Val Bennett

Val Bennett, born Lovall Bennett, was a Jamaican tenor saxophonist and reggae/jazz musician who began his career in the 1940s and remained active until his death in 1991. He led the Val Bennett Orchestra, which included future legends like Ernest Ranglin, and later became a key session player for Prince Buster, Bunny Lee, and Lee "Scratch" Perry. His 1968 instrumental "The Russians Are Coming" became iconic, notably used as the theme for *The Secret Life of Machines*, while his work with Perry’s Upsetters on tracks like "Return of Django" helped shape early reggae's sound. Known for his gritty saxophone style, Bennett contributed to recordings by Barrington Levy, Delroy Wilson, and others, leaving a lasting mark on Jamaican music history.

**Note:** The listed releases include tracks like *A Change Gonna Come / Jumping with Val* and *The Russians Are Coming / Lonely Girl*, which align with Bennett’s era and style. However, some titles (e.g., *Blair Jenkins*, *Logan Moss*) lack direct verification in available records and could represent compilation credits, reissues, or shared artist listings. His core discography includes *The Russians Are Coming* (1968) and collaborative works with major producers.

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