Lakecia Benjamin

Voted a 2020 DownBeat Critics Poll Rising Star, charismatic and dynamic saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin fuses traditional conceptions of jazz, hip-hop, and soul with her roots in Latin dance music. She has unleashed her electric presence and fiery sax work on stages with several legendary artists, including Stevie Wonder, Missy Elliott, Alicia Keys, and The Roots.

“Her alto sound is … rich, soulful, and drenched in the blues. She plays with such passion and such commitment you know she means every note,” says a reviewer for Jazzwise of Pursuance, Benjamin’s 2020 tribute to Alice and John Coltrane.

Benjamin’s 2023 album Phoenix, her far-reaching fourth studio album, was nominated for three Grammy Awards. The follow-up release Phoenix Reimagined (Live) came out in July, and features new songs and collaborations with Pedrito Martinez, John Scofield, Randy Brecker, and Jeff “Tain” Watts.

In the past year, Benjamin and her band have performed a set on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert and an NPR Tiny Desk Concert.