Chris Bennett  / A-Trane / Berlin Germany

Reviewed by Katrin

The A-Trane, one of Berlin’s leading Jazz clubs, welcomed a very special guest in the course of its Summer Weeks Concerts.  Chris Bennett, who is a former Grammy Award nominated singer – composer, and who has sold out Berlin, Germany’s A-Trane in previous years, returned for five nights, with her all-star band, featuring pianist Eric Doney., Erst Bier on drums and Lars Guehlke on bass.  Ms. Bennett presented a vast repertoire of music, drawn from Once Upon A Time, recorded live at A-Trane in 2003, songs from her new album Sail Away and some classics, all of which was received warmly by her audience.  

Chris Bennett started her career as lead singer of Munich Machine, a successful disco group produced by Giorgio Moroder.  Ms. Bennett is also an internationally renowned and her songs have been recorded by Tina Turner, The Manhattan Transfer, Keb Mo, Nina Storey and Randy Hall. Today, Chris Bennett is a highly esteemed and internationally acclaimed vocalist, composer and producer. whose music has also been performed on Broadway.

After an energetic opening to the evening with “Secret Love,“ and a swinging version of “Caravan,“ Ms. Bennett switched to a more contemplative mode, as she played “Autumn Leaves,“ on the piano. With the seasons slowly changing, Chris Bennett prepared her audience for the melancholic weather that lies ahead, by performing her original songs “Once Upon A Time,” a reminder of past love and broken hearts, yet without a trace of bitterness. She captivated the entire room, with her performance of the title track from her new album Sail Away. The album was recorded in Tahiti, in collaboration with her pianist Eric Doney, as she healed from a stormy time during her life. Now, back on stage, and stronger than ever before, Ms. Bennett energetically immersed herself in songs like “Use Me,” “Best For You,” and “All Right With Me.” 

Sexy and confident Chris Bennett transformed the room into a swinging atmosphere in the twinkling of an eye, as she performed “Besame Mucho,” in English, French, German and  Spanish, winning over her audience.  She also endeared herself to her fans, as she took on the persona of legendary German actress and singer Hildegard Knef, while performing an authentic rendition of Knef’s “Let’s Do It (“Sei Mal Verliebt”), as she added an amusing touch to the evening. With her fans feeling relaxed and in a good mood, Chris Bennett closed out her concert with “The Party Is Over.”

Chris Bennett is a master of her genre with an amazing stage presence and wonderful voice. She definitely belongs on the big stages of the world and the smaller confines of A-Trane, did not allow her enough space to demonstrate all of her gifts, although, she charmingly managed the smaller stage.  

What about the essence of the evening? Music about love is simply ageless and so is Chris Bennett. We can continue to expect more musical gifts from this great artist and her exceptionally talented band members and in particular pianist Eric Doney. The party is not over yet!