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…
On March 14 and 15, Saint Peter’s Church in New York will feature a program dedicated entirely to Billy Strayhorn, “Prez Fest 2009: Celebrating Billy Strayhorn.” The festival begins with a listening session of Billy Strayhorn recordings on March 14 at 3 p.m. and continues on Sunday with a lecture on Billy Strayhorn, a show by the Jazz Vespers and a large concert. A variety of groups will perform Strayhorn’s music
Musicians who are already confirmed to perform at the Sunday evening concert are Randy Weston, Billy Taylor, Ron Blake, Darius deHaas, Jeb Patton, David Wong, Winard Harper, Valerie Capers, John Robinson, Rudy Lawless, Alan Givens, Michael Morris, Aaron Diehl, Gene Bertoncini, Sara Caswell, Alan Ferber Quartet, Jimmy Owens, Kenny Davis, Mike Howell, Sarah McLawler, Mike Hashim, Ehud Asheri and The Ellington Legacy Band (with Edward Ellington, Norman Simmons, Virginia Mayhew, Nancy Reed, Jami Dauber, Paul Wells, Tom David Hajdu, scholar and author of Lush Life: A Biography of Billy Strayhorn, will speak about Billy Strayhorn on Sunday at 4:00 PM with recorded music. Junior Mance and Hide Tanaka (piano/bass duo) will lead the music at Jazz Vespers at 5:00 PM.
An exhibit of Billy Strayhorn memorabilia will also be a part of the tribute.
More info: saintpeters.org/jazz
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
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