One of the most versatile sidemen in pop, jazz and R&B, pianist and keyboardist Benjie Porecki has worked his dazzling magic for everyone from Santana and Buddy Guy to Chaka Khan, Patti Labelle and Kirk Whalum, among countless others.

As he closes in on his 30th anniversary as an impactful jazz recording artist – a stretch which began in 1996 with Going on Through – the multi-talented performer has graced us with… the beautiful, easy flowing (mostly) piano trio album that reflects soulfully on All That Matters.

Starting with the smooth jazzy ivory elegance of “Passage of Time,” Porecki digs deep into his soulful and spiritual sides throughout, adding touches of B-3 bluesiness to an obscure but absolutely gorgeous and uplifting Roberta Flack song (“Just When I Needed You“) and inviting us to an even more immersive church experience on the reflective gospel ballad “Wise Decisions.”

While the ten track collection features mostly original pieces, Porecki enhances these and extends the overall theme of the project with a small, well-chosen batch of beautiful re-imaginings – including a meditative take on Hampton Hawes’ hypnotic waltz “Sonora,” a slow simmering, ultimately rousing spin on Sam Cooke’s “Bring It On Home” and a passionate, blues-fired improvisation filled spin through Hall & Oate’s romantic drama “She’s Gone.”

– Jonathan Widran, jwvibe.com

MUSICIANS

Benjie Porecki: piano, organ, pads
Mark Prince: drums
Michael Bowie: bass
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Charlie Pilzer at Tonal Park
Additional keyboard parts recorded by Benjie Porecki at Funklove Productions

Produced by Benjie Porecki

Album Art: Todd Googins

It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day experiences and hurdles we all encounter. The most important thing I’ve learned in this life is that, at the end of the day, All That Matters is love.