Recommendations - David Binney

[David H]

I'm always interested in hearing new musicians and expanding my personal tastes. I have been tempted to try David Binney and was contemplating buying his current CD Balance. If I was to buy Balance what could I expect to hear when I played it?

Many thanks in advance for any directions and pointers concerning David Binney's music.

[Bev Stapleton]

I actually prefer his previous disc, "South", which should appeal to a Shorter fan like yourself, David. 'Balance' is somewhat rockier with a few vocals.

I've probably not given 'Balance' enough time yet...but I could do without the vocals or acid rock guitar (Wayne Krantz, someone I can't really get along with).

[Brian P]

Funny you guys should bring up Dave Binney - I was just reading a great article on him in a British jazz publication - the name of which escapes me at the moment but I'm sure you could help me with that :)

I like "Balance" but I have to agree with Bev that "South" is the place to start. I have all of his records and "South" is certainly one of my favoirites. Features an incredible band (including Chris Potter, Brian Blade & others) in an acoustic setting.

Another one searching for is his colaboration with pianist Ed Simon called "Afinidad" out on the Red record label. Binney, Simon, Blade, Scott Colley, Adam Rogers & others perform Latin-tinged music by both of the leaders.

[Bev Stapleton]

Binney was interviewed for the Feb 2003 Jazzwise.

I played 'Balance' again on the trip to and from work. There's some very nice stuff on it (especially the ballads)...and I was probably doing Krantz an injustice calling his playing 'acid rock.' He's much more varied than that.

Having said that I found some of the tracks a bit too much in the 'Sounds from a Stalinist tractor factory reprocessed by a modern synth' for my taste!

And I really don't understand what the vocals are all about.

An experimental disc, I think. Not one that worked well for me.

[GaryG]

this may be some help BBC radio is broadcating a concert of his on 14th March , you can normally listen to it for a week after on the site - heres the preview page
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio3/jazz/jon3/jon3coming.shtml

[James]

I believe that "South" is a very good rec., but I prefer "The Luxury of Guessing" by just a tad.

I recently picked up David's first as a leader, "Point Game" based simply on my enjoyment of his work that I was familiar with. At first I thought I had *really* blown it because it has more of a "rock" feel than a jazz one, but it grew on me quite quickly. And the reason it did ------ a couple of Gary Thomas recordings cleared the path for me. Quite intense and perfect music for working out!

I've also recently acquired "Free to Dream" --- will have to give that a couple more spins before an impression solidifies.

[jlhoots]

He's on a Drew Gress CD on Soul Note called Heyday.
It's a quartet.
Very nice.

[David H]

Thanks for the recommendations. I bought Balance today (deciding to start with the most recent and work back) and have enjoyed it immensely. I look forward to trying South and a (not too later date) I'm a new convert to Binney's work.

Thanks, again.

David

[Green Dolphin]

You may want to check out the two Lan Xang(Binney,Donny McCaslin,Scott Colley,Jeff Hirshfield or Kenny Wollessen) discs sometime too,the first one on Mythology and the second,Hidden Gardens on Naxos.Incidentally Binney has a new one out on Mythology in April,similar line-up to Balance

[Hardbop]

Binney is starting to appear on my radar scope. I don't think I've ever seen him or heard him, but I put that Simon/Binney Red Records disc on my want to buy list. I haven't gotten around to buying it because you can't find Red Records releases in U.S. record stores anymore. That Binney/Simon disc was one of Red Records' l

I caught Luciana Souza's gig at Joe's Pub the other night and she played one of Binney's tunes and gave him some props encouring people to head out to the 55 Bar in the West Village where Binney has a regular Tuesday night gig. In fact, Binney was at the Souza gig.

I've got to check him out.

[Green Dolphin]

You can get Afinidad from Cadence for 14 dollars and other Red stuff.
www.cadencebuilding.com
Check out www.mythology.com for other Binney discs.

[joeyb]

David Binney's new cd BALENCE is awesome!!!!! He also has played with David Gilmore who plays guitar and has a great cd out called RITUALISM! These guys are the future of Jazz!!

[joeyb]

by the way I also have tell you about Ed Simon's cd called LA BIKINA it is beautiful and also has David Binney guest on it!! This is the best new jazz I have heard in a long time! I have to get everything that David Binney and David Gilmore have ever done!!!!

[Swiss Toni]

Joey, if you are ever in NYC, you must catch one of Binneys gigs - he plays the 55Bar most Tuesdays. I've seen him there once and I saw him in London - both times he and his 'friends' completely blew me away. As a composer and a musician, Binney is deeply overlooked.

He is also very interesting to talk to - he certainly has a vast knowledge and enthusiasm for the music.

The 55Bar is located in Greenwich Village.

http://www.55bar.com

[James]

With regards to my previous post, I've come to enjoy David's "Free To Dream" a great deal - those who enjoy South will enjoy this one, IMO. It's much closer in texture to South than it is to Point Game, and presumably Balance.

[Brian P]

A friend of mine went down to the city to see Binney's group perform this evening ... apparently the band featured Chris Potter as well! Can't wait to hear about it!

Anyone hear any news on when his next project is due out?

[James]

David makes a small guest appearance on Chris Potter's (fine) recording "Traveling Mercies" with some sampling. I'm getting the impression that these guys have a mutual admiration deal going, and are of like mind musically. I'm guessing we'll see more collaborations between them in the future.

[Clunky]

Ther more I listen to Binney the more impressed I am. Lan Xang and South are excellent but I recently picked up "The Luxury of Guessing" on Audioquest, really nice album great charts for the octet? , subtle groove and sparkling playing all round. Highly recommended if you can find it.

[solarjazzband]

"South" is amazing! Better than Balances, is my opinion...

[James]

The Luxury of Guessing pops up as a recommendation all over the place on half.com ---- it's good to see David getting the exposure. And BTW, there are many copies of this recording on said site at nice prices.