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Jesse Bennett

Saxophonist/Teacher -multi-instrumental jazz theory/improv/technique

About Me

CURRICULUM VITAE: I studied privately with Dave Gross and Joe Allard and at the Berklee School of Music before moving to Europe in 1978/9, where, for 18+ years, I initially performed with the Stefan Bauer Quartet, the Reinhardt Gloeder Quartet, and toured with Klaus Lenz Big Band. I also :freelanced with Dennis Luxion, Charles Green, Charlie Mariano, John Thomas, Mel Lewis, Joachim Kuhn, among others. From 1980 to1995/6. I was a member of the Jon Eardley (formerly with both Chas. Parker and Chet Baker) Sextet with Dennis Mackrel (NYC-VillageVanguard big band) as guest drummer, the Alex Sputh Quartet, recorded TV and radio performances and commercial spots, etc., performed for numerous events (eg. Art exhibit openings/receptions), and at various Jazz Festivals (eg., Leuven, and Spa [Belgium]; North Sea, and Maastricht [Holland]; Koelner, Aachen, and Leverkusen [Germany] and Sweden). I taught Jazz and Jazz-related improvisation, theory, and technique for all instruments (individual instruction and workshops) at the University of Dortmund, Dortmund Music School Meerbusch Music Academy and Leichlingen Music School (both extensions of the Public Education System) to many young students, as well as young adults, adults, and professionals. I also gave private lessons and workshops, and organized a number of ongoing sessions in clubs and community centers for professionals, amateurs, and students. I worked for both Jiggs Whigham (Stan Kenton) and the WDR (radio) big band hand-writing (preferred) transcriptions/transpositions of original scores to individual parts. Additionally, I was trained (in NYC) to, and regularly repaired/overhauled saxophones for students, schools and professionals. Since moving to Waverly, N.Y in 1998, I have :freelanced with, among others, Steve Brown, The Acieto bros., Pat Kane, Johnny Russo, Brian Murphy, George Reed, Dino Losito, Al Hamme, and Brazilian Nights (Cornell). The Jesse Bennett Duo/Trio/Quartet has been featured in the Polyhymnia Music Club's yearly fund raisers, and Owego’s Strawberries and Wine yearly fine wine and epicurean tasting/fund-raiser. I also perform/ed regularly at Cornell Univ. graduation and reunion functions, numerous Finger Lake Wineries, regional Arts Council events, gallery openings, various award ceremonies (e.g: NYSCA-DEC grants, Black Student Awards at SUNY Binghamton and Mansfield Univ., NYS Wine Competitions at the Corning Museum of Glass). I've performed at jazz festivals in Corning, Syracuse and Ithaca, N.Y., notably with the Brian Murphy Quintet, which performed a hugely popular CD release concert in February 2003. In 2006 I was the featured jazz improv soloist at the Valley Choruses 50th Anniverary celebration and a member, in May of 2007, together with the Chorus of an instrumental octet, presenting a ‘re-arranged’ concert of classic Big Band Era compositions. In 2008, I headed a quartet backing up 18 “Broadway” singer/actors presenting re-arranged show tunes for the local theater, organized and performed at 3 hometown (Waverly, NY) music festivals, have been in featured groups at the Corning Jazz Festival, and continue of gigs and students. I have taught jazz at various area NYS Public Schools through BOCES, I organized a local fifteen week long jazz series in the summer of 1998, and also taught at the Ithacas' Community School of Music and Art (2003 summer jazz course) I initiated, booked, and supervised 3 summers of (first time in Waverly) Music & Arts street fairs, and also scheduled, booked and performed for a 2 year run at a local (An Ceili – Waverly, NY) jazz club. I continue to teach (private lessons and “artist in residencies”) and perform at clubs, events, festivals, schools, and universities.

References: Marty Borko (Tioga County Legislator/Chairperson)/565-2636; Jiggs Whigham (formerly with (eg.) the Stan Kenton Orchestra, jazz musician/educator-Berlin, Germany Music Academy), Al Hamme (long term head of BSU’s Jazz Studies) 729-6583, Steve Brown (prominent jazz musician/educator (Ithaca College)/274-0405; Maria McMahon (visual artist/BOCES administration)/739-3581-ex-2458; [all 607 area code].