Jim Bennett - pianist
Jim Bennett has been making music for most of his life, bringing his eclectic, jazz-inspired style to everything he plays. The son of Methodist ministers, Jim grew up hearing hymns and spirituals (as well as jazz, rock, and classical music). It was a natural progression for him to begin improvising on those tunes. Whether a traditional hymn, gospel song, or Celtic tune, he takes it and creates a groove or a mood which invites the listener to sing along, tap their foot, or just relax and rest.
Here's what some listeners have said...
"I purchased a copy of Lone, Wild Bird after hearing you play at a clergy convocation.
Your talent is extraordinary and your nuances and interpretations with a variety of hymn
melodies are beautiful. Thank you for sharing your talents."
P Werner
Prince of Peace UMC
Manassas
"Your interpretations spoke to my heart, and God spoke to me through your music." S. Williams, VA
"I have been lifted and mesmerized by your musical gifts. What a tremendous, uniquely beautiful anointing the Lord has given you! Your playing "sings" the hymns and touches my heart deeply because you are playing them from your heart." Rev. K. Alewine, TX
"I am soooooo enjoying your song-a-day musical blog, you've hit so many of my favorites and some that I had long forgotten about."
"Jim, I'm listening to your hymn-a-day website right now and am on Tallis's Canon. I can't tell you how meaningful it is to me to hear it. When I was a kid, we would go to Lenten services on Wed night. We always got to choose which hymns we'd sing. For some reason, that was the one I chose every single time, to the point where I was predictable, and the grownups would laugh at the cute little girl, then weeks later, moan. Oh well. I love that song still. No idea why. But I love hearing you play it. Thanks for your hymns. They truly are beautiful." S. Singer
"...thanks Jim for this hymn a day, you have no idea what your music does for my soul!" B. Ledford
"I have the CD"Brothers", it's great sound. I'm feeling the wonderful groove and trust of brothers. These look like the prayer from deep inside." H. Takei, Japan
"I'm going to use the music with it on a daily basis as way to achieve that state easier & also just have it on in the background whenever I'm in my office as it has such powerful calming effect. You are adding not only beauty but great healing potential with your music." D. Clark
"Your music does more than please the ear, it soothes the soul." D. Kelley