Jay Bennett, former Wilco multi-instrumentalist and producer, died at 45 (myspace.com/jaybennett)

Wilco fans might remember Bennett as the band member who was famous for getting fired during the making of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, shown in the documentary I Am Trying To Break Your Heart.

But prior to that, Bennett had as much to do with Wilco’s metamorphosis from roots-country band to rock pioneers as bandleader Jeff Tweedy. As The Chicago Tribune‘s Greg Kot wrote in his tribute to Bennett:

“Wilco expanded its reach with Bennett in the band, and learned to use the studio as an instrument.”

Local music fans also know Bennett as the producer of John Ralston‘s first album, Needle Bed. After Bennett left Wilco, he became known for his knowledge of the studio and was much in demand as a producer. Needle Bed had a clean sound and brought out Ralston’s strong voice.

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