BENJIE PORECKI

FASTER THAN WE KNOW

Funklove Productions

Benjie Porecki, piano/organ/electric piano/keyboards/composer; Cory Baker, electric bass; Mark Prince, drums.

Benjie Porecki has recorded a new set of eight originals on his new album, “Faster Than We Know” and one ‘cover’ tune, “Superstar” written by Leon Russell and Bonnie Bramlett.  This is contemporary funk jazz that is spurred on by the electric bass of Cory Baker and Mark Prince’s tasty drums.

They open with “Chrysalis” that lilts along at a moderate, but energetic tempo.  The melody is lovely with Porecki’s piano setting the tone and mood.

They follow this tune with a more funky arrangement on “Right Direction.”  Cory Baker takes an exciting bass solo during this up-tempo arrangement, with Mark Prince slapping the tempo into place on his trap drums. This time Benjie Porecki has swiveled from grand piano to keyboards.

Porecki’s tune “Moving On” is a blues that has a memorable melody. Benjie’s piano explores the song with a flair that reminds me a little bit of the Ramsey Lewis style. I find Porecki’s music to be well-written and commercial.

Another one of his original compositions that I really enjoyed was “Make It Bring You Up” that had a groove meant to inspire movement.  During this arrangement he plays piano and organ. Both enhance the tune with a richness you often hear in the gospel church.

Porecki has been a working musician since the age of fifteen.  He’s worked with iconic artists including Carlos Santana, Buddy Guy, Pieces of a Dream, Maysa, Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle and Tom Scott, to name only a few. His expansive musicality allows him to navigate from genres, with ease.  This is his eighth album release as a band leader.

On a song Porecki calls “Fresh Start” the trio lays down a funk groove, with an outstanding solo by Cory Baker on electric bass. Then Porecki takes us back to his church roots on a song called “It’s Gonna Be Alright.”  The trio makes me want to pass the plate and shout with emotional fervor. Once again Benjie features his organ talents along with his piano brilliance. I also hear his strong gospel roots and blues piano when he interprets “Superstar.” The trio’s rendition of Luther Vandross’s hit record was point-on!

This is good music from beginning to end. Every song is excellently composed, melodic and the trio puts their contemporary jazz stamp of approval on every arrangement.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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