About Ben
A U.S. Fulbright Scholar to Ghana and to the Republic of Moldova, Ben is a Professor at California State University, Fresno. His Origin Records album with U.S. Poet Laureate Philip Levine, “The Poetry of Jazz,” was hailed in literary and music journals as a historic recording, as well as being voted #3 “Best Album of 2018” (behind Chick Corea and Wynton Marsalis) in DownBeat’s 83rd annual Readers Poll and being featured on NPR’s “All Things Considered.” “The Poets Are Gathering” features poets such as Tyehimba Jess, Patricia Smith, Edward Hirsch, and Juan Felipe Herrera alongside Kenny Werner, Ari Hoenig, Corcoran Holt, Ben Monder, and others. Topics include police murder, systemic racism, mass shootings, immigration, war, and poverty.
Latest Album
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The Poets Are Gathering $15.00
FEATURED JAZZ VIDEO
“JOY” | Album Preview Trailer
FEATURED CLASSICAL VIDEO
“WATERLESS MUSIC: A DROUGHT SYMPHONY” for Orchestra, Recorded Narration, and Water
All Upcoming Shows & Tours Cancelled :-(
News
- “Munro Review” in-depth interview about THE POETRY OF JAZZ, Vol 2
- Read T.R. Hummer’s brilliant scholarly essay on “THE POETRY OF JAZZ” in “Blackbird”
- “The Poetry of Jazz” listed as one of the “Best Albums of 2018” in Downbeat
- “The Poetry of Jazz” #3 “Jazz Album of the Year” in Downbeat’s 83rd Readers Poll
- NPR’s “All Things Considered” feature on THE POETRY OF JAZZ
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Featured Video
“CURTAIN OF LIGHT” | LIVE from Accra’s +233 Jazz Club