Clarinetist Dave Bennett performs on his new CD, Blood Moon, with a small combo. He has a mix of original compositions co-written with record producer Shelly Berger. Others are well-loved standards by a variety of composers. He is supported by pianist Dave Restivo, guitarist Reg Schwager, bassist Jim Vivian, drummer Pete Siers, and percussionist Davide Direnzo.
The original tunes are a mix of reflective melancholy (“Blood Moon” and “Heavy Heart”) to blazing riffs (“13 Fingers”).
Bennett is a favorite on the jazz party circuit. I’ve seen him a number of times at the Arbors Jazz parties. Currently he’s scheduled to appear this year at the Suncoast Jazz Classic, San Diego Jazz Festival, and the Sarasota Jazz Festival. He’s performed at Carnegie Hall and other prestigious locations.
To this reviewer, the CD is highly enjoyable and, in addition, it passed the “kitchen test.” That is, when the spouse comes from the kitchen and says, “I like it; who is the performer?”
For further information, please visit DaveBennett.com or www.mackavenue.com, or write DL Media Greg Angiollo at greg@dlmediamusic.com.
Dr. F. Norman Vickers is a founder of the Jazz Society of Pensacola/Pensacola Jazzfest and a charter member of the Jazz Journalists Association.
