While many elder statesmen slow down their work rate and reap the harvest of their past activities, Ben Sidran sees no reason to follow the suit. And why should the veteran rein in his stream of creativity with albums like 2022’s “Swing State” and “Rainmaker” from 2024 contained music on par with melodies of Sidran’s 1970 solo debut “Feel Your Groove” and of slightly lesser appeal than the songs Ben contributed to the STEVE MILLER BAND canon – like those which comprised about a half of “Brave New World” back in 1969. Still, it’s quite telling that the jazzman’s new concert recording focuses on pieces he composed in this millennium.
Preserved for posterity in a Parisian venue the American artist first graced in 1999 to come back every year since, “Are We There Yet: Live At The Sunside” features Sidran singing at the piano in the company of sympathetic sextet whose members include Ben’s son Leo, an acclaimed composer in his own right, on drums. According to Leo, onstage documents have punctuated key moments in Ben’s discography, and this one is one of those important instants. Out now, it’s worth tuning into.
Are We There Yet:
Live At The Sunside
1. Are We There Yet
2. I Might Be Wrong
3. Picture Him Happy
4. Tougher Than Tough
5. Don’t Cry For No Hipster
6. Drop Me Off In Harlem
7. Take A Little Hit
8. Thank God For The F Train
9. Ever Since The World Ended
10. Someday Baby
11. Panda
12. Victime de la mode
13. Time Waits
