Lakecia Benjamin / Pasquale Grasso Trio

ABOUT THIS CONCERT
For this edition of Terence Blanchard’s UpSwing series, we present a double bill consisting of a rising master saxophonist and a guitar genius of the highest order.

ABOUT LAKECIA BENJAMIN
An exceptional artist who has earned accolades in the DownBeat Critics’ Poll and from the Jazz Journalists Association, saxophonist and composer Lakecia Benjamin brings a powerful approach fusing soul and hip-hop with a rock-solid foundation in the jazz tradition. Mentored by Gary Bartz and Billy Harper, the Washington Heights native cut her teeth with an impressive roster of greats including NEA Jazz Masters Clark Terry and Reggie Workman, Gregory Porter, and Christian McBride, and released her soul-drenched debut Retox in 2012. Her 2020 follow-up Pursuance was dedicated to the work of John and Alice Coltrane, and her latest Ropeadope Records album, Phoenix Reimagined (Live), was released last year.

ABOUT PASQUALE GRASSO
Described by jazz guitar icon Pat Metheny as “the best guitar player I’ve heard in maybe my entire life,” Italian-born virtuoso Pasquale Grasso has gained worldwide notoriety for his signature blend of rapturous swing and jaw-dropping technique.

Starting on guitar at five, he was inspired by the limitless abilities of pianists Bud Powell and Art Tatum which informed the development of his remarkable dexterity. Grasso won the 2015 Wes Montgomery International Guitar Competition and performed at the Kennedy Center for the NEA Jazz Master Tribute Concert in 2018 honoring Pat Metheny. His latest Sony Masterworks release, Fervency, is based around lesser-known gems from jazz’s great composers.