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Pianist Benjamin Lewis is at the age of 34 a thirteen-year veteran of the music scene in Chicago, where he currently makes his home. His musical journey began at an early age with classical piano, but after seven years he found a new direction, inspired by the dynamic artistry of Art Tatum and eloquence of Bill Evans. It was not long before Ben knew what he was meant to do in life. His study of jazz carried through to Indiana University, where he earned his Bachelor of Music degree. Since moving to Chicago, Ben has performed with many venerable Chicago talents such as Grazyna Auguscik, Orbert Davis, Blue Note recording artist Jackie Allen, and the late, great Lin Halliday. |
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Two tours abroad as a Jazz Ambassador for the U.S. State Department brought him to eleven different countries throughout West Africa and East Asia, performing concerts and conducting clinics with local musicians. After being selected in 2004 for his second tour, Ben and his fellow group members chose the name Chicago Jazz Quartet to represent the city and its vibrant music as they played for audiences from Saigon to Islamabad. Ben also tours regularly with actor & bassist Gary Sinise in his Lt. Dan Band. The rock group, featuring mostly Chicago musicians, has traveled the world performing for U.S. troops. Ben's love of Latin music has kept him very active in the local scene, playing from traditional salsa to Afro-Cuban jazz and rock. His experience with these traditions has greatly influenced the way he approaches improvisation, drawing upon the rhythmic joy and humor found in that music. Ben has recorded with numerous artists, including Grazyna Auguscik, drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, and most recently Jackie Allen, whose latest released Tangled is on Blue Note Records. As he looks to the next stage of his career, Ben plans to record his own CD featuring some of the incredible Chicago musicians that have inspired him along his journey. |
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