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Max Bennett Fans and followers of contemporary music need no introduction to Max Bennett. An internationally known bassist and composer, Max has an impressive background and list of credits. The scope of his experience spans from concert touring and recording on albums to composing music for Feature films and television as well as being one of the most famous studio musicians of the jazz genre. MAXXIMIZING USE OF THE DANCE FLOOR By Bill Kohlhaase Newport Beach - Under most circumstances, bassist Max Bennett's contemporary sextet wouldn't be thought of as a dance band. But that's exactly what the Maxx Band became Thursday night at Twin Palms where he opened a three-night stand. The evening began with Bennett's bouncy "High Society" and an empty dance floor. But Bennett's second number, "Walkin' Soft," a ballad written by the bassist the day before, brought a number of couples to the front of the bandstand for slow dancing. Once the ice was broken, the dance floor was crowded with dancers for the rest of the set. An excerpt from an interview with Tom Scott for Down Beat Magazine The L.A. Express certainly seemed to be the turning point in my life Scott says. "I started out as a be-bop player, and The L.A. Express sort of took me in that direction. "Max Bennett, who I really have to credit with turning the band around from be-bop to what is now called contemporary jazz or (fusion)". Scott says "It was amazing to see what happened. Pretty soon the place (the Baked Potato) started to get packed --- literally! Then Max suggested that we add a guitar so we got Larry Carlton. After a few times, you couldn't get in the place. They were lined up outside for blocks and I said to the guys, Hey, we must have a band here!" RECORDINGS Marvin Gaye |
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