Search - Benny Green :: Testifyin: Live at Village Vanguard

Philip S. from NORWICH, VT
Reviewed on 9/6/2006...

with Christian McBride on bass and Carl Allen on drums.

Impassioned Perfomance

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

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For years I have told jazz fans to begin their Benny Green experience with this recording. I couldn't even guess how many copies I have given away as gifts. And after all these years the truth is that I have yet to find one person who has not fallen in love with Benny's music after hearing this recording. Taped at the Village Vanguard in 1991, I personally consider this CD to be the crowning achievement of Benny's early career. For those who have continued to follow his music, there can be no doubt that Benny has continued to grow and expand his range. But if we want to select one recording that says "here is what the first part of Benny's career is all about," then this is the recording.The highlight is track 4, a Benny Green original called "Bu's March." This tribute to Art Blakey is simply stunning. The tune resonates with me like few other jazz tunes can, largely because of the great passion Benny reveals. Other great songs include a Christian McBride original titled "McThing" and a lovely version of "Down by the Riverside." The trio of Carl Allen, Christian McBride, and Benny is one of my favorites and the band pulls off a tight and excellent performance. The other thing I like about this recording is that it is live. You get to hear all the other sounds that we hear each weekend is a good jazz club. I am not talking about the pretty jazz clubs where everyone sips their wine and gives a little golf clap after each tune. These are the sounds of a real jazz club...the sounds that I love to hear with jazz music. I hope that one day soon Benny releases another live recording of this same gritty design. Until that time, this recording will have to do. And in my opinion, I will be able to manage the wait so long as I have a copy of "Testifyin!" close by."

Breath Taking

M. A Netzley | 03/22/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The way that Benny, Carl, and Christian interact through their music is absolutely astonishing. Benny's pounding chord solos and his incredible speed keeps the band rolling. Christian's bass lines and soulful feel, holds the band together like glue. Carl Allens expression and musical solos completely keeps the pulse moving the whole time."