About
Lockie Bennett is a jazz guitarist based in Wellington, New Zealand. Born in Tauranga, Lockie moved to Wellington to study at the New Zealand School of Music in 2018 (graduating in 2020 with a Bachelor of Music). Since then, Lockie has regularly performed and recorded with some of New Zealand's top jazz musicians as a leader and sideman.
In 2023, Lockie started a weekly trio residency at The Undercurrent - a Wellington hotspot for local jazz musicians. The same year, Lockie debuted his trio & quartet, playing across the country in the local clubs and Jazz Festivals. These include the National Festival (held in Tauranga), the Wellington, Waiheke and Martinborough festivals. Lockie has played at these festivals across New Zealand every year since. In 2024, Lockie began playing music full-time at a string of previously established music venues and newly acquired residencies at numerous bars across Wellington. The new trio performed on a monthly basis at Undercurrent and on December 15th featured guest, Hervé Sellin. The same year, Lockie played several shows in Melbourne during the local Jazz Festival.
So far, 2025 has brought the release of a trio album with Alex Trask & Elijah Mulheron and a headlining quartet performance at New Zealand’s 62nd National Jazz Festival.
On September 5th, Lockie will be releasing his debut trio album (featuring Elijah Mulheron and Cory Champion). Amongst the usual sporadic gig schedule, October brings not only a busy schedule locally but also a mini tour around Australia (Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra gigs TBA).
With plans to relocate to the UK in April 2026, early next year brings a final string of shows across wider Australasia, featuring a similar trio to that on Lockie’s debut trio album.
"A rising star of New Zealand jazz, Bennett and his virtuosic trio combine stunning musicianship with graceful artistry. Jazz is in good hands with these remarkable young musicians." - Waiheke Jazz Festival
"Bennett is probably the best guitar player the TJC has ever seen" - Richard Woodd (Taranaki Jazz Club)
“The Young Wellington sensation Lockie Bennett is testimony to the quality of music that comes from years of study and practice“ - River City Press