Following the major sales and airplay successes of
Benoit's previous GRP outings,
Shadows is a more conceptual album, a collection that perfectly fuses the hip-hop grooves introduced on
Inner Motion's popular track "M.W.A," with a lush orchestral approach. All without losing sight of the spirited composing and playing style that made him one of smooth jazz's biggest stars. Helping bring
Benoit and co-producer
Marcel East's chemistry to life are friends old and new to the
Benoit studio fold: guitarist
Pat Kelley; bassists
Neil Stubenhaus,
Nathan East, and
Jimmy Johnson; saxophonist
Michael Paulo; drummers
Jeff Porcaro and John Robinson; and percussionists
Chris Trujillo,
Michael Fisher, and
Fattburger's Tommy Aros. Adding a gorgeous Brazilian texture to several of the tunes are the wordless vocals and acoustic guitar of
Dori Caymmi.
Benoit also uses the brass sounds of Michael Patches Stewart and the legendary
Freddie Hubbard. Key tracks include the intensely urban "Over the Edge," the classical leaning title track, and "Saudade," a Brazilian piece featuring samba rhythms and bouncy percussion, along with
Hubbard's swirling trumpet magic. ~ Jonathan Widran