The Legacy of Martyn Bennett

A Review of Brave New Music

This review is part of our ongoing series of in-house reviews, showcasing how passionate we are about the books we publish.

Martyn Bennett was an artist ahead of his time. A piper, violinist, composer, producer and DJ, his radical blend of tradition and technology created an audacious new sound that was uniquely his own.

Steeped in the folk cultures of Scotland yet inspired by deep-rooted traditions from far beyond, Bennett’s music transcended boundaries and celebrated cultural diversity wherever he found it. Although classically trained, he was drawn to the gritty excitement of the urban dance club scene. His fusion of folk, classical, jazz and hard-edged electronica was championed by luminaries such as Peter Gabriel and the folklorist Hamish Henderson, who aptly labelled it ‘brave new music’.

In Brave New Music, Gary West traces Bennett's story through personal struggles and artistic triumphs, offering a compelling assessment of his place among the major Scottish artists. It is a narrative rich with resilience and innovation; Bennett was twice diagnosed with unrelated cancers, and his professional career spanned just over a decade, during which he battled serious illness for half of it. He passed away in January 2005 at the tender age of 33, yet his art continues to inspire.

West's biography delves into the complexity of Bennett’s character, revealing a man who, despite his challenges, forged a path that many have since followed. His music still resonates, winning awards and filling concert halls at major international festivals two decades after his death. This book not only serves as a tribute to a remarkable talent but also as a reminder of the enduring power of creativity in the face of adversity.

Brave New Music is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of folk and contemporary music, and for those who seek to understand the legacy of one of Scotland's most innovative artists.