New York Saxophonist Daniel Bennett Releases New Album

Instead of following the well-worn paths of contemporary jazz, New York saxophonist Daniel Bennett has built a reputation on the stubborn refusal to be second guessed or predictable. Recognized by audiences and critics alike for his distinctive artistic approach, Bennett continues to challenge expectations with music that bridges tradition and innovation, earning him “Best New Jazz” in the NYC Hot House Awards. The Daniel Bennett Group turns familiar material into something entirely his own with The Deconstructed Songbook. The collection draws inspiration from a widely diverse collection of composers and songwriters, including Joni Mitchell, Harold Arlen, Lennon and McCartney, Horace Silver, Wes Montgomery, Sam Rivers, and Bennett himself.

URL: https://danielbennett.net/home

The Deconstructed Songbook kicks off with the Wes Montgomery track “Road Song,” and it’s completely transformed without losing a thing about the original, even though the object was to ‘reconstruct’ these songs. Bennet compliments Montgomery in every way, with an excellent delivery on this great opener. The homage paid to Montgomery by guitarist Natt Janoff is remarkable, as well as his entire contribution.

“The Town Supervisor” is up next, which is the Bennet composition, but it doesn’t throw anything off, as this is more or less a work of extraordinary instrumental remakes than a covers album. Bennett’s full- blown saxophone chops are on display here, sparring with Yeager’s brilliant piano playing. 

The original artist of “Nica’s Dream” is jazz/bebop pianist Horace Silver, and it features some excellent guitar work by Nat Janoff, on top of the obvious piano chops on display. By this point of the album, you’re fully drawn into the musicianship and don’t want The Deconstructed Songbook to end. And this is but one of the seven tracks to enjoy time after time, especially for jazz lovers. 

Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” is probably the second most familiar track on The Deconstructed Songbook, and once again Bennett makes something of his own to reckon with in the process of recording this beautiful take on the classic. This is the peak point of the album, where everything balances out.

Bennett and his group’s skills keep shining through on their version of “My Shining Hour” by composer Harold Arlen, with an intricately played jazz rendition which features some of Bennett’s finest work on the album. Once again, Nat Janoff provides second to none jazz guitar flurries. The piano playing of Jason Yeager is duly noted across The Deconstructed Songbook.

“Beatrice” by Sam Rivers, follows the original without the reconstruction taking over too much, showing their ability to color within the lines as well as going all out on other points of The Deconstructed Songbook, and this track fades away nicely before the ‘reconstructed’ final number.

The album really is a treat for anyone who not only appreciates popular jazz, but those who like a good remake of a familiar classic among music aficionado’s and casual fans alike. “Here, There And Everywhere” by the Beatles has always been a big favorite among music fans, and Bennett gives it the world class treatment on an album worth hearing over and over again. 

Nicole Killian