John Benson

John’s interest in music began during the early fifties jazz revival. Having experimented with all kinds of popular music in the sixties, his fascination for jazz endured and he purchased his first double bass in 1965. Soon John formed his own jazz trio and played in various London venues whilst working for the Telegraph in Fleet Street. Turning professional in the mid seventies, John had brief spells with the Brian Knight Blues by Six Band and the Monty Sunshine Jazz Band, before being asked in 1977 to become a member of the world renowned Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen. During 25 years (1977– 2002) touring the world with Kenny’s band, John made regular TV appearances, radio broadcasts, royal command performances and a wealth of recordings. He also accompanied and played alongside many of the top jazz artistes such as Kenny Baker, Bob Barnard, Acker Bilk, George Chisholm, Wild Bill Davison, Humphrey Lyttelton and many more. DixieMix Jazzband