MP3 Arlon Bennett - Summer´s Voice

Arlon Bennett is a pop/folk songsmith who delivers the truth speckled with believable fabrication. He writes and sings songs that recall Harry Chapin and vintage James Taylor, but with a style all his own.

12 MP3 Songs
FOLK: Folk Pop, FOLK: Modern Folk

Details:
"You write songs the way Norman Rockwell would paint," a fan once said to ARLON BENNETT. Arlon then replied in straight deadpan; "Thank you, but, I think I'm more Neo-Classicism with a spattering of French Impressionism". After a warm laugh, they discussed how Arlon uses a vocal paintbrush on a sonic tapestry to tell a little bit of the story inside each one of us.

'Summerâs Voice' is Arlonâs third and latest release (Red Sea Records). He takes you to a gas station conversation with a Vietnam veteran, a bus ride with Rosa Parks, a stop light on your third date, amongst other cool vignettes. His songs are not all "lovey dovey or angry about something". Often, youâll find out later what some of his songs really are about. For instance, the rocker âSmall Body Blondeâ is NOT about a curvaceous lady you are led to believe! But thatâs Arlonâs style â relay the story with a twist and some panache. He also tackles subjects like death and forgiveness, but wraps them in jazzy progressions and harmonic interludes.

Arlon was a Long Island teenager when he fell in love with the classic singer/songwriters of the 1970s â and his early folk-rock influences include Harry Chapin, James Taylor, Cat Stevens, Jim Croce, Neil Young, and Don McLean. Arlon likes to 'reach, not preach'. He admires the artists who realize great storytelling is great storytelling, whether itâs Dylan, Springsteen or Cash.

Arlonâs emergence in the Folk/Americana scene has grown steadily. While accumulating songwriting awards throughout North America, he has opened for such acts as Glenn Tilbrook (Squeeze), Chris Stamey (dBâs), Michael Smith and Steve Seskin, and has sung with Livingston Taylor. Arlon won the Rose Garden Song Competition in 2005, placed second at the Great Waters Folk Festival in 2004, and has been a finalist at the Kerrville Folk Festival and many others. Arlon also was twice selected by Noel âPaulâ Stookey to perform in his Music-to-Life showcase. Aside from winning awards in the Billboard, Mid-Atlantic and Unisong contests, Arlon is equally proud that his lyrics to âThe Ace in Graceâ (from his 1999 debut, Fountain of Dreams) were used in the official statue dedication of late tennis champion Arthur Ashe in his hometown of Richmond, Virginia.

Recently, Arlonâs music reached a bigger playing field when the New York Mets chose the title track of 'Summerâs Voice' to be featured in a tribute video to Hall of Fame sportscaster Bob Murphy before a packed house at Shea Stadium.

Thereâs always something meaningful in Arlonâs songs because he recognizes the power of music to reach people. He gives his skills and talents to organizations like Hospice and âWednesdayâs Childâ (NBC/Philadelphia), and participates in fundraising efforts for numerous causes.

Arlon is never afraid to experiment and push his boundaries. His inherent need to constantly evolve is unmistakable on 'Summerâs Voice'. And his music always comes from the heart. "It must", he says, "Because the audience will always know otherwise".

âItâs the most rewarding way to communicate,â says Arlon. âI wouldnât have it any other way.â

Quotes:

"As a musical storyteller, Arlon has universal appeal. Everyone can relate to his core values, regardless of age or personal preference. A master of his genre, Arlon is a national treasure..."
- Mary Romance, Roxbury Public Library after a recent concert.

âEvery decade or so, a voice appears on the folk music scene that makes you sit up and take notice. When that voice is paired with songs and lyrics that tell a story or sing of the human spirit, it is truly magical. That voice is Arlon Bennett, and his CD âThe Watch Manâ leaves you
wanting more of this great talent. Listen to it. Listen again and again...â
- Jane Falvey, WRIU Kingston, 90.3FM

âArlon has a gift for wrapping quiet introspection and pathos within melodies that youâll quickly find familiar..â
- Sing Out! Magazine

âSpiritual in tone, the music matches Arlonâs acoustical brilliance with personal tales of woe and eventual triumph...â
- The ROOM Magazine

â..Arlon Bennett presents his stories in song using a variety of unique and compelling "camera angles". He is a singer/songwriter who brings you stories from unique perspectives, and draws you right in. His guitar work is masterful and blends so well with the spirituality of his music.â
- Singer Magazine April 2003

âArlon, Going round one more time!â
- Livingston Taylor

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