Search - Benny Green Quintet :: Prelude

Great start to a brilliant career

M. A Netzley | Singapore | 09/22/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I was working in a jazz and classical music store when this album (yes, album!) was first released. My manager handed it to me and said, "Check this out. It is up your alley." He could not have been more correct. I have followed Benny's career since first listening to this CD and have never looked back.The highlight is a nice version of "Peresina." Benny's version of this tune always brings a smile to my face. The band is fairly tight and all the tracks are good. Listening to this recording today, I immediately see just how much Benny has grown as a musician over the past 15 years. The brilliant performances you hear on recent recordings are not going to be found on this CD. On the other hand, the performance is very good and better than what we hear on most first releases. So do not let the fact that this is an early performance stop you from purchasing this CD. If you are fan of Benny's music and want to hear where it all began, this is the recording to buy."