Benet McLean
: Benet McLean and Friends in Concert

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Benet McLean

Benet McLean and Friends in Concert

The Old Sorting Office, Barnes, London, U.K.,March 7, 2015

Reviewed by Helen Theophanous for Cabaret Scenes

Benet-McLean-Cabaret-Scenes-Magazine_212The virtuoso performance of Benet McLean on classical and jazz violin, jazz piano and vocals, blurs the divide between classical music and jazz. I had seen him on previous occasions, so was not surprised to see him playing extremely challenging violin repertoire on his 1820 Didier Nicolas violin. From Bach’s Preludio, played with perfect precision, and Scarlatti’s Siciliano, to the sonorous Saint-Saens The Swan and the immensely challenging Paganini showstoppers Cantabile and one of his 24 Caprices, McLean played with consummate technique and feeling, accompanied sensitively by his brother, the classical pianist Viv McLean on a piano once used by Ralph Vaughan Williams. The flamboyant version of Ernst’s “Last Rose of Summer” on violin with double-stopping and left hand pizzicato was a rare treat, but the gem of this set was Vaughan Williams’s “The Lark Ascending,” which soared with sonorous beauty, demonstrating, if there was any doubt, that both brothers are musicians of the highest order.

If this were not sufficient, the program continued with the introduction of the McLean Band—Max Luthert III on bass, Mark Mondesir on drums and special guest Richie Garrison on E.W.I., an electric wind instrument developed in the 1950s.


McLean opened this second set with “Boogie for OSO” based on a modal approach to Miles Davis’s “So What.” This number perfectly suited the familiar McLean jazz piano style, demonstrating the influence of Peter Johnson in his left hand chromatic boogie style plus a Teddy Wilson-influenced stride. The pianist also smoothly changed meters interacting with Mondesir’s shifting rhythms, with a passing nod to Art Tatum.

Next, to hear “The Lark Ascending” played on the E.W.I. with McLean initially on piano and joining Garrison with the amplified violin for the final section was a unique and wonderful experience. To follow this, the band played Mike Stern’s “Choices,” featured on Michael Brecker’s debut album in 1987, played then on tenor sax. Subsequently, Brecker played it on the E.W.I. using the sinuous melody and shifting harmonies to demonstrate the qualities of the new instrument. Richie and Mondesir were familiar with this and the rare performance with Luthert and McLean was a privilege to hear.

The jazz credentials of this band were further displayed to full advantage with McLean’s vocals and harmonic take on the Jimmy Dorsey/Paul Madeira song “I’m Glad There Is You (In This World of Ordinary People),” and on an early McLean composition written for a school friend, “Lucy,” with an improvised bass solo intro from Luthert. Recently-added lyrics gave this soulful tune a feel of Stevie Wonder. The finale, Rollins’s “St. Thomas,” built to its reggae climax with an exciting drum solo delivered with all the ease expected of the master, Mondesir.
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McLean is the master showman in the way that Paganini was in his day, but in a totally unassuming and generous way. He is a consummate multi-talented musician of the highest order whose vision is colored by his extensive classical and jazz credentials, and his fellow musicians work perfectly in sympathy. All credit to Seven Star Management for presenting this unique program which deserves to find its way from the intimacy of The Old Sorting Office in Barnes, London, to larger venues and a global audience. A new studio album is in preparation and McLean will no doubt continue to surprise and delight with his compositions, performance and brave vision.
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Helen Theophanous

Helen Theophanous is half Greek/half Irish and studied music at Goldsmiths' and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. She has performed classical works and lead roles in musical theater. Following a career in Education Management, Helen studied jazz with Lea DeLaria and performs in major London venues, appearing regularly at Ronnie Scott's Bar with the resident trio with whom she made her album “Amici.” Her recent Bacharach show was launched at the Crazy Coqs, where Helen occasionally hosts the late night Open Mic. Clare Martin OBE said of Helen's voice “ ...stunning and classy ..with drama and presence...”