Bennett Wood is a freelance musician, composer, and clinician. He was recently appointed as Director of Jazz Studies at Webster University. He previously held academic appointments at the University of Memphis, Mineral Area College, Texas State University, Texas Lutheran University, and Texas A&M University-Kingsville and served as the Interim Director of Education and Community Engagement and Education Coordinator at Jazz St. Louis.
His debut album, “Space in Time,” draws inspiration from the works “Only the Ball Was White” by Robert Peterson and “The Baseball 100” by Joe Posnanski, shedding light on the remarkable athletic feats and challenges faced by black baseball players in the professional negro leagues. As a lifelong baseball enthusiast, reading about the likes of Josh Gibson, Oscar Charleston, and Satchel Paige left a deep impact on the artist. These legendary athletes faced significant adversities and their accomplishments were not duly celebrated during their lifetimes compared to their white counterparts. While composing the title track, “Space in Time,” he not only reflected on these players, but also contemplated the broader human condition. Although we cannot choose the era in which we live, we can choose to bring light into the moments we are given.
The album features Andrew Ouellette (piano) Bob Deboo (bass) Joseph Winstein-Hibbs (drums) and the Grammy-nominated trombonist and composer Alan Ferber, contributing to the Latin-tinged modal piece “Fourth Wall” and the whimsical, Thelonious Monk-inspired “Obfuscation.”
The album drops this November 8th.
For further information on the artist, please visit the following links:
Images provided courtesy of Chris DiGirolamo
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