Pianist Benito Gonzalez “Two times Grammy nominee” is an internationally beloved artist who combines a long lineage of American jazz traditions with rhythms from around the world. He’s worked with dozens of the greats, and he always brings some of the best rhythm section players in the world.
Today a rising tide of young jazz pianists are attempting to find their distinct voices by taking cues from their elders. But only a few take their artistry beyond their predecessors to make bold 88-key statements on their journeys to new vistas, fresh sounds, inspired expressions. That personal-touch devotion to the wonders of the instrument brings with it a certitude of intuitive creativity.
That fortitude fuels Benito Gonzalez, an exhilarating pianist who won the 2005 Great America Jazz Piano Competition and was honored in 2020 to be a Steinway & Sons artist for “his sound [that] is recognizable for the powerful rhythm section and Afro-Latin patterns he prioritizes across his projects.” The Venezuela-born, New York-based artist grew up playing traditional Venezuelan folk music with his family before absorbing the inventiveness of such pianists as Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner, Chick Corea, and Keith Jarrett who inspired him to join in the explorations on the instrument. In this episode, Benito shares his background, education, and musical journey.
Check out Benito on YouTube: The Benito Gonzalez Trio – Flatbush Avenue! (Benito Gonzalez Quartet feat: Gary Thomas) – LIVE Benito Gonzalez Trio Tribute to McCoy Tyner 2020
How to Reach Benito Gonzalez:
Website: https://www.benitogonzalezmusic.com/
Instagram: Benitopiano
Facebook: Benitogonzalezofficial
Twitter: Pianobg
Listen to Benito Gonzalez:
Apple – Tidal – Spotify – Amazon
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