Benny Barksdale,Jr. - Groovin'

Benny Barksdale, Jr. Began his love affair with the saxophone in his native Baltimore, Maryland - studying music since he was a young lad, prompted by his drummer father. He advanced from his Douglas High School band to various groups in the area, eventually forming his own band, which was put on hold when he enlisted in the US Army. Upon his return home from a tour of duty in Vietnam, he was enlisted by Philly soul icons The Dells, which led to extensive studio work as his reputation as a gifted, reliable sax man grew. Over the years he has performed with the late Grover Washington, Jr., Evelyn "Champagne" King, Gloria Gaynor, Phyllis Hyman, jazz organist Jimmy McGriff, The Crests, The Manhattans, Gary U.S. Bonds and others. His association with the renowned "Chops Horns" led him to tour with Alicia Keys, leading to his appearance on the 2002 Grammy Awards Show and his inclusion on Keys' hit album, Songs In A Minor - Collector's Edition, released in 2011. Now a resident of New Jersey, he has frequently worked on legendary Philly Soul producer Butch Ingram's recording sessions which led to Benny being featured on some Society Hill sessions and his own full-length Christmas album, plus a live archival release featuring Grover Washington, Jr. Benny's last release, the full-length "The Heart & Soul Of Benny Barksdale, Jr.," truly got to the heart of the matter and exposed all of his strengths throughout a dozen tracks that showed what a well-rounded, seasoned music veteran Benny truly is and why he is considered one of the premier soloists in the soul jazz tradition. His brand new album, "Groovin' " - picks up where he left off, this time focusing on his collaborations with the current crop of Philly soul stars in the Society Hill stable of artists that lent their vocal talent to the proceedings, including the dynamic vocal group TRU, the impressive chanteuse TER-REE, Society Hill vocal veterans Carla Benson, Sharon Ingram and Nikki Harma\on - whose voices have appeared on countless sessions involving the cream of the crop of Philly soul artists over the years - and the great vocalist Saleem who lends his vocal expertise to James Ingram's 1990 gem, " I Don't Have The Heart." The first family of Philly soul, The Ingram Brothers, provided background vocals to the Gamble & Huff chestnut, "Use ta Be My Girl" and Benny's soulful rendition of fellow sax great Grover Washington Jr.'s "Mister Magic." The superb Ingram Brothers band and the legendary Society Hill Orchestra provide supportive instrumental backing throughout. The vibe is pure Philly soul with heartfelt renditions of The Delfonics' classic "La-La (Means I Love You)," Lou Rawls' "Groovy People," The Stylistics' "You Make Me Feel Brand New" and "People Make The World Go Round" - among other well-chosen soul favorites. Of course, front and center is Benny's trademark soulful saxophone, adding depth and warmth to the proceedings throughout - clearly illustrating why this groove master is so in demand and indispensable - from the recording studio to the concert stage. .