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Daniel Bennett

Critically-acclaimed Manhattan-based saxophonist Daniel Bennett has garnered feverish accolades for his unique brand of experimental "Folk Jazz." The Daniel Bennett Group has recently shared concert billings with artists like Bill Frisell, Charlie Hunter, Greg Osby, James Carter, Billy Martin (Medeski, Martin & Wood), Steve Kuhn, Jerry Bergonzi, and David Fiuczynski. The Village Voice raves, "saxophonist Daniel Bennett makes hay with an airy approach that's buoyant enough to conjure notions of East African guitar riffs and Steve Reich's pastoral repetition." The Boston Herald described Bennett's music as "exploratory folk-jazz hybrid."

Daniel Bennett graduated from the prestigious New England Conservatory in 2004 with a Masters Degree in performance. The Daniel Bennett Group released The Legend of Bear Thompson in the spring of 2008. Metronome Magazine ranked the album in their top five picks of the month, declaring, "the trio is so in sync with each other that it's downright mystical." In 2009, the Daniel Bennett Group released Live at the Theatre, a groundbreaking album that was recorded live during a double bill performance with the Charlie Hunter Trio. The Daniel Bennett Group has been featured on popular radio programs like Harvard University’s Jazz Spectrum (WHRB 95.3FM), WICN's Jazz Matinee (NPR in southern New England), and the very popular Dreamfarm Cafe radio show, hosted by Julie Lavender. The group has also made television appearances on Bandwidth TV, The Music Closet, and Style Boston.

Daniel Bennett’s quirky music has found a broad fan base that is unusual for a modern jazz outfit. Insite Magazine called Daniel Bennett’s music, “refreshingly capricious and trippy.” Time Out New York described the music as, "hypnotic." In January of 2011, the Daniel Bennett Group released their latest album, Peace and Stability Among Bears. The disc was recently voted as a "Top Album Pick" for 2011 by writers at All About Jazz and the Jazz Police. The Daniel Bennett Group is currently the weekly house band at the four diamond Liberty Hotel. The band also has regular performance "residencies" at Tomi Jazz in midtown Manhattan, and Cellar 58 in the East Village.

Daniel Bennett is also known as an innovative producer and promoter in New York. The Daniel Bennett Group hosts and currates the ongoing "Jazz at the Triad" concert series at the Triad Theatre on Manhattan's upper west side. The series features the Daniel Bennett Group performing double bill concerts with fellow artists. Recent guests have included guitarist Charlie Hunter, pianist Steve Kuhn, and saxophonist Greg Osby. Prior to this endeavor, Bennett produced a similar concert series in Boston at the Cambridge YMCA Theatre. Prominent guests on the Boston series included guitarist Bill Frisell, saxophonist James Carter, and drummer Billy Martin (of Medeski, Martin, and Wood).

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Album Review

Daniel Bennett Group: New York Nerve

Read "New York Nerve" reviewed by Tyran Grillo


"This is not a pandemic record, but it is," says Daniel Bennett about his latest album. What might come across as a paradoxical statement is, from the multi-instrumentalist and composer's lips, a poignant assessment of his creative turn. “I didn't go on pause at all. I did my best as a human, using common sense while taking the blessings I had in my life. I didn't want to be consumed by fear. No disrespect, of course, to everyone who has ...

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Radio & Podcasts

Daniel Bennett, John Coltrane, Freddy Cole and More

Read "Daniel Bennett, John Coltrane, Freddy Cole and More" reviewed by Joe Dimino


As we continue our coverage of the COVID-19 jazz world this week we focus in particular on a group of musicians fighting for change and releasing albums during the pandemic. We begin with New York City multi-instrumentalist Daniel Bennett. We also profile John Lamkin, Pearl Django, JD Walter and Jimmy Greene. Finally, we pay tribute to the late, great Freddy Cole. Keep swinging. Playlist Daniel Bennett “Loose Fitting Spare Tire" We Are The Orchestra (Daniel Bennett Group) 00:00 ...

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Radio & Podcasts

Daniel Bennett Group is the Orchestra

Read "Daniel Bennett Group is the Orchestra" reviewed by Lorens Chuno


On his new album, We Are The Orchestra , Daniel Bennett presents a collection of songs inspired by the poetry and essays of Walt Whitman. The album features musicians Daniel Bennett and Mark Cocheo. Join Daniel and Lorens as they talk about the album, touring, driving in the snow, AC units and other subtly related things. Playlist Daniel Bennett Group “Loose Fitting Spare Tires" from We Are The Orchestra (Daniel Bennett Group) 00:00 Daniel Bennett Group “Refinancing for ...

