Lakecia Benjamin
Lakecia Benjamin is a Vandoren artist.
Charismatic and dynamic saxophonist/bandleader Lakecia Benjamin's electric stage presence and fiery sax work, has shared stages with Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, The Roots, Macy Gray and many others, brings the soul and funk up to a fever pitch in a show that's guaranteed to keep crowds dancing day or night. Though her own music with her band Lakecia Benjamin and Soul Squad is immersed in the vintage sounds of James Brown, Maceo Parker, Sly and the Family Stone and the Meters as well as classic jazz, Benjamin's soaring, dance floor-friendly grooves take the classic vibe to a whole new level. The constant throughout it all is Benjamin's summery, sultry alto saxophone, adding something special on every cut - be it a smoldering late-night ambience, an erudite, forceful jazz intensity or the tight funk multi-horn harmony sections that pepper the proceedings throughout.
A streetwise New York City native born and raised in Washington Heights, Lakecia Benjamin has become one of the most highly sought-after players in soul and funk music. She first picked up the saxophone at Fiorello LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts, after which she joined the renowned jazz program at New York's New School University. By that time, she was already playing with renowned jazz figures like Clark Terry and Reggie Workman, which led to gigs and tours with a wide array of artists such as Rashied Ali, the David Murray Big Band, Vanessa Rubin and James Blood Ulmer. With her deep jazz roots, she was soon in demand as an arranger and horn section leader, landing stints with such acclaimed artists as Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Macy Gray, the Roots, and Anita Baker.
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Album Review
- Zenzile: The Reimagination Of Miriam Makeba by Angelo Leonardi
In Pictures
Album Review
- Pursuance: The Coltranes by Jerome Wilson
Radio & Podcasts
Album Review
- Pursuance: The Coltranes by Mike Jurkovic
Radio & Podcasts
- Lakecia Benjamin, Kenny Barron-Dave Holland, Kassa Overall & New Releases
- Lakecia Benjamin in Conversation
June 05, 2012
Lakecia Benjamin Celebrates The Release Of Her Debut CD, Retox, With...
April 24, 2012
April 06, 2012
"Saxophonist To The Stars" Lakecia Benjamin Steps Into The Spotlight...
Photos
Albums
Eternal Dance
From: Eternal DanceBy Lakecia Benjamin
Maceo
From: ReToxBy Lakecia Benjamin