Michel Benita - River Silver (LP)

Michel Benita, a seasoned bassist known for his collaborations with notable artists like Andy Sheppard, steps into the spotlight as a leader with his debut album "River Silver" on ECM Records. Released in January 2016, this album is a captivating exploration of contemporary jazz, blending French jazz sensibilities with global influences. The Ethics quintet, featuring the distinctive sounds of Eivind Aarset on guitar and Mieko Miyazaki on koto, creates a unique sonic landscape that is both intimate and expansive.

"River Silver" is a journey through nine tracks, each offering a different perspective on the jazz idiom. From the ethereal opener "Back From The Moon" to the traditional Japanese melody "Hachi Gatsu," Benita and his bandmates weave a tapestry of sound that is both familiar and fresh. The album's title track, "River Silver," is a standout, showcasing Benita's fluid bass lines and the ensemble's tight interplay. Traditional folk influences seep through in tracks like "Yeavering" and "Toonari," adding a layer of cultural depth to the album.

With a runtime of just under 50 minutes, "River Silver" is a concise yet rich listening experience. The album's production is crisp, allowing each instrument to shine, and the compositions are intricate, revealing new details with each listen. Whether you're a longtime jazz enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, Michel Benita's "River Silver" is an album that promises to engage and inspire.