Lakecia Benjamin (Band)
Biography:
Lakecia Benjamin is a 5x GRAMMY nominated New York-based saxophonist, arranger, composer, and educator. She is a charismatic saxophonist and bandleader and a fearless musician with deep jazz roots. Her music offers a unique meld of R&B, several strains of jazz, and funk. Her warm, resonant tone — that has been compared to Johnny Hodges — lends itself to any form of music she chooses to play.
A New York City native born and raised in Washington Heights, Benjamin went from playing a recorder in grade school to becoming one of the most sought-after jazz musicians on the music scene. Renowned for her bold approach and ability to seamlessly blend genres, she has shared stages with Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, The Roots, Macy Gray, and many others. Joined by her sizzling band, Benjamin transcends the boundaries of traditional jazz.
In addition to honing her chops early with Clark Terry and later Terri Lyne Carrington, she is also a noted accompanist for vocalists — among them Gregory Porter and Theo Crocker. Retox, her 2012 leader debut, offered a beat-conscious set of soul and funk covers and originals produced by Ben Kane.
Benjamin was born in New York City and raised in Manhattan’s predominantly Dominican Washington Heights neighborhood. She played recorder in grade school and junior high where she also began writing songs and lyrics. She won admission to the Fiorello LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts. It was there she began playing saxophone in earnest. She picked it up quickly and after graduating joined the renowned jazz program at New York’s New School University.
In January 2023, Benjamin released Phoenix on Whirlwind Recordings. The 12-track, mostly original set was performed by her septet and produced by Terri Lyne Carrington. Phoenix featured many guests including Dianne Reeves, Georgia Ann Muldrow, Patrice Rushen, Wayne Shorter, Wallace Roney, Sonia Sanchez, and Angela Davis. The album led to three GRAMMY nominations, and universal praise.
A New York City native born and raised in Washington Heights, Benjamin went from playing a recorder in grade school to becoming one of the most sought-after jazz musicians on the music scene. Renowned for her bold approach and ability to seamlessly blend genres, she has shared stages with Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, The Roots, Macy Gray, and many others. Joined by her sizzling band, Benjamin transcends the boundaries of traditional jazz.
In addition to honing her chops early with Clark Terry and later Terri Lyne Carrington, she is also a noted accompanist for vocalists — among them Gregory Porter and Theo Crocker. Retox, her 2012 leader debut, offered a beat-conscious set of soul and funk covers and originals produced by Ben Kane.
Benjamin was born in New York City and raised in Manhattan’s predominantly Dominican Washington Heights neighborhood. She played recorder in grade school and junior high where she also began writing songs and lyrics. She won admission to the Fiorello LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts. It was there she began playing saxophone in earnest. She picked it up quickly and after graduating joined the renowned jazz program at New York’s New School University.
In January 2023, Benjamin released Phoenix on Whirlwind Recordings. The 12-track, mostly original set was performed by her septet and produced by Terri Lyne Carrington. Phoenix featured many guests including Dianne Reeves, Georgia Ann Muldrow, Patrice Rushen, Wayne Shorter, Wallace Roney, Sonia Sanchez, and Angela Davis. The album led to three GRAMMY nominations, and universal praise.
Website: https://lakeciabenjamin.com/
Links:
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