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Lakecia Benjamin

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Biography

Born and raised in Manhattan, New York City, Lakecia Benjamin began playing the saxophone at Fiorello LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts and has been composing songs and poetry since the age of 13. Later, she chose a jazz studies program at the New School University in New York.
Lakecia's musical career began in Latin dance music, and her first job was in the Young Titans of Jazz group formed by trumpeter Clark Terry. C. Terry and Reggie Workman early in her career paved the way for the saxophonist to collaborate and tour with a whole galaxy of jazz greats, including Rashied Ali, Christian Mcbride, Gregory Porter, David Murray's Big Band, Anita Baker, the Count Basie Orchestra, Harry Belafonte, Duke Ellington Orchestra, Vincent Herring, James "Blood" Ulmer.L. Benjamin has appeared on four continents, sharing the stage with such megastars as Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Missy Elliot, The Roots. In 2009, the saxophonist performed at the inauguration of US President Barack Obama.
In 2012, L. Benjamin released his debut self-titled album "Retox" with his band. Jazz, hip-hop and soul meet in Lakecia's dynamic music. She recommended herself as a skillful custodian of traditions, keeping pace with the younger generation, in addition, she became a sought-after arranger and leader in solid projects.
Lakecia's previous album, Pursuance, was dedicated to the work of John and Alice Coltrane, and the saxophonist interpreted it together with the pioneers of her generation - Ron Carter, Dee Dee Bridegwater, Regina Carter, Greg Osby, Steve Wilson, Marcus Gilmore, Marcus Strickland and others. L. Benjamin immortalized the most influential jazz couple of the 20th century in his new album.In 2020, the artist was recognized as a "Rising Alto Saxophone Star" by Downbeat, the most important jazz publication, and the Jazz Journalists Association awarded her the title of Most Promising Artist of the Year.

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