Six-time GRAMMY nominee Lakecia Benjamin is an alto saxophonist, arranger, composer, bandleader and educator.
Known for her captivating live performances, her music offers a unique meld of R&B, several strains of jazz, and funk.
Her warm, resonant tone – that has been compared to Johnny Hodges – lends itself to any form of music she chooses to play. Her acclaimed albums Phoenix (2023) and Pursuance: The Coltranes (2020) have firmly established her among jazz's foremost artists, with praise from The New York Times, The Guardian, and DownBeat.
Named Alto Saxophonist of the Year by the Jazz Journalist Association and Jazz Scholar by the Library of Congress, Benjamin's prominence continues to rise. In 2024, she released Phoenix Reimagined (Live) on Ropeadope, featuring collaborations with John Scofield, Randy Brecker, and JeU “Tain” Watts.
Her newest album, We Dream, released on June 5 on Artwork Records, reflects a powerful response to the moment we’re living in and a commitment to being, in her words, “a bright light in a dark space.”
Featuring Oscar Perez (Piano), Elias Bailey (Bass), Jonathan Barber (drums)