Benito Gonzalez
Presently, Benito is creating a very personal body of work for his sophomore album as a leader that will feature him as an improviser. After two years touring with international jazz artist, Kenny Garrett, he added numerous festivals and international jazz club dates to his credit. Benito has shared the stage with Curtis Fuller, Pharaoh Sanders, Bobby Hutcherson, Christian McBride, Ignacio Berroa, Roy Hargrove, Rene McLean, Steve Turre, Hamiet Bluiett, Antonio Sanchez, T.K. Blue, Nicholas Payton and Jackie Mclean.
His multi-cultural talents have led to frequent recording dates; from American jazz masters to West African musicians to Latin bands. He has also served as musical director for several Venezuelan recording artists.
The Benito Gonzalez Trio has appeared at The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at the University of Maryland and the Jacksonville Jazz Festival in addition to many other noted jazz venues.
Awards
2005 Winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition, Awarded the Emerging Artist Grant from the D.C. Commission on the Arts & Humanities in 2003.
Gear
Steinway grand piano.
Tags
Live Review
Take Five With...
Album Review
- Passion Reverence Transcendence by Mike Jurkovic
- Sing To The World by Jim Worsley
June 12, 2023
Keys To Venezuela: Klavierhaus Shines The Spotlight On Venezuelan Jazz...
November 02, 2010
Benito Gonzalez - Circles (Furthermore Recordings, 2010)
September 21, 2010
Pianist Benito Gonzalez Releases His Sophmore Album, Circles, on...
May 15, 2010
Jazz Musician of the Day: Benito Gonzalez
May 15, 2009
Jazz Musician of the Day: Benito Gonzalez
September 04, 2008
Benito Gonzalez at the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage in October
“The standout track here is a graceful “I’ll Remember April,” which features fiery soloing from pianist Benito Gonzalez." - Lucy Tauss, JazzTimes
“Gonzalez played with a vibrant and exciting style. Often during his aggressive solos he raised off the bench to get better leverage to pound out the notes…He showed his versatility by slowing the pace for the ballad.” - Dan MacDonald, Florida Times-Union
Primary Instrument
Piano
Location
New York City
Willing to teach
Intermediate to advanced
Credentials/Background
Benito teaches students privately in New York City. Videocasted lessons can be arranged to students anywhere in the world. For full information on Benito's studio, visit www.gonzalez.synthasite.com.
Clinic/Workshop Information
Benito has given masterclasses alongside jazz greats:
Artist Collective, Hartford, CT: Rene McLean
New Haven University, CT: Rene McLean
Howard University, DC: Rene McLean
George Washington University, DC: Antonio Sanchez