The pianist's fifth release for GRP was not only his most mature and sophisticated pop-jazz outing to date, but also one of the year's most enjoyable genre releases. Providing the usual
Benoit trademark blend of frisky, angst-free melodic stylings with introspective ballads and knockout vocals (two tunes feature
David Pack) and following up the success of their "The Key to You" collaboration in 1988, this stellar collection helped solidify
Benoit's hold on the musical form that tunes like "Kei's Song" and "Every Step of the Way" helped popularize. The tender and passionate, finely orchestrated "A Last Request" and "6 string Poet" (the latter dedicated to the late guitarist
Emily Remler, who played on
Benoit's
Waiting For Spring) are perhaps more artsy, but once again, it's the excitement of selections like the Western tinged "Houston" and "South East Quarter" which propels this collection. The hip-hop grooves offered on "MWA (Musicians With Attitude)" offer a pleasant and unexpected diversion as well. With
Benoit, melody is king, and once again, almost every tune is instantly hummable. ~ Jonathan Widran