Celebrating nearly four decades of friendship, singer/lyricist Mark Winker and pianist/composer/arranger David Benoit offer a baker’s dozen of beautiful songs for easy listening. While they have been longtime collaborators, this is their first full-length album together. Winkler’s laidback delivery and affable voice are immediately appealing.  Benoit provides just the right touch for expert support of the vocalist. Benoit’s understanding of singers and vocal accompaniment was gained from years of experience working for Lainie Kazan, Patti Austin, Connie Stevens, and Ann-Margaret. Five tracks are sparsely arranged with just piano and vocals. They include “Sweet Kentucky Ham,” “Two for the Road,” “I Wish I’d Met You,” “Thirty Years (Only Sunshine Days)” and “Some Other Time.” Benoit’s elegant touch of delicacy and restraint allows Winker to passionately deliver each lyric. Adding a new color to the palette, Stefanie Fife’s cello enhances Paul Simon’s “Old Friends / Bookends” and Randy Newman’s “I Think It’s Going to Rain Today.” One can’t help but be a little wistful as Winkler sings, “Can you imagine us years from today, sharing a park bench quietly? How terribly strange to be seventy.” The album, produced by Barbara Brighton, also provides six tracks arranged for a fuller jazz ensemble sound and brought to life with some of Los Angeles finest studio musicians -- Gabe Davis (bass), Clayton Cameron (drums), Pat Kelly (guitar), and Kevin Winward (percussion). It’s a treat to hear three songs written by Benoit and Winkler, “Dragonfly,” “In a Quiet Place,” and “Thirty Years.” A thoughtful album, Old Friends is a charming collection of warmth, camaraderie and reflection.  (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)