174 entries.
I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to dear Teri, whom I came to know fondly through my lessons with Max. And for Max, there aren't enough words to express how you will be missed. Your music amazed and inspired me, as my teacher your encouragement and enthusiasm transformed me, and as a cherished friend, I hold you forever in my memory with much love and affection.
I was back home in Oskaloosa for a visit when I heard the news. My condolences to the family and especially cousin Adam. Thankful Uncle Max led a full life before passing over. He will be missed.
We were so saddened to learn of the passing of our Hometown Hero, Max Bennett.
Our family and friends were privileged to get to spend time with Max and his beloved wife, Teri, when our town hosted an event is Max' honor in our community's newly dedicated community project "The Alley". (Oct. 2016) Max is a recipient of the Oskaloosa Alley's "Legacy of Excellence" award and community members and visitors can read a short bio. of Max' many accomplishments in the world of music in The Alley. We loved spending time with Max and Teri and hearing the stories of Max' amazing career. We will never forget how kind, humble, and appreciative he was of our small Iowa hometown award! We are so proud of Max here in Oskaloosa, Iowa. His memory lives on in "The Alley" and in our hearts....
One more thing. I wrote to Max a long while back stating with absolute certainty his playing on "Street Life" was the most perfect bass playing in all of recorded history. I mean perfect! It swung so hard! He was BOLD! He played understated but with the force of a freight train! His nuance is to die for. The most marvelous nuanced player in electric bass history bar none. I spent my entire life figuring that out. Best I can do is approximate. To date he set that goal and I hope for so many others for generations and generations to come! Love you, Max Bennett!
Who was Max Bennett to me? Where do I begin. At 17 years old I heard the LP "Hot Rats." I studied that record, that rhythm section until I wore it out. I learned how to play bass from listening to Max. And I ain't even close. I had the pleasure of some e-mail conversations with Max. He was gracious enough to listen to some tracks from a project I was involved with. You know you're doing something right when Max gives his approval. His spirit was as American as it gets, as strong, musical, humorous, commanding and utterly certain with every single note. A musical monster who was self taught! Max Bennett, you enriched my life more than I can ever state. God has a special place for you for the love and joy you gave all of us your entire life.
I am so sorry to hear of Max's passing. I took lessons from Max and learned a great deal. He would call me and ask if I wanted to go with him to his sessions and I would ride with him and attend his session. What an experience. He was a generous and thoughtfull guy. We are both from Iowa and, although I have not seen him much since I moved to the NW, I am sad that the opportunity to see him again has passed.
When PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE changed my life for good, I was obsessed with finding out more about all of the musicians who played on the soundtrack album and in the movie. Max was one of those guys, and it didn't occur to me at the time, that I'd been listening to his work and digging it for YEARS before PHANTOM. Condolences to his friends and family, but as evidenced on the Discography page, what a legacy of great performances he has left us to enjoy. Thank you, Max, for all of it, and so much more.
He was, and always will be, a legendary figure in my life. My condolences and love โค๏ธ
So blessed to have met Max and Terri in Osky. He touched many hearts here in our little town and will always be known as one of the greats!! I can just see him getting ready for a set with all of his old friends๐Hugs from Iowa
I had a lot of fun with Max. Great player and person. He will be missed. A very sad Mike Barone here.