Benjamin Croft – Far And Distant Things (Ubuntu Music, 2021)
Far And Distant Things is the fantastic new instrumental album from British keyboardist and composer Benjamin Croft. The album features a wonderful mix of epic progressive symphonic rock, jazz-rock, contemporary jazz and neoclassical music. You’ll hear echoes of Canterbury-style favorites National Health, jazz-rock era Bill Bruford, Big Big Train and contemporary jazz artists.
The dazzling keyboard work and masterfully-crafted orchestrations are outstanding. Benjamin Croft uses a wide range of keyboards including magnificent grand piano and electronic keyboards that generate captivating vintage and modern sounds. True delight.
Croft invited several renowned artists from the fusion and jazz world; the listener is treated to the excellent electric guitar work of Frank Gambale and the exquisite, sublime solo trumpet performances of Randy Brecker, Allen Vizutti and Andy Davies; as well as the glorious blended trumpet and trombone sections. Of all the brass instruments, the trumpet works much better with this type of progressive music. Far And Distant Things is clearly one of my top progressive albums of 2021.
The lineup includes Benjamin Croft on Arp Odyssey, clavinet, Minimoog D, Oberheim OB-8 and Xpander, Prophet 5, Roland Jupiter 4 and 8, Yamaha CS-80, Fender Rhodes, Hammond B-3 and C-3 organs, and Fazioli, Steinway and Yamaha grand pianos; Allen Vizutti on trumpet; Helen Vollam on trombone; Gareth Lockrane on flutes, piccolo; Henry Thomas on bass; Tristan Mailiiot on drums; Frank Gambale on guitar; Flo Moore on bass; Barry Finnerty on guitar; Randy Brecker on trumpet; Mike Miller on guitar; Laurie Lowe on drums; Andy Davies on trumpet and flugelhorn; Chad Wackerman on drums; and Carter Arrington on guitar.
Buy the CD, vinyl or download of Far and Distant Things from amazon UK or the digital download Far And Distant Things from amazon US.