After making so many forgettable albums with commercial radio in mind,
David Benoit
took a break from the type of
smooth jazz
fluff he usually records and delivered a respectable, straight-ahead CD with
Waiting for Spring
. Instead of shamelessly wasting his improvisatory skills, he actually lets loose on the acoustic piano and makes some meaningful statements.
Bill Evans
is obviously a great influence on
Benoit
, whose vulnerability makes his love of the late piano legend obvious on originals as well as lyrical interpretations of
standards
like
"My Romance"
and
"Secret Love."
has a fine soloist in the late guitarist
Emily Remler
, who is consistently warm, melodic, and inviting. Though the album isn't breathtaking, it's satisfying and heartfelt. ~ Alex Henderson