Born and raised in New York, Lakecia Benjamin is an alto saxophonist who has never stopped pursuing innovation in every project she develops. While she was getting deep into Latin and salsa music during her childhood, Benjamin improved her instrumental skills by working with her mentor Gary Bartz. She has collaborated with numerous musicians including Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, Macy Gray, The Roots and Missy Elliot. Many critics have already named her fourth studio album Phoenix, released by Whirlwind Recordings in early 2023, one of the best albums of the year. The album, named after the post-COVID-19 recovery efforts around the world, includes audio recordings of leading figures such as Wayne Shorter and Angela Davis. Each song consists of a thematic structure connecting modern jazz with different styles. This new collection, produced by Terry Lyne Carrington, contains a forward-looking attitude while simultaneously enabling us to look back at the past. Lakecia Benjamin, described as one of the composers and performers who have made their mark on the future of jazz, will be performing at Ses Theatre on October 2.
Lakecia Benjamin: Alto saxophone
Zaccai Curtis: Piano
Ivan Taylor: Bass
EJ Strickland: Drums