New York, New York, United States
Lakecia Benjamin is a powerful young jazz saxophonist born and raised in New York City. She began her music education on saxophone at the early age of eleven. Although there were no musicians in her family, she showed a strong interest in music early on. At age 12, she started playing alto sax in middle school band class, and three years later, she was accepted into the famous Fiorello H. Laguardia high school. It was here where she first encountered jazz under the direction of the world famous tuba player Bob Stewart. Here she was exposed to several different styles of jazz, from the Lincoln center jazz orchestra to Sam Rivers, to Frank Foster’s loud minority, down to Lester Bowie’s brass fantasy. Under Bob Stewart’s mentorship and people like Bill Saxton, and Bruce Williams Lakecia began to develop her musical talent. This experience went on to prepare her to be accepted in the New School Jazz and Contemporary music program. Here Lakecia studied with greats like Gary Bartz, Charles Tolliver, Steve Wilson, Vincent Herring, and Joe Chambers. These teachers prepared her to then join Clark Terry’s big band “terry’s young Titians of jazz” where she began playing all over the world. Also it was during this time period that she began playing with other masters like Reggie Workman, Bertha Hope, and Charli Persip. Since her studies at the newschool Lakecia has not only become a in demand jazz artist. But is also extremly on call in the hip hop and r and b world.She has been recently playing with Corte Ellis ,Alicia Keys ,Anita Baker ,Kool and the Gang, Rashid Ali and Clark terry. Just to name a few. Lakecia Also has her own band called Soulsquad more info about this ensemble can be looked up on her website. Specialties: Performing ,Recording , Teaching and Grooving