Following up his breakout 2017 debut One of a Kind, trumpeter/vocalist Benny Benack III brings his manifold talents even more bracingly into view with his sophomore outing A Lot of Livin’ to Do, featuring the great Christian McBride on bass. In his singing, songwriting, fiery trumpet playing and compelling showmanship, Benack brings a wealth of almost unheard-of virtuoso talent to the table. He reveals not only a stirring command of the post-bop trumpet vernacular in the vein of Kenny Dorham and Blue Mitchell, but also a sly, mature, naturally expressive vocal delivery in the post-Sinatra mold, with superb intonation and also the kind of chops to handle astounding feats of originally composed vocalese (complex solos with written lyrics). On A Lot of Livin’ to Do, these elements come together to reveal one of the most vibrant and multi-dimensional talents of our time.