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 (concluding in 2020). Since then, Lockie has regularly performed and recorded with some of New Zealand's top jazz musicians as a leader and sideman. 

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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 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 Amador, Parrotdog, Hummingbird, Nolita & The Welsh Dragon. The same year, Lockie played several shows in Melbourne during the local Jazz Festival.​ 

 

2025 brings the release of Lockie's debut trio album (set to release August 10), an additional album with Alex Trask & Elijah Mulheron, an Australian Mini Tour and a headlining quartet performance at New Zealand's 62nd National Jazz Festival. 

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"Bennett is probably the best guitar player the TJC has ever seen" - Richard Woodd (Taranaki Jazz Club)​​

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“The Young Wellington sensation Lockie Bennett is testimony to the quality of music that comes from years of study and practice“ - River City Press

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"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