Daniel Bennett: Mr. Bennett's Mind

In the grand saga of his tenth album as a leader, we tiptoe into the whimsical wonderland of saxophonist 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 and drummer 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'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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