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Benito Gonzalez

The fusion of world rhythms and straight-ahead jazz make this passionate performer an audience favorite all over the world. Benito Gonzalez is being recognized as an exciting pianist and composer for his well-received debut album, “Starting Point” (Christian McBride, Antonio Sanchez, Rene McLean, Ron Blake) and as winner of the 2005 Great American Jazz Piano Competition.

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

“the pianist’s arrangements allow the listener to get lost in [the] suite-like structure of his works, the crescendos of ensemble fireworks, and the often bluesy musings he intersperses throughout. If this represents Gonzalez’s Starting Point, I can’t wait to hear what follows." - Mark Holston, Jazziz

“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

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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

Photos

Album Discography

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Sing To The World

Rainy Days Records
2021

buy

Work

Jazzheads
2020

buy

Trying Times

Concord Music Group
2020

buy

Passion Reverence...

Whaling City Sound
2018

buy

Circles

BPO Music
2011

buy

Starting Point

Self Produced
2004

buy

Videos

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