“You write songs the way Norman Rockwell would paint,” a fan once said to ARLON BENNETT. Arlon thought it was an interesting comparison, and then realized it was an accurate description of what he does: “I use a vocal paintbrush on a sonic tapestry to tell stories of Americana.”
That description could not be truer than on Summer’s Voice, Arlon’s third and latest release, on Red Sea Records. He takes listeners to a gas station conversation with a Vietnam veteran, an important bus ride with Rosa Parks, to stop lights with young lovers, and to eavesdrop on passing thoughts between two couples of different generations. Once you get past his infectious melodies, you’ll be surprised when you find what some of his songs really are about. For instance, “Small Body Blonde” is all about his first six-string guitar, not a curvaceous lady. But that’s Arlon’s style – relay the story with a twist and some panache. He’s also not afraid to tackle subjects like death and forgiveness, wrapping them in jazzy progressions and harmonic interludes.
Arlon Bennett was born and raised in the suburbs of Long Island’s South Shore. But his New York accent disappeared by the time he returned to the area following stints upstate and in the Midwest.
Arlon was a Long Island teenager when he fell in love with the classic singer/songwriters of the 1970s — and his early folk-rock influences include Harry Chapin, James Taylor, Cat Stevens, Jim Croce, Neil Young, and Don McLean. Arlon connects with the troubadour who has something to say without preaching, and he admires the artists who realize great storytelling is great storytelling, whether it’s Dylan, Springsteen or Cash. Arlon even pays tribute to Johnny Cash on Summer’s Voice with a smooth interpretation of “Straight A’s in Love.”
Arlon’s visibility in the folk Americana scene has been growing steady and strong. He has opened for such acts as Michael Smith, Chris Stamey and Steve Seskin, and has sung with Livingston Taylor, while accumulating songwriting awards throughout North America. Arlon won the Rosegarden 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 ‘Paul’ Stookey to perform in his Music-to-Life showcase at Kerrville – first with “I Am the War” (from his sophomore CD, The Watch Man), and more recently, with “Be the Change” (from Summer’s Voice). Aside from winning awards in the Billboard, Mid-Atlantic and Unisong contests, Arlon is equally proud that his lyrics to “The Ace in Grace” (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.
Arlon’s music reached a bigger playing field more recently, when the New York Mets chose the title track of Summer’s Voice to be featured in a tribute video to Hall of Fame sportscaster Bob Murphy before a packed house at Shea Stadium.
There’s always something meaningful in Arlon’s songs because he recognizes the power of music to reach people. He gives his skills and talents to organizations like Hospice and “Wednesday’s Child” (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 Summer’s Voice. And his music always comes from the heart. “It’s the most rewarding way to communicate,” says Arlon. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
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