Record Reviews

BEN SIDRAN ~ DYLAN DIFFERENT BONSAI 091101 (Barcode: 794881938421) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Pop Fusion Recorded: 2009 Released: 2009 This is a superb album by American vocalist / keyboardist / songwriter Ben SidranFind albums by this artist, recorded in France with mostly European Jazz musicians, including French bassist Marcello GiulianiFind albums by this artist, Swiss drummer Alberto MalloFind albums by this artist, French guitarist Rodolphe BurgerFind albums by this artist, American trumpeter Michael LeonhartFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Bob MalachFind albums by this artist and various guests. As title suggests, it presents twelve songs by American singer / poet / songwriter Bob DylanFind albums by this artist. A companion album of the same material was recorded live and released as “Dylan Different Live In ParisFind albums with this title” a year later. Although Sidran preserved Dylan’s lyrics, his interpretations of the songs take many liberties with the melodies, tempi and rhythms, often making the songs almost unrecognizable. The result is absolutely brilliant and the Jazzy arrangements, which characterize most of Sidran’s work, are a true masterpiece. His keyboard work is also exceptional and combined with his idiosyncratic vocals present an irresistible combination of talent, intelligence and aesthetics. I have been a faithful and enthusiastic follower of his work since the early 1970s and he never failed me over time. My favorite period of his work is his output on the Go JazzFind albums on this label label in the 1990s. Since the early 2000s he’s been releasing albums on his own label NardisFind albums on this label. Overall, this is a double treat, both for lovers of Dylan’s work and the incredible figure of Sidran, who keeps reinventing himself now in the sixth decade of his career. Lovers of Jazz-Pop Fusion should be absolutely delighted!

Updated: 27/01/2024Posted: 27/01/2024

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