Benet McLean
The Bopped and the Bopless
The 606 Club Chelsea, London, U.K., June 16, 2016
Reviewed by Helen Theophanous for Cabaret Scenes
It is indicative of the high regard in which Benet McLean is held by his fellow jazz musicians that so many eminent U.K. names joined him to celebrate his CD launch at the 606 Club in Chelsea, with Julian Joseph at the piano, Clark Tracey on drums, Daniel Casimir on bass, Steve Williamson on tenor sax and McLean on amplified violin. The very first notes of Cole Porter’s “Just One of Those Things” heralded that this was to be an exceptional evening of the best in contemporary jazz. McLean is already celebrated for his dazzling jazz piano playing, but his virtuoso violin playing also translates easily to jazz, with amplified sparse left-hand pizzicato leading to bravura treatments and intelligent exposition.
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Number after number revealed the range of enormous talent gathered for the occasion and the easy natural communication among them. McLean introduced celebrated guest musicians to the stage: tenor saxophonist Duncan Eagles, with whom he performed in Duncan Eagles’ band, Partike; flautist Gareth Lockrane; pianist Harry Bolt; and singer Aydenne Simone whose deep, rich, resonant voice personified the sound of “’Round Midnight” (Thelonious Monk and Bernie Hanighen).
Every piece embraced by McLean and his friends just took flight.
A moving and very special moment was created by the performance of “Meditation” from Thaïs by Massenet, with Benet on violin, accompanied by his brother, the celebrated international concert pianist Viv McLean. This was classical musicianship of the highest standard which perfectly illustrated that there are no musical barriers, only good music.
Particular mention must be made of the great interplay between Steve Williamson and McLean, who played, among other things, Monk’s “Trinkle Tinkle.” In another guest spot, the trio front-line of Eagles, McLean and flautist Gareth Lockrane gave an exploratory, up-tempo reading of Coltrane’s “Countdown” before a steaming rhythm section came storming in. Rodgers and Hart’s “Lover” proved to be a brilliant showcase for leading drummer Clark Tracey.
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As a gifted composer, singer, jazz pianist and jazz violinist Benet McLean is a huge and unique talent following in the steps of Stéphane Grappelli (1908-1997) who founded the Quintette du Hot Club de France with guitarist Django Reinhardt. McLean is further developing the art of the jazz violin in his own style with the use of electronics and edgy modern fearless improvisation. He deserves international recognition.
The 606 Club has a long history of promoting the best in jazz, and host Steve Rubie welcomed the illustrious line-up, giving The Bopped and the Bopless the accolade of “CD title of the year.” With five originals by McLean, plus his arrangements of works by Gil Fuller, Dizzy Gillespie, The Ruts, and Jonathan Harvey, it is also one of the best jazz CDs of the year.
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