Biography of Benet McLean

Pianist, vocalist & composer BENET McLEAN was born in London & from a very early age he showed interest & enthusiasm for music, beginning at the age of 3 on violin. (A quarter-sized model of course!)
Throughout his childhood, while training to become potentially a concert violinist, he also became interested in, and began teaching himself, other instruments such as guitar, piano, alto saxophone, electric bass, as well as singing & composing pieces.
Up until the age of 20 violin was very much the main instrument but it was around this time that Benet made the choice of a 'change of route' & began working proffesionally in the fields of jazz, R&B, & other styles, mainly on piano & keyboards.
A list of musicians Benet has worked with nationally & internationally since the early 90's would include: Orphy Robinson, Cleveland Watkiss, Dennis Rollins' Bad Bone & Co, Dave O'Higgins, Kevin Haynes' Groupo Elegua, Cameron Pierre, rappers Ty (U.K.) & M.C. Supernatural (U.S.), Guida de Palma's Jazzinho, Yehudi Menuhin, Keely Brown (the opera singer), Jason Yarde's Akoustic Bombastic, David Lynden Hall, Alex Garnett, Manumanu, Steve Williamson, Maxi Jazz (front man of 'Faithless'), Omar, Ed Jones, Byron Wallen, Tunde Jegede, Roachford, Sir Simon Rattle, Loose Tubes, Yellow Station Blue, Phillip Bent, Tommy Smith and Carleen Anderson.
Benet's stunning debut CD entitled 'CLICHES (FOR ANOTHER DAY)' has been featured on numerous national radio stations. Humphrey Lyttleton, the noted trumpeter and broadcaster, recently concluded his Radio 2 show 'The Best Of Jazz' with a track from this album, describing the album as 'a CD that crackles with energy, talent & originality'.
His quartet is currently comprised of:
Benet McLean - Vocals & Piano
Steve Williamson / Jason Yarde - Soprano/Alto Sax
Chris Dodd - Acoustic Bass
Steve Washington / Troy Miller - Drums
More info on the quartet & the album, as well as 'quotes', photos, reviews, audio samples & 'biogs' galore can be found on Benet's exclusive website at:
www.benetmclean.com
....... and rumour also has it that a new album will soon be in the 'pipeline'!