medical Corps. Sunday, June 12 at 7pm, at The Walt Disney Concert Hall. Visit KindredSPIRITSlive.org for tickets and more information.

David is in Seattle for four nights of shows at Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley, June 2 – 5. Come on by and catch a show!

David Benoit is a special guest performer with the Glendale Pops Orchestra’s May 13, 2011 show, “The Premiere.” Other guest performers include Kenny Loggins and Monica Mancini. All proceeds from “The Premiere” go to support Glendale Arts. For more information, visit http://www.glendalearts.org/events/details/1798-glendale-pops-orchestra-the-premiere.html.