Lakecia Benjamin: The Jazz Trailblazer Redefining the Live Experience

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Lakecia Benjamin doesn't just play jazz—she lives it. A five-time Grammy nominee, saxophonist, and bandleader, she embodies a whirlwind of sound and soul that redefines the boundaries of modern music. When she talks about her latest album, Phoenix Reimagined (Live), it's not just an exploration of her artistry; it's an invitation to feel the pulse of a genre that thrives on energy, connection, and innovation.

"I wanted my audience to get a chance to see how different the live experience of me is," Benjamin shared during her conversation on Backstage Bay Area. The album, recorded live at Brooklyn's The Bunker, is more than just a collection of tracks—it's a visceral, communal experience. As Benjamin puts it, "Jazz music is a communal element. It exists where the congregation exists for the people."

Benjamin's latest release, Phoenix Reimagined (Live), is a bold celebration of resilience featuring stunning collaborations with luminaries like John Scofield and Randy Brecker. Each track is an explosion of artistry and emotion, designed to showcase her guests while staying true to her unique voice. "For me, I write all of my songs to feature my guest," Benjamin explained. "If they weren't on the album, we wouldn't have anything reimagined because I wrote the song with them in mind."

That thoughtful approach shines through in tracks like "Phoenix Reimagined," where her blazing saxophone is met with Scofield's fiery guitar licks and Brecker's iconic trumpet. But the heart of Phoenix Reimagined lies in its live setting. Benjamin wanted the energy of a live audience to be front and center. "It was important for me to invite family, friends, and people from the community who may not know about jazz so that they could experience the communal aspect of the music," she said. That focus on human connection permeates the album, making it as much a celebration of her journey as it is a love letter to her audience.

For Benjamin, live music isn't just a performance—it's a dialogue. "Live music is a conversation between you and the audience," she said. "They're the reason for the season." Her upcoming show at Yoshi's Oakland on February 8 promises to be a masterclass in that connection as Benjamin gears up to bring her electrifying energy to the Bay Area for the first time. "I've always wanted to go to Yoshi's," she admitted. "I've heard about the club across the train tracks since high school, so I'm excited to engage the community there."

Benjamin's live performances are renowned for their drive, a reflection of her belief in the power of music to uplift and inspire. "There's a certain vibrance that I think is needed right now when sometimes there's a lot of news and stuff happening," she noted. For her, music is a balm for the soul, a way to celebrate life even in challenging times.

Benjamin's path to jazz royalty is as dynamic as her music. Growing up in Washington Heights, her musical foundation was rooted in salsa, merengue, and cumbia. Not until later did she discover jazz, but her rhythmic upbringing gave her a unique perspective. "I think of things more rhythmically," she explained. "It does give me a unique way to approach stylistically how I approach [jazz]."

Her career highlights read like a who's who of music legends: Stevie Wonder, Prince, Alicia Keys, and Rashied Ali, to name a few. Reflecting on her journey, Benjamin said, "To experience so many different artists and genres... gives you a different perspective on where music lies with all of humanity, not just one particular click."

Her 2020 album Pursuance: The Coltranes paid homage to John and Alice Coltrane, whose influence continues to shape her work. "They kept trying to push the barrier," she said. "The fact that their primary reason for doing this was a more spiritual aspect of their purpose... those are the two things that I aspire to be."

With five Grammy nominations, Benjamin isn't content to rest on her laurels. She's already exploring new directions, pushing herself to blend all the facets of her musical identity into something even more groundbreaking. "I can only do one thing for so long before I start to feel I'm not pushing myself," she said, teasing projects on the horizon.

For now, fans can look forward to her upcoming performance at Yoshi's Oakland, where she'll undoubtedly deliver the soul-stirring energy and electrifying stage presence that has become her signature. She said, "I hope [listeners] feel inspired to get up and cut a rug a little bit."

Don't forget to listen to the full Backstage Bay Area episode, where Benjamin delves deeper into her creative process, influences, and the stories behind her music. Subscribe on YouTube and Apple Podcasts to stay connected.

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