By Matt Micucci, JAZZIZ The 8-Bit Big Band, under the direction of 29-year old multi-talented bandleader/composer Charlie Rosen, is redefining the concept of a modern big band. This 33-piece ensemble specializes in original “big band” arrangements of music from some of the world’s most popular video games – and since its inception, it has become … Read More
By Dave Sumner, Bandcamp Daily On this tribute to the music of Alice and John Coltrane, Lakecia Benjamin plays it pretty straight. The saxophonist infuses a spirituality into the foundation of these renditions, and this quality, in addition to an appealing propulsion and unerring melodicism, makes this a pretty easy recommendation to make to fans … Read More
By Nate Chinen, NPR “An Alice Coltrane chant turned Afrofuturist soul jam, with Benjamin’s saxophone and Meshell Ndegeocello’s bass backing Georgia Anne Muldrow’s authoritative vocal. Peace, meet Power. —” Listen to the playlist here.
By Richard Kamins, Step Tempest The dynamic young alto saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin is steadily maturing into one of the more exciting musicians on the contemporary scene. Ms. Benjamin, born in New York City, attended the Fiorello LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts and went on to the New School. Vocalist, composer, educator, and producer … Read More
By Simon Rentner, The Checkout Thana Alexa had it all mapped out. Her new album, ONA, was set to launch her solo career to new heights. She was featured — with her husband, drummer Antonio Sánchez — on the cover of DownBeat magazine. Then the coronavirus put her nationwide tour on hold, along with countless other … Read More
By Stephanie Jones, Downbeat Inside Bronx Music House, standing lamps bloom like roses. Percussion instruments hang like ivy on the walls. A stone’s throw from Yankee Stadium, the apartment and practice space provides emerging artists a place to shed and session together—and now, a place to quarantine. Read the full feature here.
George Harris, Jazz Weekly Drummer Vince Ector gives a comfort food of an album with a blue plate organ team anchored by Pat Bianchi at the keys along with Bruce Williams on alto or soprano sax and guest Paul Bollenback on guitar for half the tunes. Ector is crisp and clear, leading the team on … Read More
