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…
World renowned tenor saxophonist Teddy Edwards, who has been battling cancer these past eight years-will be the honored guest at “A Sunday Afternoon For Teddy” at the Musicians Union this
coming Sunday, February 2. The proceeds will go directly to help pay mounting medical costs.
“We were approached by so many of my dad’s friends who just wanted to express their appreciation, show their respect, and help out,” says Teddy Edwards, Jr. “A friend, Bryon Winston, came up with the idea of having a tribute now, basically, giving him his flowers while he can still smell them.”
Friends and peers expected to perform on Sunday include: Ernie Andrews, Gary Bell, John Bolivar, Frank Capp, Ndugu Chancellor, Gene Diamond, Leslie Drayton, George Harper, Art Hillary, Dr. Roland Holmes, Linda Hopkins, Sweet Baby Jai’, James Janisse, Gerryck King, Saskia Laroo, Al McKibbon, Barbara Morrison, Larry Nash, Chuck Niles, Carl Randall, James Smith, Phil Upchurch, Louis Van Taylor, Spanky Wilson and the Teddy Edwards’ String Ensemble.
Despite his health problems over the last decade, Teddy has remained active, writing for the Brass String Ensemble, recording and performing-doing the things he has loved to do all his life. He has also written his first novel, Paris Nights, which will be published later this year by Vantage Press.
“My dad always felt he wasn’t going to get the recognition due him until after he was gone,” states Teddy, Jr. “Now people are in the process of proving him wrong.”
“A Sunday Afternoon For Teddy” is at the Musicians Union, 817 N. Vine St., Hollywood, Calif., this Sunday, Feb. 2. The event is from 2-6 p.m. and admission is $20 at the door. All proceeds with go directly to Teddy Edwards’ medical care.
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…