2
Album Review

Daniel Bennett: We Are the Orchestra

Read "We Are the Orchestra" reviewed by James Fleming


The music rolls out of the speakers as a breeze shimmers over the prairie. Evoking scenes of broad, open grasslands. The Daniel Bennett Group's We Are The Orchestra plays out like a collage of genres and cultures: Italian opera, American jazz and folk, tinges of East Africa. A vivid tapestry woven from disparate threads. That rather than rehashing musical history, hints at the possibilities of the future. On a track such as “Theme From Ernani" those far off ...

3
Album Review

Daniel Bennett Group: We Are the Orchestra

Read "We Are the Orchestra" reviewed by Mark Sullivan


Composer/woodwind player Daniel Bennett and his group make music that cheerfully disregards genre conventions, especially purist notions of what “jazz" can be. There are generous doses of instrumental rock: previous album Sinking Houseboat Confusion (Manhattan Daylight Media Group, 2016) even made a point of adding surf rock to the mix. Most of their albums have been made by a core quartet (plus occasional guests), with the core group recently cut back to a lean trio formation. But the ...

4
Live Review

Daniel Bennett Group at Tomi Jazz

Read "Daniel Bennett Group at Tomi Jazz" reviewed by Tyran Grillo


Daniel Bennett Group Tomi Jazz New York, NY August 19, 2017 The Daniel Bennett Group is a summer camp that never sleeps. Like the best-run such operations, it's an oiled machine that runs on freedom and strict supervision in equal measure. The multi-instrumentalist and his core band of Nat Janoff (guitar) and Matthew Feick (drums) are scoutmasters of the highest integrity, who as such know that all the merit badges in the world ...

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Album Review

Daniel Bennett Group: Sinking Houseboat Confusion

Read "Sinking Houseboat Confusion" reviewed by Mark Sullivan


After a year of extensive touring to support last years' The Mystery at Clown Castle (Manhattan Daylight Media, 2015) the Daniel Bennett Group returns with a fresh eclectic musical blend they describe as Surf Rock + Avant-Pop + Modern Jazz. All that touring seems to have inspired a stripped-down approach, both stylistically and in the instrumentation. This is music for the road, built for speed. As on the previous album, Bennett is joined by Nat Janoff on electric ...

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Festival

Jazz this week: Chris Botti, JazzU with Stefon Harris, Don Cunningham, U City Jazz Festival, Daniel Bennett, and more

Jazz this week: Chris Botti, JazzU with Stefon Harris, Don Cunningham, U City Jazz Festival, Daniel Bennett, and more

Source: St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman

This week's lineup of jazz and creative music performances in St. Louis encompasses musicians with a vast range of experience, from young teenage players getting their first chances onstage at a showcase club to an elder statesman who got his start more than a half-century ago in the fabled Gaslight Square entertainment district. Let's go to the highlights... Wednesday, June 3 Billed as the “New York Jazz Ensemble," bassist Tom Kennedy, saxophonists George Garzone and Steve Wirts, guitarist Joe Cohn ...

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Recording

Daniel Bennett's "Peace and Stability Among Bears:" Small-Group Musical Tapestry

Daniel Bennett's "Peace and Stability Among Bears:" Small-Group Musical Tapestry

Source: Gapplegate Music Review by Grego Edwards

Daniel Bennett writes music that winds out in long, permutat- ing phrases. His Peace and Stability Among Bears (Bennett Alliance 009) is a CD-length sample of that music in all its originality. The Daniel Bennett Group (Bennett, alto, flute, clarinet; Chris Hersch, electric guitar; Jason Davis, acoustic bass; and Rick Landwehr, drums) takes over your music system for 39 minutes with a kind of jazz that builds from the ground up with a different concept. Imagine the sort of guitar ...

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Interview

Daniel Bennett on Creating a Truly Unique Musical Statement and More

Daniel Bennett on Creating a Truly Unique Musical Statement and More

Source: Best. Saxophone. Website. Ever.

Generously lauded in publications such as The Village Voice, The Boston Herald, The Boston Phoenix, and the Boston Globe, it's obvious that Daniel Bennett is the toast of his former town (he is now based in New York City). With a list of teachers that includes Jerry Bergonzi and George Garzone, it's easy to see why Daniel exhibits a unique voice and ninja-like control over his instrument.

Sharing concert billings with artists like Bill Frisell, Charlie Hunter, Greg Osby, James ...

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Performance / Tour

Liberty Hotel in Boston Has Acoustic Jazz with Daniel Bennett Group on Wednesday, May 18

Liberty Hotel in Boston Has Acoustic Jazz with Daniel Bennett Group on Wednesday, May 18

Source: MassJazz: Jazz in Massachusetts


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Performance / Tour

Pianist Steve Kuhn and Saxophonist Daniel Bennett Play Double Bill at the Triad (NYC) on May 27th

Pianist Steve Kuhn and Saxophonist Daniel Bennett Play Double Bill at the Triad (NYC) on May 27th

Source: Daniel Bennett

On Friday, May 27th, New York's acclaimed Triad Theatre (158 West 72nd Street) presents a special jazz concert, featuring a solo performance by pianist Steve Kuhn and a performance by Saxophonist Daniel Bennett and his band. Steve Kuhn will perform selections from his critically acclaimed album, “Mostly Coltrane" on the ECM label. The Daniel Bennett Group will perform selections from their newest album, “Peace and Stability Among Bears." Advance discounted tickets are available for purchase at brownpapertickets.com. Tickets are available ...

