Michigan clarinetist Dave Bennett, born May 1984, has established himself during the last five years as America's premier interpreter playing in a style and sound inspired by his hero, Benny Goodman.
Dave has led his sextet for stage show concerts in thirty states and has performed with more than twenty orchestras in the USA and Canada for his Goodman Tribute Symphony Pops, including Detroit, Toronto, Nashville, Vancouver, Omaha, Orlando, Grand Rapids, Sarasota and Columbus.
Dave Bennett is a self-taught prodigy who began at age ten on a clarinet given to him by his grandfather. Although now still only in his mid-20's Dave's playing career goes back to age 14, when he began frequent tours on the "traditional jazz" circuit with a Saginaw-based New Reformation Dixieland Band. At age 17, Dave won a competition over 600 entrants to guest solo with The Count Basie Orchestra.
Dave has recorded with three of Goodman's famous band members: guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, pianist Dick Hyman and vibraphonist Peter Appleyard. In 2008 Dave made his European debut with these players at the Bern Jazz Festival.
Also in 2008: Dave was the featured guest with Jim Cullum's Jazz Band heard on two broadcasts on the NPR Jazz at Riverwalk series.