Cal Bennett

www.calbennett.com

Cal Bennett

Funky’er than smooth jazz and more hip than straight ahead. Add a generous portion of sensuality and you have a very unique package

Here is a musician you will remember once you have experienced his artistry first hand. His stage persona is relaxed, intensely magnetic. A native of Houston, Texas, Cal Bennett comes from a dynamic group of extraordinary saxophonists who have emerged from that city. What sets him apart from the others is the unique freshness of his playing style, the

freedom of his music and the commercial vibrancy of his compositions. The creative concepts behind his musical ideas evoke an innovative style that eclectically blends world rhythms, jazz, hip hop and soul into a delectable mix of original music.

Bennett says, "What I like to focus on first is a groove or theme that will allow the players to converse freely within that context and utilize the natural flow of the music, you know; it's like letting the groove take a solo. Conceptually, I like the music uncluttered. The vibe and the sound of it is what gets me off."

Cal debuted as a band member and featured performer on a song titled "No Name Bar" from Isaac Hayes' Academy Award winning "Shaft" LP. He has served as musical director for Toni Braxton on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Cal has opened for a myriad of great performers, including Herbie Hancock, Carlos Santana and The Emotions. Cal has done extensive studio work including sessions for Ice Cube and Donna Summer and has toured or performed with such notable artists as Norman Brown, Bobby Lyle and Carl Anderson.

Cal has a number of writing credits including a series of compositions for the soundtrack of the Action Bros. motion picture release of "Ninja Turf" and Image Entertainment’s “The Passion Network.” Cal's debut CD, "A Stolen Moment" not only showcased him as an accomplished saxophonist, but also demonstrated his talents as a writer and producer,

climbing to number 11 on the Billboard Jazz Contemporary Chart in 1996. He wrote or co-wrote eight of the ten songs on "A Stolen Moment". The CD includes superb productions of two cover tunes: Michael Jackson's "Liberian Girl" and "Sensitivity", a Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis composition. Cal’s second CD features his band, "Big Earthbeat", with guest appearances by Bobby Lyle and N'Dugu Chancler. It is called "Moments Later", recorded for Groove Time Jazz. It has gained nationwide airplay.

In 1998 Cal Bennett released a World Beat/New Age CD on his Big Earthbeat record label titled "Ancient Memories/Pulse Meditation". This music is an excellent demonstration of his diversity and range.

In February 2002 he released, “Live at the Blue Note, Las Vegas”. This effort

provides a glimpse of the electricity generated in a live performance. Cal is

interested in acquiring distribution for his catalog.