The Aaron Bennett Trio is one of the Bay Area's most compelling small-group jazz formations — a pianoless sax-bass-drums configuration that draws on the bebop tradition, jazz standards, and original composition without ever settling into predictability. Anchored by Bennett's rich, probing tenor saxophone and the responsive interplay of bassist Dan Seamans and drummer Smith Dobson Jr., the group finds its power in the space between musicians: a rhythmic conversation at once grounded and wide open.
Bennett holds an MFA in Jazz Performance from CalArts, where he studied with Charlie Haden, Wadada Leo Smith, Larry Koonse, and Joe LaBarbera. He has performed at the SF Jazz Festival, the Monterey Jazz Festival, and the Novara Jazz Festival in Italy, and has collaborated with Vijay Anderson, Adam Lane, Lisa Mezzacappa, William Hooker, and the Rova Saxophone Quartet, among many others. AdbSound Records. Active since 1999.
"Bennett is a revelation. It's a rare saxophonist who makes every note count."— New York City Jazz Record
"The bravado of Aaron Bennett's tenor saxophone captures the grounded and robust spirit of our planet."— ARTFORUM, March 2019
"Breathtaking command of the instrument."— All About Jazz