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Benoit JazzWorks is a local jazz band led by husband and wife duo, Phil & Angela Benoit, who play a mixture of jazz standards and latin bossa nova. The band was formed in 1997 and has been entertaining at clubs, conventions and special events on Maui.
Vocalist Angela Benoit, brings her truly unique and pleasant vocal style to front the band. Born on Maui and raised in the little plantation town of Pa'ia, Angela was always surrounded by music in her family and displayed vocal talents at a very early age but had never sung professionally until Benoit JazzWorks was formed. She has studied under various vocal coaches and has delighted audiences all over the Island with her almondy voice.
Band leader Phil Benoit, born and raised in Southern California, is the younger brother of jazz great David Benoit. He plays both jazz swing and classical bossa nova styles on the guitar. His early training came from his father, Robert, who was a working jazz guitarist in Los Angeles. Since then, Phil has studied under different guitarists and musicians and played in all different types of bands. In recent years his love of jazz has inspired him to form this group and play the music that he and his wife love.
Many fine, top musicians have accompanied Benoit JazzWorks. Among them, pianists Joel Goldfarb, Sal Godinez, George Tavoularis and GRP recording artist, David Benoit…on bass, Marcus Johnson,
Bob Harrison and Rob Loney…on drums, Jimmy "C", Michael Buono, Paul Marchetti and Roscoe Wright…and on horns, Miguel Maldonado, Gabriel Mark Hasselbach, Dave Choy and John Zangrando.
In the spring of 2002, Phil realized a long time dream with the release of Benoit JazzWorks' first CD, "Watch What Happens". Good friend and musician Marcus Johnson co-produced this fine project with Phil, which was recorded at Emerald City Studios in Pa'ia, Maui. Phil is very proud to have his brother David perform on three tunes as well. A compilation of some of Phil's and Angela's favorite tunes, the CD features a collection of songs they enjoy performing live. It has been greeted with excellent reviews and has been getting airtime locally, inter-island and on the Mainland .
"Watch What Happens" was nominated for a Na Hoku Hano Hano Award in the "Jazz Album of the Year" category for 2003.
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