| Jazz-O-Matic.com Featured Artist |
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Hailing from Long Island City, Queens, Benny Reid offers a vision of music looking towards the future, drawing from the past, but firmly entrenched in the present. His sound reflects certain influences such as Pat Metheny Group and Brian Blade Fellowship, but his playing and composition is purely original and unique.
Benny Reid was born and raised in the diverse and culturally affluent town of Westfield, NJ. After expressing interest in the saxophone at the age of seven, Benny’s parents quickly sought out an alto saxophone for him to play. He instantly took to the horn and began practicing and studying privately. Living 30 minutes outside of New York City helped the inspiration flow through Benny’s fingers. His parents took him to see jazz greats such as Joe Henderson, Sonny Rollins, and Phil Woods. Benny soon began transcribing and studying the jazz language at an accelerated rate.
An unfortunate event that forever changed Benny’s life and musical path occurred when he was 13. His sister Alina passed away at the age of 14. This tragedy deeply affected Benny’s moral and personality and deepened his passion for music. In fact, music became his life. Benny began playing jam sessions in NJ and NYC clubs. He also began studying with the great alto saxophonist Andy Fusco.
At the age of 17, Benny landed a full scholarship to the prestigious Indiana University. As soon as he set foot on campus, Benny was a strong presence on the music scene. He was playing various Indiana venues and during his freshman year, he started his own band. By the end of college, Benny was one of the most sought after saxophone players in the state of IN and was often found playing in the Midwest jazz clubs.
Fast forward three years later to a cramped apartment in Long Island City, Queens. Benny performed nightly around the country and in NYC clubs. Over the last four years, he could be found playing with Eric Reed, Winard Harper, Chico O’Farrill Big Band, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Buddy Rich Band, Eric Alexander, among others. In addition to the inspired level of studio performance Benny Reid brings to the table, he presents a dynamic live show incorporating searing instrumental solos and most of all, a magical vibe that his compositions generate. With his original sound and composition, Benny Reid will be found setting new musical trends now and in the future.
Benny Reid Productions
E-mail: bennyreid@bennyreid.com
Web: http://www.bennyreid.com