Breathtakingly beautiful!
Inspired by mysticism and meditation, Seattle-based vocalist & songwriter Ben Black assembled a collection of 11 of his original songs that celebrate awakening and transformation. Combining with a voice that's been described by Christopher Loudon as "singularly gorgeous" in JazzTimes, each song blossoms with the intention of lifting spirits and acting as a powerful medicine for these uncertain times. Accompanied by a highly sensitive ensemble - including Bill Anschell on piano, Jeff Johnson on bass, guitarist Dave Peterson, drummer Mark Ivester, David Lange on accordion, and flautist Brenda Kay Neth - Ben offers a venerable mix of soul-influenced Jazz that speaks to the heart and mind as one embraced with love.
Track Listing:
1. Wonderland 4:00
2. Wind 5:28
3. Universal Grace 5:21
4. Do not stand at my grave and weep 2:23
5. Mystery and Wonder 5:13
6. Love is Alive 3:59
7. Light of the Sea 5:42
8. Sorrow 6:08
9. Reveal 4:30
10. South 3:52
11. Night 4:48
Music & lyrics by Ben Black
"Do not stand at my grave and weep" lyrics adapted
from the original poem, by person(s) unknown
Performers:
Ben Black - vocals
Bill Anschell - piano
Jeff Johnson - bass
Dave Peterson - guitar
Mark Ivester - drums/percussion
David Lange - accordion
Brenda Kay Neth - flute
Production Info:
Produced by Ben Black
Recorded & mixed by David Lange at David Lange Studios, Edgewood, WA
Recorded May 21, 2007
Mastered by Rick Fischer, RFI Mastering
(7) Mastered by Ed Brooks & Rachel Field
at Resonant Mastering, Seattle, WA
Photography by Ian Boisvert
Cover design & layout by John Bishop
Reviews of Mystery & Wonder
Midwest Review (Chris Spector)
So, let's suppose for a minute that Mark Murphy had a big Zen streak running through him. Then suppose he wrote inspirational lyrics that seems to have been run through a soul/jazz translator. You feel me? Certainly not our usual genre splicing flow, this is a natch for adult listeners looking for music that matter for people who care ™. Well ...
Take Effect Reviews (Tom Haugen)
The Seattle vocalist and songwriter Ben Black brings us 11 original songs here that are inspired by mysticism and meditation, and he's got an all star of musicians including Bill Anschell, Dave Peterson, Jeff Johnston, Mark Ivester, David Lange and Brenda Kay Neth along with him.
"Wonderland" opens the listen with Black's soulful pipes illumina ...
Jazz Weekly (George W Harris)
Vocalist Ben Black sings songs of his study and practice of both Zen and Tibetan Buddhism on this collection of eleven meditative and uplifting originals. His voice is a mix of Barry Manilow and Bobby Short, sort of a high tenor, joined by Bill Anschell/p, Jeff Johnson/b, Dave Peterson/g, Mark Ivester/dr-perc, David Lange/acc and Branda Kay Neth/f ...
