Apr 2, 2024 12:59 PM
Saxophonist, Sonic Explorer Casey Benjamin Dies at 45
Casey Benjamin, the alto saxophonist, vocalist, keyboardist and producer who stamped his distinctive sounds on the…
Trumpeter Jon Faddis will be honored tonight, June 13, by the National Arts Club at its annual Jazz Gold Medal Dinner in New York. Martin Bookspan, Phil Schaap, Terrel Stafford and George Wein will speak during the program offering their praise and thanks to the guest of honor. The Purchase Jazz Ensemble and John Birks Gillespie will play a special musical tribute honoring Faddis.
Faddis is a complete and complex musician, conductor, composer, and educator. As a trumpeter, Faddis posses full command of his instrument, consistently demonstrating a virtually unparalleled range. Dizzy Gillespie said, “He is the best ever, including me!” Faddis began playing the trumpet at age 8, after seeing Louis Armstrong perform on the Ed Sullivan Show.
In 1991 Mr. Faddis became the music director of the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, an all-star ensemble who recently toured Europe and the U.S. He also serves as music director for the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, the 50th Anniversary Dizzy Gillespie Tribute Band, and the Newport Jazz Festival 40th Anniversary Tour among others. Faddis has recently been appointed to the faculty of The Conservatory of Music at Purchase State University of New York. His albums include the Grammy nominated Re-Membrances, Hornucopia, Into The Faddispere, Legacy, Take Double, Good And Plenty and Youngblood.
The National Arts Club was founded in 1898 to stimulate, foster and promote public interest in the arts and educate the American people in the fine arts.
Benjamin possessed a fluid, round sound on the alto saxophone, and he was often most recognizable by the layers of electronic effects that he put onto the instrument.
Apr 2, 2024 12:59 PM
Casey Benjamin, the alto saxophonist, vocalist, keyboardist and producer who stamped his distinctive sounds on the…
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