"You write songs the way Norman Rockwell would paint," a fan once said to ARLON BENNETT. Arlon then replied in straight deadpan; "Thank you, but, I think I'm more Neo-Classicism with a spattering of French Impressionism". After a warm laugh, they discussed how Arlon uses a vocal paintbrush on a sonic tapestry to tell a little bit of the story inside each one of us.
'Summer's Voice' is Arlon's third and latest release (Red Sea Records). He takes you to a gas station conversation with a Vietnam veteran, a bus ride with Rosa Parks, a stop light on your third date, amongst other cool vignettes. His songs are not all "lovey dovey or angry about something". Often, you'll find out later what some of his songs really are about. For instance, the rocker "Small Body Blonde" is NOT about a curvaceous lady you are led to believe! But that's Arlon's style – relay the story with a twist and some panache. He also tackles subjects like death and forgiveness, but wraps them in jazzy progressions and harmonic interludes.
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 likes to 'reach, not preach'. He admires the artists who realize great storytelling is great storytelling, whether it's Dylan, Springsteen or Cash.
Arlon's emergence in the Folk/Americana scene has grown steadily. While accumulating songwriting awards throughout North America, he has opened for such acts as Glenn Tilbrook (Squeeze), Chris Stamey (dB's), Michael Smith and Steve Seskin, and has sung with Livingston Taylor. Arlon won the Rose Garden 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. 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.
Recently, Arlon's music reached a bigger playing field 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 must", he says, "Because the audience will always know otherwise".
"It's the most rewarding way to communicate," says Arlon. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
Main photo by Sherman Charles
Other MySpace photos by Shanon Leigh Photography