EVOL! Posted May 26, 2009 Share Posted May 26, 2009 http://www.myspace.com/jaybennett Jay Bennett, dead at age 45 By Jim DeRogatis on May 24, 2009 9:25 PM UPDATED MONDAY MORNING WITH STATEMENT FROM JEFF TWEEDY Jay Bennett, a rock musician with deep ties to Chicago best known as a former member of Wilco, died early Sunday morning in downstate Urbana, where he had been running a recording studio, according to a spokesman for his family. The singer and multi-instrumentalist was 45 years old. "Early this morning, Jay died in his sleep and an autopsy is being performed," said Edward Burch, a friend and musician who collaborated with Bennett on the 2005 album "The Palace at 4 a.m." "The family is in mourning and is unavailable for comment at this time." Born in the Chicago suburb of Rolling Meadows, Bennett began playing in bands as a teenager. He attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and earned multiple degrees in secondary education, math and political science. In between, he co-founded the Replacements-like power-pop band Titanic Love Affair, which released three albums during the alternative-rock heyday between 1991 and 1996, when it was dropped from its label. Bennett was working at a VCR repair shop in Champaign when he was tapped to join Wilco as it toured in support of its first album, "A.M." A talented arranger and versatile musician who could play virtually any instrument he picked up, from mandolin to Mellotron, Bennett formed a fruitful partnership with Wilco bandleader Jeff Tweedy. His contributions over a seven-year period were key to the albums that resulted in the band's national breakthrough, including "Being There" (1996), "Summerteeth" (1999) and "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" (2002). Relations between Bennett and Tweedy, both painstaking perfectionists, soured during the latter recording, as documented in the film "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart," and Bennett left the band. Earlier this month, Bennett filed a lawsuit against Tweedy for breach of contract and unpaid artist's royalties, stemming in part from his role in the film. In late April, Bennett wrote on his MySpace blog about dealing with intense pain from a hip injury suffered during a dive from the stage while playing with Titanic Love Affair. He was preparing to have surgery, but was concerned about his lack of health insurance. However, he also was looking forward to finishing his fifth solo album, "Kicking at the Perfumed Air," at his studio, Pieholden Suites, named after the song on "Summerteeth" that best encapsulates his talents as an arranger. "This whole experience [with the hip pain] has really taught me to look both inward and outward for support, and I've learned things about myself that I thought I had completely figured out years ago," Bennett wrote. "Family and friends have helped me to keep faith in a future that will actually be much more carefree than my constricted present state. I encourage you all to tell me stories of recovery, as they really do help... All in all, I'm 'in a really good place' right now; I'm just waiting until I can make it all happen." Bennett's former bandmates in Wilco are touring in Spain and could not be reached for comment. But Burch said he had spoken to bassist John Stirratt, and the band was "broken up" about the news. "He was an extremely talented musician and a great person, and I'll miss him terribly," Burch added. UPDATE: Wilco publicist Deb Bernardini released the following statement from Tweedy: "We are all deeply saddened by this tragedy. We will miss Jay as we remember him -- as a truly unique and gifted human being and one who made welcome and significant contributions to the band's songs and evolution. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends in this very difficult time." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jannusguy Posted May 26, 2009 Share Posted May 26, 2009 Wilco pretty much started to slide after jay left. i feel jay brought a certain joy to the music that counter balanced tweedy's dark, brooding solipsism. since jay's absence i have found wilco to be rather tedious to listen to. i think he was pretty shabbily treated by tweedy as well. RIP jay. you've been missed for awhile now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EVOL! Posted May 26, 2009 Author Share Posted May 26, 2009 If you feel that way, you would *love* this article. It is from Feb. of this year. The author, Derek Phillips, is a friend of mine and a fine songwriter in his own right. http://www.gloriousnoise.com/articles/2009/21_reasons_why_jay_bennett_sho.php Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cat&mouse Posted May 26, 2009 Share Posted May 26, 2009 What?! Well I guess that settles that lawsuit.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jannusguy Posted May 26, 2009 Share Posted May 26, 2009 If you feel that way' date=' you would *love* this article. It is from Feb. of this year. The author, Derek Phillips, is a friend of mine and a fine songwriter in his own right. http://www.gloriousnoise.com/articles/2009/21_reasons_why_jay_bennett_sho.php[/quote'] you're right. thanks for posting it. i thought i was the only one who felt that way. haven't heard wilco's new one yet and am in no rush. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeoConMan Posted May 26, 2009 Share Posted May 26, 2009 Wilco is one of those bands that I never knew much about. They always piqued my interest and I intended to buy a couple of their discs (especially YHF) but just never did. NEVER hear them on the radio here in Phoenix, or when I lived in Houston in the 90's. Watched the YouTube clips and liked what I saw, especially all the old guitars. Rest in peace Jay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EVOL! Posted May 26, 2009 Author Share Posted May 26, 2009 One of my favorite things about Wilco is that their sound has evolved and changed throughout the years. The earlier records are more folk song oriented with touches of kooky instrumentation. All of that peaked with YHF. Their last album, Sky Blue Sky, is the band really stretching out, but to me it bears little resemblance to pre-YHF era. Hell, when you add heavy weights like Glenn Kotche and Nels Cline, it's hard not to. Anyone heard the new album? Was not that impressed at first listen, but I am willing to give it another spin. I heard a lot of ELO, which is big turn off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeoConMan Posted May 26, 2009 Share Posted May 26, 2009 touches of kooky instrumentation. Probably why I never made the effort to get their stuff, I didn't know what to buy. I'm a guitar guy, which album is the best for straight up rock? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jannusguy Posted May 26, 2009 Share Posted May 26, 2009 Probably why I never made the effort to get their stuff' date=' I didn't know what to buy. I'm a guitar guy, which album is the best for straight up rock? [/quote'] i'd suggest "being there". 2 discs. rocks good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Mick Posted May 26, 2009 Share Posted May 26, 2009 Shame. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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