Ben Freidkin

Biography
Articles

Ben Freidkin is an award-winning drummer and composer from Israel, currently based in New York. He studied at both the “Rimon Jazz Institute” and the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, and he holds a Master of Music degree from Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College. Winner of “2020 Freddie Gruber Drum Set Scholarship” of the Percussive Art Society as well as the George Bann Award for Best Jazz Performer, Ben has played in some of the most destinguished venues both in Israel and NYC, such as: Beit Ha'amudim, Shablul, Zappa Tel-Aviv, Ornithology Jazz Club, Nublu, The Bitter End and countless others. His first record as a leader "Trial & Error" was released on October 3rd, 2022.

Awards

1st prize at the George Bann Award for Best Jazz Performer (2019).

Winner of “2020 Freddie Gruber Drum Set Scholarship” by P.S.A (Percussive Art Society).

Ben Freidkin: Trial & Error

Read "Trial & Error" reviewed by Hrayr Attarian

by Hrayr Attarian
December 24, 2022

On his exciting debut Trial & Error, dynamic drummer Ben Freidkin combines music from three live sets spanning two years. Each recording has a different group of side-musicians. For Freidkin it represents a sort of “coming of age" as it coincides with him completing his graduate degree in music. Despite the variety of personnel and sound, a thematic unity permeates the album, that consists of a mix of Freidkin penned originals and covers.. Pianist Nitsan Kolko's hypnotic cascades ...

Album Review

Ben Freidkin: Trial & Error

Read "Trial & Error" reviewed by Mike Jurkovic

by Mike Jurkovic
December 17, 2022

He may not have the extra-long, arm's length CV just yet, but at 28, Israeli born, Brooklyn-based drummer Ben Freidkin delivers the goods on this briskly charged, live debut recording. Curated from three individual gigs in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv with a host of different players, Freidkin nimbly, knowingly and kinetically explores the myriad shapes the music takes and it is a true pleasure to experience each moment's unique rush with him. Just press play and let the ...