STEPHEN BENNETT: Reflections

Stephen Bennett

Reflections

© 2006 Stephen Bennett (734232104020)

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"one of the seminal guitarists of his generation"

notes

All written in the last year, the sixteen tunes on this CD are a stunning group of reflections from the man Tommy Emmanuel has called "the most important acoustic guitar player in America."

In this group, witten for his three guitars, Stephen reflects on many aspects of life: fireflies on a summer night, the way the moon catches your eye unexpectedly, and reactions to tragedy and one man in politics.

So, What's Unique about Stephen Bennett?

The testimony of concert-goers is that his work is the product of both mind and heart, intellectually challenging and emotionally satisfying - - and it is deeply personal, even as it is universal. Listeners have a feeling that they have stepped into the world of the musician, and for a short moment in time, there are only the two of them there.

Says reviewer Kim Korman Brown, with the World Community Network in Norfolk, Virginia, "With his ear near the body of the harp guitar, Mr. Bennett gave the impression of a father cradling a newborn baby . . . His performance was imbued with heart and grace." Joe Morgan, producer of a Texas Guitar Festival, writes, "His music . . . draws the listener in. He has the ability to make you feel as though you are a part of the music he is making. There are many amazing guitar players that are not able to make that statement. . . . he's also one of the nicest people I've ever known. That comes through in his music as well."

Stephen Bennett was born in Oregon, grew up in New York and has lived in Virginia with his family for the better part of the last three decades. Since his 1987 win at the National Flatpicking Championship in Winfield, Kansas (The Walnut Valley Festival), he has become known as a versatile and original guitarist who consistently garners critical praise and audience enthusiasm for his recordings and live performances.

With his stellar musicianship, a relaxed stage presence and quick wit, Stephen has performed throughout the United States, as well as in France, England, Italy, Sweden, Germany, Holland, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. He has appeared on A Prairie Home Companion. With fifteen self-produced CD recordings to his credit at this writing, a new Stephen Bennett recording is probably in the works.

Aside from his work on the six-string guitar and National steel, Stephen is also one of the world's premiere performers on the Harp Guitar, an instrument he inherited from his great-grandfather. As a composer and arranger, he has created an enduring repertoire and a significant body of recorded work for this instrument. He organized and hosted the worlds first harp guitar convention the Harp Guitar Gathering held November 2003 in Williamsburg, Virginia.

reviews

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  • Doesn't get much better
    author: Max Lyall

    Bennett plays with a masterful touch. It's a joy to listen to over and over. His compositional skill is extraordinary as he subtly blends flowing arpeggio and singable melodies with a feeling of percussiveness and a hint of bluesy rock here and there. Okay, now that I've made myself sound like a musical snob I'll tell you that Bennett touches you with his music. You really feel sometimes like you might actually have an idea how he was feeling while he was writing these pieces. That's something special with instrumental music. Looking forward to more.

  • fabulous cd. love it.
    author: kelly

    this CD is great. very chill and smooth. you'll love it.

  • very awesome for listening.
    author: carl evans

    From what I can hear, this is a must have cd for my collection. I would love to see him play in concert.

  • Terrific!
    author: Barry Alcock

    Beautiful music! I have been playing it in my car, and in my classroom, every day. This is music for many different listeners! Thanks!

  • timeless and meditative
    author: janice guidry

    after listening to Stephen Bennett recently at Ashland Coffe and Tea in Ashland VA, I am now a true blue fan. I play this cd while driving and keeps me calm, focused and I think I am getting younger too!!! Beats the noise of regular radio. come back to Virgina Stephen!

  • Soothing, soulful, ethereal ,beautiful, healing
    author: Jorge Venegas

    This is my first cd from Stephen Bennet so I cannot compare it to his other CD's.He covers a wide range of feelings and themes.There's something for everyone in this CD.

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