Max Bennett

Max Bennett (May 24, 1928 – September 14, 2018) was an American jazz bassist whose versatile playing left an indelible mark on the West Coast jazz scene and beyond. Born in Des Moines, Iowa, Bennett moved to Los Angeles in the early 1950s, where his warm, melodic tone quickly attracted the attention of leading bandleaders such as Stan Kenton and Maynard Ferguson. Over a career that spanned more than six decades, he became a sought‑after session musician, contributing to recordings by Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and many others, demonstrating an ability to blend seamlessly across genres from big‑band swing to folk‑rock and film soundtracks. His work on Mitchell’s seminal 1971 album Court and Spark is often cited as a benchmark of lyrical bass accompaniment, where his subtle pizzicato lines underpin the album’s intricate arrangements. In addition to studio work, Bennett was a regular member of the famed L.A. Jazz Workshop and toured internationally with the Bill Evans Trio, where his empathetic interplay earned praise from critics who described his playing as “the perfect balance of swing and restraint.” Beyond performance, he mentored a generation of younger bassists, teaching at the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music and publishing instructional articles in DownBeat magazine that emphasized tone development and harmonic awareness. Throughout his life Bennett maintained a low public profile, preferring the studio’s quiet focus to the spotlight, yet his legacy endures through the countless recordings that continue to inspire musicians worldwide. He passed away in 2018 at the age of 90, leaving behind a rich discography that serves as a testament to his enduring artistry.