Album Notes

Bryan Beninghove is a tireless bandleader whose innovative projects span numerous genres. Originally hailing from Westminster, MD, a rural suburb of Baltimore, Bryan brings a blue collar earthiness to the world of jazz. Before becoming a full time professional musician, he worked for different steel shops, carpenters, & he bartended. Drawing from these diverse experiences, Bryan has always played with an urgent grittiness, a sense of humor, & a strong foundation in the blues.

Bryan has performed with such jazz luminaries as Eddie Henderson, Rufus Reid, Ron Affif, & Jamey Haddad as well as young guns like Mark Guiliana, Sam Barsh, Duane Eubanks, and Rick Parker. Bryan has also performed with the hard rock group Clutch, the indie band Lake Trout, & beatbox extraordinaire Taylor McFerrin.

Currently, Mr. Beninghove has been leading many different projects. The Organ Trio! consists of Kyle Koehler (Lou Donaldson, Bootsy Collins) on Hammond B3 and Don Williams (Jimmy Smith, Jimmy McGriff, Arthur Prysock) on drums. The repertoire is reminiscent of the 60s Newark sound, lots of grits and gravy!

Bryan Beninghove & the Hangmen is the latest project, a quintet featuring Rick Parker on trombone, Eyal Maoz on guitar, Kellen Harrison on bass, and Shawn Baltazor on drums. “David Lynch meets Nightmare Before Christmas”. Another long time project, Big in Jersey is an electric sextet in the seventies Miles realm. Mr. Beninghove also leads Soul Connection, an eight piece funk/dance band that specializes in corporate functions.

Music education has always been a priority in Bryan\'s life. Since receiving a bachelor\'s degree in music from William Paterson University, he has spent countless hours teaching privately, running ensembles for all ages, putting on clinics, and running a jazz camp for kids each summer.