How would you classify your music?
We get this question a lot! Our music shifts rapidly from jazz fusion to American folk music. There are also elements of experimental classical music in there. I studied saxophone performance at the New England Conservatory many years ago. I was immersed in the music of Steve Reich, Philip Glass and John Adams and other contemporary composers. We always let our listeners interpret freely. It’s hard to adequately describe our music in one sentence. The Boston Globe called our music, “a mix of Jazz, Folk and Minimalism.“ I always liked that description! Our eclectic style has opened up a lot of doors. We are very comfortable in jazz clubs and rock venues alike! We perform regularly at the Blue Note in New York City. But we are also at home in rock and folk venues. Our music has no barriers!
Who are some of your top 5 musical influences?
I love all the alto saxophone players! I play saxophone, flute and clarinet. But the saxophone is my first love. Some influences would be Paul Desmond, Ornette Coleman, Lee Konitz and Art Pepper. My first saxophone teacher was Chris Oldfield. I would say that Chris is a special type of influence. I still remember our saxophone lessons to this day. I studied with Chris as a teenager in Rochester, New York. Mentors matter!
What do you want fans to take from your music?
Our music is bright and melodic. People often sing along at our performances. We have released ten studio albums since 2004. Our listeners are people from all walks of life. Our music is way beyond the typical jazz audience. A wise man once told me, “worship God and serve the people.” This is music for the people!
How’s the music scene in your locale?
The music scene in New York City is absolutely world class. New York is the epicenter of Jazz and improvised music. The Daniel Bennett Group performs regularly at the Blue Note, Tomi Jazz, and other major venues throughout the city. I am also the associate director of the New York Jazz Academy in Times Square. I love coaching and molding young jazz artists who come through the Jazz Academy. I am very active in the New York City theater scene. I recently played woodwinds in ‘Blank! The Musical,’ the first fully improvised musical to launch on a national stage. The New York Times called the show, “Witty, Likable and Ludicrous!” I still perform with improv comics regularly at the Asylum Comedy Club in New York City. Every night is different for me!
When did you know you were destined for music?
My sister took me to a high school jazz concert when I was 10. I heard a kid play ‘The Pink Panther’ on the tenor saxophone. I was hooked! Sometimes it’s the simple things in life that hook you. I played in wind ensembles, jazz bands and marching bands throughout my childhood. I also played in church every week. My faith is very important to me.
What is the best concert you have been to? What do you like most about playing live?
I was obsessed with Béla Fleck, and the Flecktones when I was a college student in Rochester, New York. I probably saw the band play at least 50 times. Every concert was special. It was always a treat to hear Jeff Coffin play woodwinds with that band. So many great memories! As a bandleader, I love the community that we build with our listeners. We have been touring for two decades. I’ve learned that music unites us all. It’s beautiful.
Is there a song on your latest CD release here that stands out as your personal favorite, and why?
‘Talk to Your Panda’ has become a crowd favorite. People sing along to the melody when we perform it in concert. We released the track as a single last month. The song went viral with 50,000 streams in the first week. I compose all of my music from the guitar. This allows me to sing my melodies during the composition process. Every song is singable. That’s very important to me.
How have you evolved as an artist over the last year?
The Daniel Bennett group performs over 100 tour dates annually. We are constantly evolving and crafting our sound. I play saxophone, flute, and clarinet. That’s a lot of instruments to juggle! Touring is a great opportunity to develop and craft your personal sound. I still practice every day with a tuner and metronome. I’m obsessed with tone. I’m constantly transcribing music by ear as well. When I’m not touring, I’m practicing in my home studio in Manhattan. That’s my safe place to make mistakes! I’m always trying new things. That’s how we grow.
If you could meet, play a gig, co-write a song, have dinner, have a drink with any band or artist (dead or alive) who would it be and why?
I would love to collaborate with Ornette Coleman. Ornette passed away in 2015. He was a major influence on me throughout my musical journey. ‘The Shape of Jazz to Come’ is still my favorite record. Ornette had a sense of freedom in his playing that is infectious.
What’s next for you?
The Daniel Bennett Group is in the midst of a very busy midwest tour through Kansas City and Austin. This summer we will tour Sacramento and San Francisco. We spend a lot of time on the West Coast these days. ‘Mr. Bennett’s Mind’ is our 10th studio album. We have many TV and radio performances coming up. We recently played music from the new album on Fox Carolina, Fox Arkansas, and New England Public Radio. It’s a busy time!
URL: https://danielbennett.net/home
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