By: Staff
Diving right into Bennett Roth’s latest release, It’ll Always Work Out, we found it to be very exciting.
From the very start, we felt the flavor and sensation of being thoroughly entertained. This album is impressive and amazing from start to finish, truly in a class of its own.
The opening track, "It’ll Always Work Out", starts off gentle and relaxing, feeling like a classical performance with a jazzy undertone. Just when you give in to its relaxing sensation, it changes its whole character and style like a chameleon, bursting out in so many ways that it becomes difficult to find comparable quality music from the last decade. It’s a dizzying and overwhelming emotional ride that elevates your dopamine levels and brings emotions to the surface. The piano is erratic in the most controlled sense, moving between delicate, tickled keys and hard-jammed notes that delight in the most amazing way. The drums are blisteringly fast and punchy, yet tap as gently as a bird landing on a branch when needed. The bass is thundering and sustained, completely breaking away from the typical wallflower role and instead delivering a standout performance. This song is an amazing and overwhelming listen for anyone who appreciates jazz, especially the kind that takes you on a whirlwind ride. You may even feel a tear come to your eye; it’s that incredible.
“With My Eyes Closed” showcases Roth’s Broadway elegance, evoking the feeling of a play score that brings to mind a protagonist making a dramatic entrance with a confident, deliberate stride. It expertly paints a picture of a dance walk down a quintessential “movie set” street. The piano here is another example of exemplary delivery. The highs and lows are swift yet crisp, carrying a pointed melodic elegance that sticks in your mind from the first listen.
“Dream of Vee” immediately sparks intrigue with its title alone. The music captures the sensation of intense energy boiling below the surface, with a back-and-forth momentum perfectly realized through the harmony and lead piano interplay. The keys feel like they’re trading jabs, and the fast rise-and-fall bass further enhances the sensations. When the drums slam in, it’s completely unexpected, shifting the mood to one of palpable, even sensual tension. It conjures the image of a couple dancing, sharing dramatic shifts in movement and accentuated dips that embody the music’s emotional intensity.
This album is clearly born from a profound love of music, precision, and dedication to mastering mood, while simultaneously reflecting a deep passion for jazz. Even this description falls short of truly expressing the excellence of this performance. As the child of a jazz musician, I can confidently say that Bennett Roth demonstrates the presentation and delivery of a future legend. He possesses the ability to keep the essence of live musical performance alive, and will undoubtedly earn ovations from sold-out crowds.
Bennett Roth's debut as a bandleader showcases a bold leap into the spotlight with It’ll Always Work Out, an album brimming with vibrant energy, rich textures, and an uplifting message of perseverance. Known for his extensive career as a jazz pianist, Roth brings a wealth of experience as a sideman, music director, and composer to this project, crafting a collection of tracks that celebrate both his technical expertise and his ability to convey heartfelt emotion through music.
This album highlights Roth’s versatility and artistry, seamlessly blending samba, hip-hop, funk, and fusion into a cohesive narrative. Each track embodies the optimism and determination reflected in the album's title, offering a diverse yet unified listening experience. Roth’s influences—spanning modern jazz luminaries like Robert Glasper, Taylor Eigsti, and Kris Bowers—are evident, yet his voice remains distinct and personal.
Teaming up with trusted collaborators William Bohrer on electric bass and Michael Henning on drums, Roth creates a dynamic interplay within the traditional jazz trio format. The result is a masterful balance of intricate compositions and spontaneous improvisation that emphasizes the chemistry between these accomplished musicians. With It’ll Always Work Out, Bennett Roth firmly establishes himself as a confident and visionary leader in the contemporary jazz scene.
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