Professional Dreamer
Rick Braunacted as producer for six of the tunes onProfessional Dreamer, and it adds a funkier dimension to Benoit's rich keyboards and lyrical piano solos. Funky is a direction that Benoit is clearly ready for. You hear it especially on "ReJoyce," a celebration of the groove with Benoit using a Hammond B-3 organ for some deep soul. "Miles After Dark" also stands out, with Braun adding some tasty muted trumpet to the midnight mood. Benoit's style is still in evidence, though, especially on the slow tunes and the characteristic classical touches and Latin beats. "Dad's Room" is a beautiful ballad, with rays of light breaking into the slightly somber mood. It shows just what a master of shading Benoit is.--Adam Rains