Old Friends
Mark Winkler with David Benoit
MARK WINKLER VOCALS
DAVID BENOIT PIANO
GABE DAVIS BASS
CLAYTON CAMERON DRUMS
PAT KELLEY GUITAR
KEVIN WINARD PERCUSSION
STEFANIE FIFE CELLO
ARRANGED BY DAVID BENOIT
PRODUCED BY BARBARA BRIGHTON
Mark Winkler and David Benoit have teamed up to record an album that pays homage to their 37 years of friendship. OLD FRIENDS is a collection of some of the artists’ favorites songs by some of their favorite composers, as well as three original tunes. OLD FRIENDS is imbued with warmth and camaraderie by two seasoned artists at the top of their form.
There is an eloquence to the program here with Benoit’s accompaniment and Winkler’s nuanced phrasing, clear diction, and delightful conversational approach. The selections with the rhythm trio add additional variety to this mix of standards and originals… Benoit and Winkler have been friends for some 37 years, and the marvelous vocal performances on “Old Friends” display a musical closeness to match their personal friendship.
– Ron Weinstock, In a Blue Mood
A voice that is honest and genuine. A serious artist, he never sounds as if he takes himself too seriously And, therein lies his charm. Winkler’s voice is friendly and approachable… While jazz programming hardly needs another vocal offering, it does need those as well paced and carefully considered as Old Friends, which reminds us of what is important.
– Michael Bailey, All About Jazz
Bravos are in order for the new album “Old Friends” by Mark Winkler and David Benoit. I think it is Mark Winkler’s best, but I know it’s my favorite. It could probably only have come out of a year of aching hearts and soul-searching. I find it very moving. Both Mark and David Benoit and the musicians were obviously feeling deeply during these tumultuous times. Beautiful work.
– James Gavin
These two Old Friends still have the hit-making magic that garnered them countless minutes of airtime! These gentlemen have nothing to prove, so they just play with feeling, elevated by the spirit of the band to our delight.
– D. Oscar Groomes, O’s Place Jazz Newsletter
Winkler is a relaxed and intimate vocalist… Relaxed and thoughtful words and music that should please many.
– Bruce Crowther, Jazz Journal
A hip, emotionally compelling yet elegant and quite glorious workaround to reconnect creatively and collaborate on a sweetly intimate yet often whimsically swinging, exquisitely arranged and produced set of classics (some well-known, some (quite literally!) deliciously obscure) and originals whose title says it all: Old Friends.
– Jonathan Widran, JW Vibe
A warm, intimate recording – a classic example of taste, restraint, and emotive delivery.
– Jim Hynes, Making a Scene
If you need your vocal jazz pure and hip, look no further than “Old Friends”… Mark excels with a thoroughly ingenious vocal performance. And David and Mark save the best for last. Irene Kral and Alan Broadbent recorded the definitive version of “Some Other Time” for their 1975 LP “Where Is Love?”, but Mark comes up with an irresistibly resonating version, proving once again why he is one of the most consummate vocalists around.
– Matthias Kirsch, Gina Loves Jazz
Winkler is one of the best male vocalists on the jazz scene.. Benoit understands the art of accompaniment, supportive but never calling the attention to himself. They have chosen a program that is well defined by the opening track, “I’ve Got Just About Everything.” One listen to Old Friends and it will feel like an old friend who will visit you often.
– Joe Lang, Jersey Jazz
The things I admire most about Mark Winkler is his choice of repertoire and his song writing…. Old Friends” probably sums up the beauty and compatibility of these two seasoned veterans of music… The most poignant song they composed, along with songwriter, Heather Perram Frank, is “Thirty Years (Only Sunshine Days)” that seems to sum up the beauty of a close friendship in well-written lyrics and with a memorable melody.
– Dee Dee McNeil, Musical Memoirs
A thoughtful album, Old Friends is a charming collection of warmth, camaraderie and reflection. Winkler’s laidback delivery and affable voice are immediately appealing. Benoit provides just the right touch for expert support of the vocalist. Benoit’s understanding of singers and vocal accompaniment was gained from years of experience working for Lainie Kazan, Patti Austin, Connie Stevens, and Ann-Margaret.
– Joe Ross, Roots Music Report
A charming and thoughtful collection of great songs. Mark absolutely breaks your heart with his sincere rendition of “When This Love Affair Is Over” while Benoit sums up the interpretation with a heartfelt piano solo… True testaments to their mastery of songwriting, arranging and musicality… Highly recommended.
– Paula Edelstein, Sounds of Timeless Jazz