Lou Bennett began as a bop pianist, then switched to organ and became a solid player in the late '50s. With
Jimmy Smith's virtuostic approach as inspiration,
Bennett left piano behind in 1956, and toured the East and Midwest with his organ trio from 1957 through 1959.
Bennett left America for Paris in 1960. He recorded there, played at the city's Blue Note club with
Jimmy Gourley and fellow expatriate
Kenny Clarke, who became one of his regulars alongside
Rene Thomas.
Bennett made only one return visit to America, appearing at the 1964 Newport Jazz Festival. He led his own group during the '80s. ~ Ron Wynn