Jazz Musician of the Day: Michel Benebig

Born: June 27, 1964
Michel Benebig was born in Noumea, New Caledonia - South-Pacific in June 27, 1964.

Michel started played bass-guitar, accordéon and keyboards in dancing bands at age 11. He studied classical piano from 16 to 26 yers old, at the Noumea Music-School (ETM), then in France (C.N.R de Besancon from 1990 to 1992). Michel started playing the B3Hammond-organ in June 1992, as a self-taught musician, he taught himself how to play foot-pedal bass and Jazz-Organ technics... Michel Bénébig mett the greatest Jazz & Blues organists like : Jimmy Mc Griff ( Atlanta - Georgia USA )in february 1995 and the legendary and 'Incredible' Jimmy Smith ( Oakland - California USA ) in January 1996, Rhoda Scott ( Nouméa - New Calédonia ) in May 1996, December 1996 and October 1998.. Michel did performed with great Jazz-musicians like : Bruce Forman ( guitar ), Lewis Nash ( drums ), Tony Monaco ( organ ),Randy Johnston ( guitar ) and many more...

Michel Benebig is a professional Jazz & Blues organist, fondator of the “AMJ-BECA” ( Association des Musiciens de Jazz & Blues pour les Echanges et la Création Artistique ), Artistique Director of 'YAARI', composer and band leader...

Press Quotes
Article from 'Bernies Music Land' Melbourne - Australia 2007.

Hammond Organist, Michel Benebig

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Michel Benebig is an awesome Hammond organ player. It’s not hard to see why guys like Jimmy Smith were happy to hang out with him, or that Tony Monaco considers him a close personal friend. Not only can this guy play, but he really is one hell of a nice person.

After sending hundreds of emails in regards to setting up a tour for Michel, the day finally came and he arrived at the store. He wasn’t tired at all. He just wanted to sink his teeth into the New B-3 and that he did. I was awestruck as he played all the classic Hammond language with precision and ease. It was really good for me to see that skill up close. I only get to hear it on CD, but Michel has actually met the masters and learned straight from the source. We hung out and talked a bit about Hammond players and Hammond playing and all the other stuff musicians rave on about, then it was time to leave.

Sunday morning at 9am, I arrived at Michel’s hotel to pick up him and Vaughn Roberts (a fine trumpeter from out friendly neighboring New Zealand) and take them to radio 3PBS headquarters in Collingwood for a live-to-air performance. Far too early for me, considering I’d had a gig the night before and got home somewhere in the vicinity of 3am. Still, it had to be done and we had great fun. Mike Jordan and Adam Simmons were there ready to go and off they went. Straight to air without a rehearsal. Michel had brought the sheet music to his original tunes and handed them out to the guys and they had no problems reading and interpreting what Michel’s ideas were. I love professional musicians!
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