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Daniel Bennett: Mr. Bennett's Mind

By Glenn Astarita
May 9, 2024
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In the grand saga of his tenth album as a leader, we tiptoe into the whimsical wonderland of saxophonist

Daniel Bennett

saxophone
b.1979

" data-original-title="" title="">Daniel Bennett's mind. He does not just wield the saxophone; he also performs on the flute, clarinet, guitar and keyboard, all while basking in the fervent performances of his bandmates.

From the saucy saxophone solos to the rhythmic riddles laid down by bassist

Kevin Hailey

bass, electric

" data-original-title="" title="">Kevin Hailey and drummer

Koko Bermejo

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Koko Bermejo, each track is a lively escapade. Bennett's saxophone pirouettes through melodies effortlessly, like a puckish sprite leading the audience on a merry chase through his musical carnival.

The opening track, "Turn Clockwise and Push," unfolds as a whimsical mid-tempo jaunt with choruses that practically tap dance. Bennett threads folk jazz into the tapestry, sprinkling hints of downhome Americana throughout. Meanwhile, "Talk to Your Panda" evokes a childlike whimsy with the leader's honeyed, smooth melody, embraced by pianist

Jason Yeager

piano

" data-original-title="" title="">Jason Yeager's harmonious phrasings. Bennett switches to the flute for the bridge, leading into Yeager's jazz solo, presented with the finesse of a magician pulling rabbits out of a hat.

The ensemble's chemistry crackles like a lively banter among old pals, amplified by Bennett's genial flute melodies during the rendition of "Jupiter, from The Planets" by Gustav Holst. Thus, the classical jazz scaffold is adorned with simple elegance. In the grand finale, "Three Studies on Emotion," classical undertones blend seamlessly with Bennett's charming and utterly lyrical phrasing, brought to life by Yeager's portrayal of innocence in his lullaby-like theme-building.

In summary, Mr. Bennett's Mind is a musical escapade that may lure listeners into the vast expanse of Daniel Bennett's creativity. With its fusion of wit, sophistication and sheer musical prowess, this is a journey one would be remiss to overlook. So, strap in tight and brace yourself for a kaleidoscopic voyage through Bennett's boundless imagination.

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Track Listing

Turn Clockwork and Push; The County Clerk; Talk to Your Panda; Bank Robbers; Variations on a Floating Theme; Jupiter, from 'The Planets;' Bending Bobby Brick; Three Studies on Emotion.

Personnel

Daniel Bennett

saxophone

Koko Bermejo

drums

Kevin Hailey

bass, electric

Jason Yeager

piano

Additional Instrumentation

Daniel Bennett: flute, clarinet, guitar.

Album information

Title: Mr. Bennett's Mind | Year Released: 2024 | Record Label: Manhattan Daylight Media Group

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