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…
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced its lineup for 2008-’09.
The center will offer several series of concerts including Jazz In D.C., Louis Armstrong Legacy Singers, Art Tatum Piano Panorama and a Platinum series focused on the classical influences on Duke Ellington. It will also host the 14th Annual Mary Lou Williams Women In Jazz festival May 14–16, 2009. Special concerts include NPR’s Jazz Piano Christmas and A Jazz new Year’s Eve scheduled for Dec. 4 and Dec. 31, respectively.
Ellington Voices: Classical To Jazz will be a series of concerts in the Platinum series. A Nov. 22 concert will feature vocalists Nnenna Freelon and Harolyn Blackwell interpreting classical influences on Duke’s jazz.
The NSO Pops orchestra, conducted by Marvin Hamlisch, will feature the Jazz Ambassadors Army Field Band Nov. 28–29 performing the music of Duke Ellington, Billy Taylor and James Reese Europe.
Benny Golson will appear Jan. 24, 2009, to celebrate his 80th birthday with the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Al Jarreau, Ron Carter, Bill Cosby and others.
More info: kennedy-center.org
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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