Noble Rise

Lakecia Benjamin
Duration: 06:14
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Break-through alto saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin was a nominee for the 2026 "Best Jazz Performance" Grammy Award. This nod for her single release, "Noble Rise," is a testament to the band she assembled for the song and the chemistry they generated through the arrangement and natural stylings. Benjamin paired herself with a second alto, Immanuel Wilkins, for the lead line. Together they blend Coltrane-esque resonance with bop fire. The rhythm section is made full and propulsive by the inclusion of organ and percussion with piano, bass and kit. Finally, guitarist Mark Whitfield provides the perfect link between riffs, harmony and rhythm. "Noble Rise" kicks off a new direction for her music -- one driven by feeling powerful and in command rather than overcoming hurt (she earlier suffered a serious car accident). We’ll have to see what emerges as her next album but, based on the single, one should be eager to go along for the ride.

Posted by Scott Lichtman.