Jazz saxophonist Daniel Bennett takes an unconventional approach to touring

Daniel Bennett Group. // photo by Alexa Drew

NYC-based saxophonist Daniel Bennett and his band, the Daniel Bennett Group, are touring the nation in support of their latest release, Mr. Bennett’s Mind. Out now from Manhattan Daylight Media, the critically-lauded album has been racking up plaudits across the globe, and one can easily see why, as Mr. Bennett’s Mind sees fit to play with jazz conventions while still engaging the listener with melody.

We spoke with Daniel Bennett via email ahead of the band’s upcoming show at Olathe Indian Creek Library on Tuesday, June 11.

The Pitch: When did the band come together to record this new album?

Daniel Bennett: Mr. Bennett’s Mind is our tenth studio album. We recorded the album at the iconic Big Orange Sheep Studios in New York City in August of 2023. We spent 8 months mixing and editing the record. We released the album in the Spring of 2024. The Boston Globe called the music, ‘a mix of Jazz, Folk and Minimalism.’ I like that description! We’ve been touring to promote the new album. We just wrapped a concert at Mechanics Hall that was broadcast LIVE on New England Public Radio. We’re excited to bring our original music to the Kansas City area.

Have you been surprised by the response to the record?

We have a very loyal fan base. Many of our listeners know every song, and sometimes, people sing along in concert. We love it! Mr. Bennett’s Mind has over 100,000 streams on Spotify. We’re very grateful for the support. We don’t put any labels on this music. We let people interpret freely, and I think that has been a huge part of this album’s success.

You’re playing libraries and museums on this tour. What’s the appeal of non-traditional venues?

Great question! Our music can be heard in many diverse venues. We like that! We play regularly at the Blue Note, Tomi Jazz and other clubs in New York City. But our music also fits well in folk and rock venues. Many libraries and museums have embraced our music in recent years. We have collaborated with the Whitney Museum, Boca Raton Museum, New Britain Museum, Foosaner Museum, and other leading arts organizations. Public Libraries have also become major venues for live music programming. The Olathe Library system has a wonderful music series and very supportive listeners.

How are you balancing this tour with being a new dad?

It’s always a challenge! My wife and I have two wonderful children. We live on the Upper East Side in Manhattan. I wake up at 6 a.m. every morning to help prep the kids for the day. I spend my mornings practicing and doing music business in my home office. When I’m not on tour, I spend every last moment with my family. We are very active in our church and local community. I teach saxophone at the New York Jazz Academy in Times Square.

I also travel to Pennsylvania every week to lead the jazz program at Cairn University. I wear many hats.

Do you see yourself eventually being able to play every state?

I would love that! We’ve performed in 31 states, but we haven’t played in Alaska yet. That would be fun. I’m really excited about playing in the Kansas City area. There is such a rich jazz history in Kansas City. I was recently a guest on Neon Jazz in Kansas City. It’s a wonderful radio show hosted by Joe Dimino. Joe is passionate about the KC jazz scene. Such a wonderful city.

The Daniel Bennett Group plays Olathe Indian Creek Library on Tuesday, June 11. Details on that show here.