First Listen: Warren Benbow's New CD, 'Harmolodic Adventure'

By: Jul. 09, 2013
Enter Your Email to Unlock This Article

Plus, get the best of BroadwayWorld delivered to your inbox, and unlimited access to our editorial content across the globe.




Existing user? Just click login.

An adventure into the musical philosophy of 'Harmolodics' Drummer Warren Benbow's Electric Jazz Fusion Project, with great New York musicians. Using Alesis electronic drums and with a series of one take overdubs, Warren has created this CD, using new technology to create a fusion of styles called 'Harmolodic Adventure,' produced by Ornette Coleman bassist, Al MacDowell.

Does this sound like a machine or a real drumset? Take a listen and decide!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Wrn6QU1nvM&feature=youtu.be

In his career, Warren Benbow has played with most people in most styles of music. He has performed with Whitney Houston, LL Cool J, Nina Simone, Mary J. Blige, Michael Urbaniak, James 'Blood' Ulmer, and many others. While attending the High School of Performing Arts, Warren studied at the Jazzmobile in NYC where he was introduced to jazz vocalist Betty Carter, and his career took flight.

While working in Nina Simone's jazz/folk band, Warren was introduced to Stevie Wonder and they became fast friends. Stevie was even the best man at Warren's wedding! Warren was at most of the recording sessions for the album 'Music of My Mind,' and was inspired by Stevie's use of the synthesizer to incorporate electronics into this project. After a stint acting in short films and even the Broadway production of 'I Love my Wife,' starring The Smothers Brothers, Warren was introduced to James 'Blood' Ulmer and Ornette Coleman. An original member of James "Blood" Ulmer's Harmolodic "Odyssey" band, he still tours with Mr. Ulmer from time to time. Utilizing some of the top talent in NY, this band includes Al MacDowell- Bass/Producer (Ornette Coleman), BranDon Ross- Guitar (Cassandra Wilson, Harriet Tubman), Jay Rodriguez- Saxes and Flute (Groove Collective), Graham Haynes- Trumpet (Steve Coleman/MBase), Chris Theberge- Congas and Percussion (Groove Collective), Pete Drungle- Piano (Ornette Coleman) and Charlie Burnham- Violin (James 'Blood' Ulmer, Cassandra Wilson). Warren's CD is now getting airplay in Europe, especially on Zurich's 'Sun Radio,' and he now has plans to do shows in New York this summer in support of the CD, before heading to Europe in the fall.

http://warrenbenbow.bandcamp.com/
http://warrenbenbow.wordpress.com/



Videos