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…
Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC) in New York will kick off its 2007-‘08 season in October with the “Benny Carter Centennial,” a series of concerts and lectures honoring the late alto saxophonist.
Mel Martin and the Benny Carter Centennial Band will get the event started with an Oct. 15 performance at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola. Concerts by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis will follow Oct. 19 and 20 at Rose Theater. The band will perform Carter’s music, and the events will feature guest hosts Brian Williams of “NBC Nightly News” (Oct. 19) and former New York Giants running back and “Today Show” correspondent Tiki Barber (Oct. 20). Lectures by Ed Berger, Carter’s former producer and road manager, will precede both concerts.
In addition, Carter will be inducted into Lincoln Center’s Nesuhi Ertegun Jazz Hall of Fame on Oct. 19. Videos and photos of the saxophonist will be on display in the Atrium on Oct. 19 and 20.
Benny Carter was a pioneering alto sax player, known for his sweet tone and swinging style. He was an early arranger for Duke Ellington, and led a successful career performing jazz and composing TV and film scores for decades.
For more details, visit jalc.org/concerts/jlco.html.
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.
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