Search - Sathima Bea Benjamin :: Musical Echoes

A Master Singer Brings It Home.

Michael F. Hopkins | Buffalo, NY USA | 05/07/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"(from an extended article, copyright 2006 Michael F. Hopkins)



Master singer Sathima Bea Benjamin has forged her

amazing career and reputation over the course of

40 years. These are amazing years which have seen

upheavals, uprisings, and momentous struggle shape

the future of her homeland, finally bringing about

South Africa's abolition of Apartheid by the early-

mid 1990s.

In particular, it is the spirit of homecoming which

charges MUSICAL ECHOES with a beauty all its own.

Recorded in 2002 on her own Ekapa label, it is one

of two releases which marks Benjamin's return to

South Africa, and the unique music scene which has

nourished her artistry through these long decades.



This sense of aesthetic convergence is further

defined by her fine choice of musicians for this

date; American pianist Stephen Scott bringing his

astute touch to kindle all manner of harmonic

delight alongside the stunning South African

polyrhythmatics of bassist Basil Moses and drummer

Lulu Gontsana.

The result is an astonishing musical stroll through

the contours of uplifting standard bearing, bountiful

swing, and the most haunting balladry. The years have

imbued Benjamin's ability to mold note and lyric with

a subliminal fire which deepens her renowned artistic

allure.

Her emotional insistency and incisive focus is a

precious gift worthy of Billie Holiday herself. Her

playful touch and charm belies the serious nature of

her work as few since Abbey Lincoln, Jeanne Lee, and

Jeri Brown have been able to bring together in this

field.



Listen to the nine selections which comprise this

lovely tone portrait, from the proudly surging shuffle

of "Caravan", to the gripping plea of "Something To

Live For", or the queries posed by the singer's own

title theme, and you will find yourself in the midst

of the highest inspiration, along with the deepest

feelings stirred by a vital imagination.



A seeker comes home to testify.

Once more, the search is on."