Pianist, singer and songwriter, David Bentley delivers a spicy blend of bluesy jazz that draws a wide range of influences from sophisticated jazz trios to New Orleans street beats.
It’s a fusion of jazz standards, hip grooves, original songs and romping rhythm & blues that evolves organically as the night unfolds.
Live at the Brisbane Jazz Club from David Bentley on Vimeo.
Before his next Brisbane show, David shares some of his random loves.
1. Japanese food turns me on. I love the fresh flavours and the minimalist approach to preparation. I love the way Japanese food is served and, usually, I like the decor that goes with it. Tempura tastes the way fried seafood ought to taste and all the other traditional dishes too.
My only reservation is the Japanese breakfast. I toured Japan once. I’m not squeamish when it comes to trying new tastes, but I couldn’t come at some breakfast offerings like runny: fermenting stuff that Japanese people at nearby tables appeared to be enjoying so much.
Well Under Way by David Bentley and Greville Patterson from David Bentley on Vimeo.
2. I have an obsession with classic cars. For the past 20 years I’ve been rattling around in a 1975 Morgan 4/4. It’s not just a period piece that I keep under the house. It’s my only car. It’s looks well-used, too. There are chips in paintwork (but no dings) and the upholstery is long overdue for refurbishment.
Still, it runs beautifully and if there's a pleasure more complete than jockeying an old Morgan down a country lane, I’ve yet to find one. And, no, it’s not for sale. Probably never will be.
3. Keith Jarrett’s piano playing remains an enduring joy. Jarrett sums up decades of jazz history every time he plays. Being a pianist I have listened to many other amazing keyboard musicians: from Oscar Peterson though to Wynton Kelly, Bill Evans and many others. If I had to choose a desert island record, though, it would still be Keith Jarrett’s live sessions at the Blue Note in New York.
4. Sailing also features strongly in any top five listing. I’m lucky to live in close proximity to one of the Australia’s favoured sailing lakes. While I no longer own a boat of my own, there are opportunities to crew on sailing boats that compete in races or just muck about. Sailing is a akin to playing jazz. You’re constantly reading the environment while attempting a forward motion without capsizing.
I love the sound of wind in the sails and water sluicing past the hull. Dudley Moore once told me that he found jazz playing akin to skiing. Ditto sailing.
5. Sunrise. Frankly I don’t see the sun rise very often… unless I’m very late home after a gig or something. However, when I do see a sunrise, I wonder how it could be possible to sleep through anything so spectacular.
A few months ago, my cellist daughter joined my jazz trio for a dawn concert by the lake. Mother Nature dictated a 5.25am start. I wondered if anyone would attend. To my amazement, hundreds of people showed up. To my further amazement the players were all on time. If the sunrise stole the show, we didn’t mind at all.
David Bentley Trio play three shows at the Brisbane Jazz Club in 2016: 26 February, 26 June and 8 October.
