His artistry is electrifying, his approach original and timeless. His name is Benjie Porecki, and he’s contemplating the future on his second recording for Severn Records, The Rest of My Life.
Following up the critically acclaimed Servin’ It Up, Porecki returns with the most impressive recording of his career, The Rest of My Life. Here Benjie enlists some of the best in the business including Keter Betts and Steve Gomes who share bass duties, Robb Stupka and Alejandro Lucini on drums, and guitarist Dan Leonard. He’s also rounded up some very special guests: Godfather of Go-Go Chuck Brown who offers up a heart-wrenching rendition of Shirley Horn’s “Here’s to Life” and saxophonist Skip Pruitt who gives a breathtaking performance on the title track. The result is a ten-song CD featuring a mix of jazz, funk, and even a little reggae as Benjie explores the gamut of his diverse musical influences.
From the opening notes of “Give You All My Love,” its clear Benjie Porecki has something to say. The music seems to pour effortlessly through his fingers as the song’s resonant melody floats above the subtle samba rhythms of Lucini’s drums. And it’s here where we’re treated to a stunning acoustic solo by the incomparable Keter Betts. “Somewhere,” from the musical West Side Story features Benjie alone at the piano. This reflective, melancholy rendition breathes new life into the old standard. And Benjie is equally adept at making the Eagles hit “Desperado” uniquely his own as he displays his versatility on both the Hammond B-3 and piano. Porecki moves into high gear on the swinging “Give of Yourself,” an original number with Benjie once again behind the B3, while “Bama McSweeney” (another Porecki original) showcases his love of the funkier side of jazz.
It seems as if Benjie has “learned that all you give is all you get, so give it all you got.” Here’s to you Benjie Porecki and here’s to The Rest of Your Life!
Check out Benjie’s other title on Severn Records, Servin’ It Up.
LINER NOTES
Thank you God for providing so many beautiful moments, to the great musicians on this album for sharing this particular moment, to David Earl and Severn Records for recording this moment. This is for love found, lost, and what I thought would be the rest of my life. Here’s to life, here’s to love, and here’s to you. — Benjie Porecki
MUSICIANS
Benjie Porecki: Keyboards
Dan Leonard: Guitar (tracks 4, 7, 9)
Keter Betts: Bass (tracks 1, 2, 3, 6, 10)
Steve Gomes: Bass (tracks 4, 7, 8, 9)
Robb Stupka: Drums (tracks 2 through 10)
Alejandro Lucini: Drums (track 1)
Skip Pruitt: Saxophone (track 10)
Chuck Brown: Vocal (track 6)
CREDITS
Produced by Benjie Porecki
Executive Producer: David Earl
Recorded and Mixed at Omega Studios Rockville, MD
Engineered by Eric Lemley
Mastered at AirShow Mastering by Charlie Pilzer Springfield, VA
Photography and Digital Enhancement by Randy Santos
CD Design by Steve Potter