Thursday 18 June 2 pm
The Benet McLean Jazz Ensemble
Programme to follow
Come along to St Mary's Perivale
or watch LIVE on YouTube or Facebook
or watch the recording on YouTube
Violinist and pianist Benet McLean is one of the most highly regarded contemporary musicians in UK jazz. His musical depth and exploration of the boundaries between musical genres make him a unique and constantly evolving artist. Inspired in his teens by the great bebop artists of the 1940s, Benet's playing today reflects his early inspirations while also embracing many other musical influences. Initially known best for his outstanding piano playing, Benet released several critically acclaimed albums on piano, garnering praise from the likes of MOJO, Jazzwise , The Guardian and the BBC. After returning to his first instrument, the violin, he quickly emerged as a dynamic and innovative jazz violinist. His debut solo violin album, Green Park , was released in November 2023 and received universal praise from critics and radio alike.
A gifted composer and arranger, live work with his own band focuses on violin-infused high-energy grooves interspersed with lyrical ballads, often augmented with pedals and effects. Collaborations have included heading up the string quartet on Partikel's acclaimed String Theory album and working on string sections with producer Troy Miller on albums by Laura Mvula and Mahalia. His violin playing is also featured on albums such as Pyramid by Dan Goldman's ElecTrio, Counteraction by Partikel and the debut solo albums of trumpeter Andy Davies ( Rise Of The Spider Monkey ) and keyboardist Benjamin Croft ( 10 Reasons To... ). He has also performed on violin with artists outside of jazz including Nightmares on Wax.
Benet has been playing music since the age of 3 years old when he first persuaded his parents to buy him a violin, and he undertook several years of classical training before turning his attentions to jazz. Some of the many other artists Benet has played or toured with, both in jazz and other fields, include Julian Joseph, Soweto Kinch, Steve Williamson, Binker Golding, Orphy Robinson, Alan Barnes, Omar, Jean Toussaint, Cleveland Watkiss, TY, Roachford, Jay Phelps, Tommy Smith, Sir Simon Rattle, Kevin Haynes (see album Ori Ire ), Maxi Jazz (Faithless) and Loose Tubes. Benet also teaches and is a professor of jazz violin at the London Performing Academy of Music (LPMAM).
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