Tag Archives: Lakecia Benjamin

Lakecia Benjamin – Pursuance: The Coltranes

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Title: Pursuance: The Coltranes
Artist: Lakecia Benjamin
Label: Ropeadope
Formats: CD, Digital
Release Date: March 27, 2020

 

Virtuosic saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin offers a powerful homage to two major jazz figures, Alice Coltrane and John Coltrane, on her newest release Pursuance: The Coltranes. Though her first two albums as a bandleader, Retox (2012) and Rise Up (2018), draw heavily upon soul and funk influences, Pursuance showcases Benjamin’s versatile performance of seminal jazz works from the Coltranes’ repertoire. Covering multiple musical periods across the album’s 13-tracks, Benjamin is supported by a phenomenal multi-generational line-up of over forty artists, including Ron Carter, Gary Bartz, Regina Carter, Jazzmeia Horn, and Brandee Younger, among others. Legendary jazz bassist Reggie Workman, a member of the John Coltrane Quartet in the early 1960s, co-produced the project and is also a featured guest.

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Lakecia Benjamin – Rise Up

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Lakecia Benjamin
Title: Rise Up

Artist: Lakecia Benjamin

Label: Ropeadope
Formats: CD, Digital

Release date: March 23, 2018

 

 

Growing up in New York City’s Washington Heights neighborhood, Lakecia Benjamin moved away from home at the young age of 14 to attend La Guardia High School of Music & Art, where she got her start playing jazz. Since then, Benjamin has become one of the most sought after saxophonists in the music industry, playing with jazz giants like Clark Terry and Reggie Workman as well as arranging and leading the horn sections of superstars like Macy Gray, Alicia Keys, and even Stevie Wonder. Now, as she releases her third album, Rise Up featuring  her group Soul Squad, Benjamin reminds us once again of her prowess as a songwriter and band leader.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSiDutcUlhs&feature=youtu.be

Benjamin uses this album to send a message about moving through life’s many challenges, opening with the funky title track “March On,” which begins with a quote from Les Brown: “You can either live your dreams or live your fears.” This song features a fun and motivational rap from Benjamin as well as a powerful vocal from jazz singer China Moses. “March On” speaks towards the idea of moving through the obstacles life puts in your way, with the lyric: “We March On to find victory / We March On to find the peace we seek / We March On to reclaim our being / We March On! We March On! We March On!”

“Take Back” is another truly spectacular track. Though entirely instrumental, this jazz fusion tune is meant to convey a story of taking back control over your life and reclaiming your destiny. With its driving rock groove and catchy and rhythmic horn riff you can’t help but move with the music.

Rise Up includes other phenomenal new original songs from Benjamin, including “Cornbread,” “Survivor” and “On The One.” It’s such a fun album that it’s sure to appeal to a wide range of jazz and soul fans alike.

Reviewed by Jared Griffin