Mr. Bennett’s Mind!
Manhattan Daylight, 2024
9/10
The multi-instrumentalist Daniel Bennett brings along Jason Yeager, Kevin Hailey and Koko Bermejo for this 10th album that finds plenty of unique jazz spots to reside in.
“Turn Clockwise And Push” opens the listen with Yeager’s mesmerizing piano, as Bennett’s alto sax guides the bright delivery, and “The County Clerk” follows with some psyche-rock flavor, where Bermejo’s fluid drums suit the unique climate of warm sax and Hailey’s precise bass.
“Bank Robbers” resides in the middle and finds no lack of grooves to cultivate via the soothing clarinet from Bennett, while “Variations On A Floating Theme” gets dreamy, albeit in an unconventional way thanks to the mature keys and soulful sax.
Landing near the end, the rich and flowing “Bending Bobby Brick” allows for the meticulous rhythm section to shine, and “Three Studies On Emotion” exits with a firm, nearly jarring display of swirling and cinematic jazz spirit that’s as intriguing as it is memorable.
A highly creative outing that flirts with fusion ideas, too, Bennett and company mix folk, waltz, pop and rock sensibilities into a charming, exciting body of work.
Travels well with: Last Ark Out- Lift; Mike Downes- The Way In