Richard Rodney Bennett - piano
Equally renowned in the worlds of jazz, film and classical music, Richard Rodney Bennett's list of credits includes numerous films such as Far from the Madding Crowd, Murder on the Orient Express and Four Weddings and a Funeral, and over two hundred works for the concert hall, for organisations such as the London Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic and the BBC Proms. As a jazz performer he has collaborated with artists such as Cleo Laine, Annie Ross and Marion Montgomery at prestigious venues including New York's Algonquin Hotel and London's Pizza on the Park. One of the highlights of 2006 - Richard's seventieth birthday year - was the premiere by the Philharmonia Orchestra of Reflections on a Scottish Folk Song written at the request of HRH The Prince of Wales in memory of The Queen Mother.
Sir Richard died on 24th December 2012.
Remote Goat BlogLive Review: '...a swell time had been had by all.'
more >>Bewdley Festival'The vocal star was Claire, and she charmed everyone with her wonderful delivery.'
more >>Yorkshire Post'...a team to treasure.'
more >>Sound Stage Experience
'...this disc proves she has arrived as an impeccable master artist and one of the greatest living voices in jazz.'
more >>Next Magazine'...Martin is a wonderful interpreter who's perfectly paired with Bennett...'
more >>Home Theater Sound
"...their partnership has created a rare and special collaboration where the superlative product is truly more than the sum of its parts."
more >>Cabaret Scenes'Both performers have flair for phrasing. Arrangements are refined and interesting.'
more >>Jazz times'When Britain's foremost jazz singer meets the island's most imaginative composer, the outcome is always stellar.'
more >>The New York Observer'...sung to perfection by England's best young jazz singer, Claire Martin.'
more >>The Wall Street Journal'The result is a kind of perfection...'
more >>The New York Times'...Martin, whose renditions...revealed the heart of a saloon torch beating inside the chipper jazz playmate.'
more >>In Tune International'...perfect combination of singer and pianist...'
more >>MusicWeb International"The collaboration between Claire Martin and Richard Rodney Bennett works superbly."
more >>Record Collector
"The blend is attractive and oddly harmonious."
more >>The Walman Report / Culinary Gourmet'Martin is a seasoned vocalist/performer and the end result is uniquely original.'
more >>Jersey Jazz"...an album that is a sheer delight from start to finish."
more >>The Irish Times"...plenty of wit and wordplay for the duo to savour, Martin is impeccable..."
more >>BBC Music Magazine'...near-perfect match of singer and accompanist...'
more >>The Yorkshire Post"Here's a lovely record...Martin is excellent throughout"
more >>Theater Mania"...her smokey voice caresses the composer's melodies."
more >>The Observer"...touching, clever, beautifully poised and deceptively casual-sounding."
more >>The Times'Martin's jazz virtuosity adds another dimension. When her honeyed timbre slips into the lower register she captures the romance of a Ben Webster tenor solo.'
more >>O's Place Jazz Magazine'It is a pleasure to listen to!'
more >>LondonJazz'Claire Martin, both in the duo setting and in front of the chamber group made each song, each moment come to life.'
more >>The Independentit was party time...bravo
more >>North London News'...a tempting mélange of the familiar and the under-visited...'
more >>The Scotsman"Martin's beautifully delivered interpretations are spot-on whatever the mood of the song..."
more >>Scotland on Sunday"...a joy to hear."
more >>London Jazz'...her intimate, deceptively unfussy vocal style perfectly complemented by his flawlessly eloquent piano.'
more >>Jazzwise'...every one is a small gem.'
more >>Jazz Journal'...the result is one timeless version of a song after another...Unequivocally recommended.'
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