174 entries.
I just discovered who this gifted player is. I wish I could have known him, and taken lessons from him as well. I always wondered who was the session cat on Friends of Distinctionsโ โGrazing In The Grassโ. That kind of tightness is what boosted that pop tune to the #1 spot. And it was probably an easy short-study for his caliber. Now I look forward to looking up and listening to his worksโฆ
Max was my friend when I was a youngster. He was kind enough to give me bass lessons at his house in San clemente. He had the best stories about musicians I idolized. At first I didn't really believe he was telling me the truth. But I saw all his gold albums and as we became friends I came to realize Max didn't need to impress anyone. He was just a cool jazz cat, a monster musician, a generous friend, and my mentor for 10 years.
Oh dear Max, it's been 4 long years not seeing you play. I loved coming down to hear Private Reserve, and seeing you & Terry. I was so blessed to have spent time with you at your home, talking about music and adding one of your songs to EsxGoodman & my album "Moore Music for Oklahoma", a n album with 20 amazingly talented loval artists - who all donated a song to help the victims of the deadly tornado that hit Moore, Ok on May 13th. Ill remember you coming out to Cook's Corner to see our band, and give living kisses to my pup Luckyduck. Thanks for your blessed friendship and know you're very much missed down here. Rest well, Max.
Max was a good friend to a former boyfriend, who helped a lot in relationship to Stevenโs alcoholic situation. Max was a true friend & I so appreciate his efforts; Max helped me reconcile the toxic relationship I had with Steven & would visit me in Santa Cruz, CA when he was touring. He was a wonderful person & I was privileged to be in his orbit; which was huge. REP my friend, Iโm so glad you found love & partnership in your life. I will never forget you & the beautiful music you you made will live forever. I will never forget you.
I knew Max in the 1970's. He was a performer and a regular customer at Donte's, a jazz club in North Hollywood where I was working at the time. He was a brilliant musician and a kind and exemplary gentleman. I'm very sorry to hear of his passing.
My deepest sympathy to his family and loved ones,
Kathy
Sitting here in another Covid lockdown listening to Song for Sharon Thank-You for the supportive Bass Playing.
I won't even pretend to know Max, but was first exposed to the him thru the LA Express when they were on Joni's Miles of Aisles album. Listened to him ply his craft in other Joni albums along the way. All I can say is the man was a master at his art and lived a life many would have envied to live. Talent carries one far in life and it sure did with Max. My best to his family and friends.
I was so sorry to learn of Max's passing. I had the pleasure of taking bass lessons from Max in the 90s. The lessons were very challenging, but always very musical and not the typical boring exercises. Max almost always took some extra time to show me what he was working on, and to talk about music history. The depth of Max's experience in the industry was astounding, and while the lessons were amazing, the talks that we had were priceless. I feel so fortunate to have had the experience of spending those times with Max. He is greatly missed. His passion for music and overall lust for life was inspiring. He always had that infectious smile and sparkle in his eye when he talked about the latest music he was working on. That is how I will always remember Max.
We enjoyed listening to Max and the band play in the bar area of the Salt Creek Grille in Dana Point. Max was so gracious, he always made it a point to find us and cath up during his breaks. We got to know him through that venue.
Max would spot us as we walked in, and give us a wave. He always offered us a seat at his guest booth or table if we couldnโt find an open seat. Grant Geissman often played with the band. Max would always apologize about Grant wearing a flannel shirt. I would just laugh and tell Max itโs all about the guitar sound, and not how the playerโs dressed. Max would kind of agree, but restate he needs to wear a better shirt.
One night my wife brought him a CD to sign. The first thing Max said was he hated the shirt he was wearing on the cover. Told us โThey made me wear it!โ He asked if he could black it out on the cover. We agreed, and he drew a little doodle over the shirt, then signed it below. So fun, great memories.
Max was the master of finding new talent. I donโt recall the artists name, but one the sax players Max brought to the venue for a few gigs was absolutely fantastic! That was years ago โ yet I can still hear the song in my mind.
Thank you for the memories Max! You are missed.
I had no idea that he had such a prolific career and played with so many artists!! Ventura, Gibbs and Kenton to name a few?? When I was listening to Frank Zappa' "Hot Rats" and "Chungas Revenge" many many years ago I did not realize that he was playing bass on so many of the tunes on both those albums! Just last night I revisited the tune, Lemme Take You To The Beach from FZ, Studio Tan. I was listening and thinking...WOW, that bass player is smokin'!! So I look it up online and who do I find? None other than Max Bennett??!! I'm a late bloomer on Max but have been hearing him all these years. So, thank you Max, for all your many years of wonderful music!