RIP Max Bennett

[spongebob]

Just read the sad news that Max Bennett has passed away, aged 90.

Amazing player with so many credits....particularly for his work with LA Express and Joni Mitchell. What a player. 

There's a discography section on his website - awesome reading. From Mel Torme to Zappa. 

Thanks for the inspiration, Max...may it long continue. 

Edited September 16, 2018 by spongebob

[lowdown]

His session CV was pretty impressive (quite heavyweight, indeed). Although he was 90, still sad when these characters leave us. Great player. 

R. I. P

 

An audio interview with Max talking about his career....

 

Edited September 16, 2018 by lowdown

[Coilte]

Very sad on learning this news. I loved his work with the L.A. Express. 

R.I.P.

[chris_b]

Very sad news.

He was the reason I started buying Joni Mitchell records and the reason I bought Hot Rats, my first and last Frank Zappa record.

[julesb]

Yes his brilliant playing with Joni is often overlooked because of Jaco. Check out Fury sings the blues off Hejira.

Edited September 16, 2018 by julesb

[spongebob]

To me, his Joni work is the equal of Jaco. Two masters doing their thing, contrasting approaches to the instrument. 

https://www.maxbennett.com/index.php/discography/index.html

What a list! 

I did read some time ago, when he bought his early 60s Precision (new from memory) that remained his sole electric bass for about 20 years...live, sessions, the lot! 

Edited September 16, 2018 by spongebob

[EMG456]

Joni surely understands the importance of the bass.

Bennet’s lines on Hissing of Summer Lawns are fantastic, for example In France They Kiss on Main Street and also Harry’s House/ Centerpiece. Inspirational and for me anyway, influential playing.

Thanks for the music, Max.

[Dad3353]

 

[steve-bbb]

doesnt get much more sublime than this

 

[Dad3353]

Indeed. +1 ^^

[silverfoxnik]

On 16/09/2018 at 16:37, Dad3353 said:

 

Thank you - that is wonderful!

Yes, very sad news indeed about Max Bennett.. I love his playing, but especially so on Hissing of Summer Lawns and Hejira.

RIP.

[drTStingray]

I love Max Bennett's playing and along with Larry Taylor was a big influence on my own playing in the late 60s/early 70s. 

Ive come across his bass on several albums but standout ones for me were:-

Gumbo Variations - Frank Zappa - Hot Rats - what a funky bass part all those years back with a great bass/drum solo which I still quote from now! 

Scratch - The Crusaders - some great bass playing on this. 

Sad to hear he's passed away but 90 is a good age, especially for a musician. 

Edited September 17, 2018 by drTStingray