Daniel Bennett (saxophonist)
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| Daniel Bennett | |
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| Background information | |
| Born | November 27, 1979 |
| Origin | Rochester, New York |
| Occupation(s) | Performer |
| Instrument(s) | Saxophone, flute |
| Label(s) | Bennett Alliance |
| Website | danielbennett.net |
Daniel Bennett (born November 27, 1979) is an American saxophonist who lives in Boston, Massachusetts. Daniel Bennett is best known for his "folk jazz" music. Bennett contends that his music is "a mix of jazz, folk, and twentieth century minimalism." Jon Garelick of the Boston Phoenix wrote,
| “ | What we hear in Bennett's light, airy saxophone and flute lines...is the great Jimmy Giuffre Three of yore. Giuffre also had a thing for folk, and Bennett is adding his own British-folk/American-minimalism sensibility to the mix. | ” |
The music has given them a broad fanbase in both jazz and folk circles. The drummerless trio has performed with musical pioneers like guitarist Charlie Hunter, percussionist Billy Martin (of Medeski, Martin, and Wood), saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi, David Fiuczynski (of the Screaming Headless Torsos), Denison Witmer, and Tooth and Nail recording artist Joy Electric. Daniel Bennett is also known as the founder of Bennett Alliance productions. The Bennett Alliance Music Fest is a national jazz and folk festival held annually in Rochester, New York. The Bennett Alliance Concert Series is a monthly music series held at the Cambridge YMCA Theatre in Boston. In 2006, Bennett Alliance expanded into a record label, releasing albums for the Kode, the Furr Project, and Daniel Bennett Group.
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[edit] The Rochester years
Daniel Bennett was born in Rochester, New York. He first picked up the saxophone at the age of 10 and began playing professionally in 1998. At that time Bennett was an undergraduate music student at Roberts Wesleyan College. Daniel Bennett worked with Rochester jazz artists like bassist Ike Sturm, pianist Joe Santora, Sean Jefferson, and drummer Ted Poor.
In 1999, Daniel Bennett was introduced to the music of Steve Reich and Philip Glass. He began to write music for larger ensembles that infused jazz and minimalism. This led to collaborations with new music artists in Rochester, as well performances at major Rochester venues like Six Flags Darien Lake, the Rochester Lilac Fest, Shewan Hall, and the George Eastman House.
[edit] The Boston years
In 2002, Daniel Bennett moved to Boston to receive his Masters in Saxophone Performance at the New England Conservatory. Daniel Bennett studied saxophone with Jerry Bergonzi, as well as classical saxophonist Ken Radnofsky. During that time, he also met drummer Bob Moses, who encouraged Bennett to pursue his own path towards "folk jazz" music. In 2004, Daniel Bennett met folk guitarist Chris Hersch. Hersch was performing fulltime in bluegrass groups around Boston. The two began performing Bennett's original compositions in clubs and various hall around Boston. The duo released a self-title EP in March of 2005. Three months later they added bassist John Servo to the group. After a year of travel, the Daniel Bennett Group released "A Nation of Bears," on the Bennett Alliance label. The album was released in April of 2007. Bennett used repititious melodic ideas over shifting, odd-metered chord structures. The compositions were in stark contrast to the atonal music often associated with avante garde jazz. Frank Deblase of Rochester City News wrote,
| “ | Ex-Rochestarian Daniel Bennett plays experimental jazz without the detours, wrong turns, and sour notes associated with those who are constantly on the prowl for something new. | ” |
The direction of Daniel Bennett's music has changed dramatically since his Rochester days. Most of his compositions feature transparent saxophone lines over minimalist guitar patterns. Daniel Bennett also performs his music on flute at many concerts. The group has maintained the original line-up for three years and Daniel Bennett rarely adds drums to his music.
[edit] Discography
We Are Not Defeated (2004, Tri-Head Productions)
A Nation of Bears (2007, Bennett Alliance)
[edit] News Articles on Daniel Bennett
Insite Magazine (February 2, 2008)
Boston Phoenix (June 1, 2007)