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Performance / Tour

Saxophonist Daniel Bennett - Performing Live on Wicn and at Liberty Hotel on Wednesday, April 13

Saxophonist Daniel Bennett - Performing Live on Wicn and at Liberty Hotel on Wednesday, April 13

Source: MassJazz: Jazz in Massachusetts

Innovative jazz saxophonist Daniel Bennett is giving an interview and performance on WICN 90.5 FM Public Radio on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. In the evening Bennett and his group perform an acoustic jazz set at the Liberty Bar in Boston's Liberty Hotel, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. A graduate of the New England Conservatory in Boston, Bennett's music was described by the Boston Globe as “a mix of jazz, folk and trance." For a complete ...

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Recording

Saxophonist Daniel Bennett releases "Peace and Stability Among Bears" on April 16, 2011

Saxophonist Daniel Bennett releases "Peace and Stability Among Bears" on April 16, 2011

Source: Daniel Bennett

Critically acclaimed New York saxophonist Daniel Bennett is releasing the third installment of his Bear Thompson trilogy on Saturday, Apri 16, 2011. The Boston Globe calls Bennett's music, “a mix of jazz, folk, and trance." The new album is entitled, “Peace and Stability Among Bears." The disc features Bennett on alto saxophone and flute, Chris Hersch on guitar, Jason Davis on bass, and poly-meter guru Rick Landwehr on drums. Landwehr is the author of “Drummer's Guide to Odd Time Signatures" ...

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Performance / Tour

Saxophonist Daniel Bennett at the Alphabet Lounge

Saxophonist Daniel Bennett at the Alphabet Lounge

Source: Bennett Alliance

Saxophonist Daniel Bennett brings his original mix of jazz, folk, and minimalism to the Alphabet Lounge.

The Daniel Bennett Group has shared concert stages with guitarist Bill Frisell, Charlie Hunter Trio, saxophonist James Carter, percussionist Billy Martin (Medeski, Martin, & Wood), saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi, David Fiuczynski (Screaming Headless Torsos), Denison Witmer, and LA-based synthpop group Joy Electric.

Bennett will be joined by longtime musical collaborators, guitarist Brant Grieshaber and percussionist Rick Landwehr.

Alphabet Lounge 104 Avenue C, New ...

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Performance / Tour

Saxophonists James Carter and Daniel Bennett Play Boston on May 16

Saxophonists James Carter and Daniel Bennett Play Boston on May 16

Source: Bennett Alliance

This could very well be one of the most interesting double bill concerts of 2009. Saxophonist James Carter brings his organ trio to the Cambridge YMCA Theatre (820 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA) on May 16 (8pm). Also on the bill is “Folk-Jazz" saxophonist Daniel Bennett. The concert is part of the ongoing Bennett Alliance Concert Series. Visit www.bennettalliance.com for discount advance tickets. Saxophonist James Carter has performed with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Sonny Rollins, Aretha Franklin, the late Julius ...

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Performance / Tour

Charlie Hunter and Saxophonist Daniel Bennett Play Boston on December 7

Charlie Hunter and Saxophonist Daniel Bennett Play Boston on December 7

Source: Bennett Alliance

The 7th installment of the Bennett Alliance Concert Series has arrived. On December 7, the Charlie Hunter Trio and the Daniel Bennett Group will play a rare double bill performance at the restored Cambridge YMCA Theatre (820 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA). Visit bennettalliance.com for advance tickets and more information. As the “hip-hop" or “acid jazz" movement of the mid-1990s gained momentum in the United States, Charlie Hunter was leading it in the San Francisco Bay Area. Young groups of avant-garde ...

"Daniel Bennett Group plays a mix of jazz, folk, and trance" —Boston Globe

"Distinguished reed player" —Boston Phoenix

"Daniel Bennett's exploratory jazz-folk outfit" —Boston Herald

Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

New York Nerve

Manhattan Daylight Media Group
2021

buy

We Are the Orchestra

Manhattan Daylight Media Group
2018

buy

Sinking Houseboat...

Manhattan Daylight Media Group
2016

buy

The Mystery at Clown...

Manhattan Daylight Media Group
2015

buy

Clockhead Goes to Camp

Manhattan Daylight Media Group
2013

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Peace And Stability...

Bennett Alliance
2012

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John Lizard Comes Home

From: Sinking Houseboat Confusion
By Daniel Bennett

Paul Platypus

From: The Mystery at Clown Castle
By Daniel Bennett

Videos

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