Photo by Duy Tran

Combining a joyful swing feel with impeccable touch, Steinway Artist BEN PATERSON has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young pianists on the Jazz scene today, garnering international acclaim for his superb musicianship and engaging performances. Whether playing lush ballads on the piano, digging into some hard-driving blues-tinged organ jazz on the Hammond B3, or singing classic tunes by the likes of Ray Charles and Nat King Cole, Ben combines effortless technique with soulful honesty, drawing in both aficionados and Jazz neophytes alike. "As soulful a pianist/organist as exists anywhere." - Downbeat Magazine

 

Originally from Philadelphia, Ben studied both classical and Jazz music before moving to the great city of Chicago, absorbing the unique blend of Jazz and Blues that can only be found in the Windy City. Now based in New York, Ben is poised to bring his unique talents and style to a wider audience, performing regularly at top-notch venues around town, and at clubs and festivals around the world.

 

Starting in 2005, Ben was honored to join the band of NEA jazz master Von Freeman, performing with him regularly until Von’s passing in August 2012. Other notable collaborations include work with Bobby Broom, Johnny O’Neal, Red Holloway, Eldee Young, Jerry Weldon, Peter Bernstein and Ed Cherry to name a few, with performances opening for groups like Steely Dan and B.B. King.

 

In 2018, Ben was named as the First Place winner of the inaugural Ellis Marsalis International Jazz Piano Competition, with judges including Ellis and Branford Marsalis, Arturo O’Farrill and Jon Batiste.

 

Ben currently has 6 CD’s released under his own name: Breathing Space (OA2 Records 2007) Blues For Oscar (Meetinghouse Records 2012), Essential Elements (MAXJAZZ 2013), For Once In My Life (Origin 2015), That Old Feeling (Cellar Live 2018), and Live at Van Gelder’s (Cellar Live 2018)