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…
Orrin Evans is among the headliners scheduled to perform at the Philadelphia Jazz Festival, which runs April 23–30.
(Photo: Courtesy the artist)Jazz is getting some brotherly love in Philadelphia, courtesy of a new jazz festival. The first annual Philadelphia Jazz Festival will take place April 23–30 in the Pennsylvania metropolis, and is set to feature a diverse mix of artists, including headliners drummer Terri Lyne Carrington, vocalist Madison McFerrin, trombonist Steve Turre, singer Bob Dorough and Philly-reared pianist Orrin Evans.
Timed to coincide with Jazz Appreciation Month—as April has officially been designated in the United States—the Philadelphia Jazz Festival was made possible in part by brothers Robert and Ben Bynum, creators of restaurants/jazz venues SOUTH, Paris Bistro, RELISH, Warmdaddy’s and Zanzibar Blue. Their new non-profit organization, the Philadelphia Jazz Experience, was created to help local and international jazz artists. Additional support was provided by Philadelphia’s Office of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy.
The city of Philadelphia has a long and emblematic jazz history, having groomed countless jazz legends—including John Coltrane, Lee Morgan, Kenny Barron, Michael Brecker and Jimmy Heath—within its boundaries. In a press statement, the Bynum brothers said they hope the festival and their new non-profit organization helps preserve and extend that legacy.
“We support Philadelphia’s diverse pool of musicians 52 weeks a year in four different locations across the city,” explained Robert Bynum. “This Philadelphia Jazz Festival, along with the PJE, is about strengthening the fabric of our community and cultivating future generations of fans, artists, and jazz admirers.”
Other artists scheduled to perform throughout the week include local musicians Lil John Roberts, Jeff Bradshaw and Jaguar Wright. The Philadelphia Jazz Festival will also support the return of esteemed Philly native and newly signed Mack Avenue Records recording artist Joey DeFrancesco, who recently received a star on the Philadelphia Walk of Fame. He’ll be joined by fellow Philly-area natives Randy Brecker and ELEW (Eric Lewis) as part of a local all-stars band. Pianist Evans and bassist Gerald Veasley, both Philadelphia natives who helped launch a pair of weekly series at SOUTH, are also slated to perform.
The Festival will also offer an Education & Outreach component with several events throughout the week. Partnered with local organizations such as the Kimmel Center, Jazz Lives Philadelphia and Jazz Journeys, youths and seniors are invited to attend a “Meeting with the Masters” program, various meet and greets, discussions, luncheons and more.
The Festival’s partnerships include the following venues: SOUTH, Chris’ Jazz Club, World Café Live, Warmdaddy’s, RELISH, The Philadelphia Clef Club, The Paris Bistro, Ardmore Music Hall and the new Michael Nutter Theater at the Philadelphia Convention Center, among others. Additional sponsors and supporters include PECO, Stella Artois, Brown Foreman, Promixo Beverage, Penn Beer, Breakthru Beverage, Southern Wines & Spirits and more. Proceeds from the festival will benefit local organizations, including the Food Connect Group, Big Brothers and Big Sisters and the North Broad Street Renaissance.
For a full schedule of events please go to thephiladelphiajazzfestival.com. DB
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…
“He’s constructing intelligent musical sentences that connect seamlessly, which is the most important part of linear playing,” Charles McPherson said of alto saxophonist Sonny Red.
Feb 27, 2024 1:40 PM
“I might not have felt this way 30 to 40 years ago, but I’ve reached a point where I can hear value in what people…
Albert “Tootie” Heath (1935–2024) followed in the tradition of drummer Kenny Clarke, his idol.
Apr 5, 2024 10:28 AM
Albert “Tootie” Heath, a drummer of impeccable taste and time who was the youngest of three jazz-legend brothers…
“Both of us are quite grounded in the craft, the tradition and the harmonic sense,” Rosenwinkel said of his experience playing with Allen. “Yet I felt we shared something mystical as well.”
Mar 12, 2024 11:42 AM
“There are a few musicians you hear where, as somebody once said, the molecules in the room change. Geri was one of…
Larry Goldings’ versatility keeps him in high demand as a leader, collaborator and sideman.
Feb 21, 2024 10:45 AM
Are you having any fun? Larry Goldings certainly is. Consider just two recent examples:
Scene 1: “If anyone had…
