Lakecia Benjamin

Lakecia Benjamin
– Phoenix Reimagined Tour

With five Grammy Award nominations including two for her most recent recording Phoenix Reimagined (Live) — for Best Jazz Instrumental Album and Best Jazz Performance — Lakecia Benjamin is taking the jazz world by storm.

Lakecia Benjamin and her quartet are at the forefront of the convergence between jazz, hip-hop, and soul. Benjamin radiates an unstoppable energy that ignites the stage and captivates audiences. You’ll hear why this charismatic, dynamic artist has been voted Rising Star Alto Saxophonist by Downbeat Critics Poll, and Up and Coming Artist of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association. Benjamin’s electric presence and fiery sax work have shared stages with several legendary artists, including Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, and The Roots.

“The alto saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin plays jazz that is sprinkled with the rich flavors of funk and soul – she’s a crafty traditionalist who remains in step with the rhythms of the young generation.”

–The New Yorker

A streetwise New York City native, Lakecia Benjamin first picked up the saxophone at Fiorello LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts. From there she joined the renowned jazz program at New York’s New School University. However, even at that early stage, Benjamin was already playing with renowned jazz figures like Clark Terry and Reggie Workman, which introduced her to opportunities to play and tour with an array of artists such as Rashied Ali, Christian Mcbride, Gregory Porter, and James “Blood” Ulmer. With her deep jazz roots, she was soon in demand as an arranger and horn section leader, landing stints with such acclaimed artists as Anita Baker.

“Phoenix Reimagined is one of the best live jazz albums of recent years. It's the next best thing to being there.”

Kevin Whitlock, JazzWise (UK)

Last summer, Benjamin released the album “Phoenix Reimagined (Live),” recorded in a Brooklyn studio in front of a small live audience. The album features a distinguished cast of guests including guitarist John Scofield, drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts, and trumpeter Randy Brecker. The guests add new dimensions to the new and previously released songs, and the album captures the energetic atmosphere and spontaneity of a live performance. At April Jazz, the audience will be able to experience this for themselves in the club-like Louhi Hall.

Lakecia Benjamin, alto saxophone (US)
Mike King, piano & keys (US)
Elias Bailey, bass (US)
Dorian Phelps, drums (US)

5.30pm doors
6.00pm showtime

Tickets 31/26 € + order fee (from 1,50 € + 0,65% of the order), Lippu.fi.
Duration approx. 1 h 15 min, no intermission

Preorder food and drinks from Café Molli using the online preorder form, by phone +358 41 3172025 or email myynti@cafemolli.fi.

Louhi Hall, Espoo Cultural Centre
Kulttuuriaukio 2, 02100 Espoo (Google Maps / HSL Journey Planner)

Kuva: Elizabeth Letizell