“Benet McLean pushes the boundaries of the violin in jazz with unparalleled modernism.”
Violinist and pianist Benet McLean is one of the most highly regarded contemporary musicians in British jazz. His musical depth and exploration of the boundaries between musical genres make him a unique and constantly evolving artist. Inspired in his teens by the great bebop artists of the 1940s, Benet's playing today reflects his early inspirations while also embracing many other musical influences.
Previously known best for his outstanding piano playing, Benet has released several critically acclaimed albums on piano. However in recent years, he has returned to the violin, fast emerging as a dynamic and innovative jazz violinist. His debut solo album on violin, Green Park, was released in November 2023 and has been met by praise from both critics and radio alike.
A gifted composer and arranger, live work with his own band focuses on violin-infused high-energy grooves interspersed with lyrical ballads, often augmented with pedals and effects, with exciting performances that showcase the breadth of his innovative violin style. Collaborations have included heading up the string quartet on Partikel’s acclaimed String Theory album and working on string sections with producer Troy Miller on albums by Laura Mvula and Mahalia. His violin playing is also featured on several other albums including Pyramid by Dan Goldman’s ElecTrio, Counteraction by Partikel, and the debut solo albums of trumpeter Andy Davies (Rise Of The Spider Monkey) and keyboardist Benjamin Croft (10 Reasons To...). He has also performed on violin with artists outside of jazz including Nightmares on Wax.
Benet has been playing music since the age of 3 years old when he first persuaded his parents to buy him a violin, and he undertook several years of classical training before turning his attentions to jazz. Some of the many other artists Benet has played or toured with, both in jazz and other fields, include Omar, Soweto Kinch, Binker Golding, Daniel Casimir, Julian Joseph, Steve Williamson, Orphy Robinson, Jean Toussaint, Cleveland Watkiss, TY, Roachford, Jay Phelps, Tommy Smith, Sir Simon Rattle, Kevin Haynes (see album Ori Ire), Maxi Jazz (Faithless) and Loose Tubes.
Benet also teaches and is a professor of jazz violin at the London Performing Academy of Music (LPMAM).
“...When listening to Benet McLean it is readily apparent that his is an important jazz violin voice up there with Ponty, Debski and Urbaniak. I am particularly happy because Benet reckons that when he was a kid my playing across the genres was of some encouragement to him. Now is an exciting time because from the chrysalis of his modern jazz mastery an inspirational and completely original style is emerging. Check it!”