#245 - Benny Rietveld – Life, Rhythm and the Unexpected – Bassist and Musical Director of Santana

What does it take to spend a lifetime making music alongside some of the greatest legends in the world? Talent, certainly. Discipline, undoubtedly. But perhaps, above all, the ability to listen, remain curious, embrace change and never stop learning.

In this episode of Most Memorable Journeys, I had the immense pleasure of talking to Benny Rietveld, bassist and musical director of Santana, whose extraordinary musical journey has taken him from Hawaii to some of the world's most iconic stages.

Our paths first crossed in the pages of Third Act Encore, a book compiled by Pat Labez, to which we both contributed a chapter. Benny writes about something that becomes increasingly meaningful as we move through life: the importance of focusing on what truly matters, family, friendships, human connections and the things that give our lives genuine purpose.

Born in the Netherlands but raised in Hawaii, Benny has little connection to his country of birth and doesn't speak Dutch. Music, however, has always been his universal language. He started a band at a very young age in Hawaii, setting in motion a lifelong adventure that would eventually take him to San Francisco and far beyond.

His first major touring experience came with the phenomenal Sheila E., whose band opened for Prince during the legendary Purple Rain tour. Imagine being a young musician, suddenly finding yourself in the orbit of such extraordinary talent! Along the way came other memorable firsts: seeing snow for the very first time in Detroit and making his first international trip as a professional musician to Bremen, Germany.

Then came Miles Davis.

Playing with one of the most revolutionary figures in jazz was not simply another career milestone. It was an education in itself. Benny describes how he had to unlearn much of what he thought he knew in order to discover entirely new ways of approaching music.

Interestingly, a book his English teacher had introduced him to years earlier, Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind, proved invaluable. Its philosophy of openness, humility and approaching life without the limitations of preconceived ideas helped him navigate the extraordinary creative demands of working with Miles.

We also explored the less glamorous but equally fascinating realities of being a professional musician. How does one actually build a career in such a competitive industry? Benny shared his insights into the importance of networking, showing up, playing with others, building relationships and being part of a community where opportunities often grow out of human connections.

And then there is the bass guitar itself.

Often the least celebrated instrument in a band, the bass rarely commands the spotlight. Yet its contribution is fundamental. It provides the pulse, the foundation and the connection between rhythm and harmony. A wonderful reminder that being essential and being visible are not necessarily the same thing.

Of course, this being Most Memorable Journeys, we also talked about travel. Benny loves discovering the places his music takes him, whenever time and circumstances allow. But touring requires discipline, and conserving energy for the performance must always come first. After all, the audience deserves the very best.

What struck me most throughout our conversation was Benny's thoughtful perspective on life, his intellectual curiosity and his deep commitment to his craft. Despite decades of performing with musical giants, there is still a sense of wonder, humility and willingness to learn.

And when I asked how long he intends to continue making music, his answer was beautifully simple: until he no longer can.

Perhaps that is one of life's greatest lessons. When you find something that gives your existence meaning, you don't necessarily think about retirement. You simply keep doing what you love.

I so enjoyed this conversation with a truly beautiful mind. It was much more