Benjamin Boone - Confluence: The Ireland Sessions [CD]

Adding to his inarguably singular and ambitious body of work, the saxophonist, composer and Fulbright Scholar captures a year of study & creation in the Irish city of Limerick with this collection of eight new compositions, along with a captivating reading of the traditional Irish song, "She Moved Through the Fair." Surrounded by musicians ready to engage and collaborate, "Confluence" displays a similar dynamism to his Ghana-inspired album "Joy," or his volumes with multiple highly-accomplished American poets. Solidly reflecting their place, time, and the significant talents involved, they also carry the thread of an artist with an undeniable voice and vision. The searing guitar work of Joe O'Callaghan, the expansive drumming of Joe Daly and the uniquely personal voice of Jane Fraser (aka JaYne) on three songs, are standouts in this engaging and often moving collection. "... an artist of the first order... Everywhere his playing is marked by finely judged balance and exquisite melodic colour... " - Raul da Gama.