Lakecia Benjamin

Not without my saxophone! The grandeur with which Lakecia Benjamin presents herself on her album covers impresses, amuses, but also makes one somewhat suspicious. Because jazz usually doesn't like it glamorous. Legend has it, by the way, that Lakecia Benjamin bugged Prince until he finally asked her to join him on stage. She then toured with Alicia Keys and played with Stevie Wonder, inspired by her idol Maceo Parker. From here it was only a small step to the cosmic spheres of John and Alice Coltrane. The fact that "Pursuance: The Coltranes" was released in March 2020, of all places, could not stop Benjamin any more than a serious car accident in 2021. In early 2023, the follow-up album "Phoenix" was released, critically acclaimed, with appearances by Angela Davis or Patrice Rushen, produced by Terri Lyne Carrington. Comparisons with Sun Ra, Ornette Coleman - and Betty Davis show: Relationship richness and an own style are not mutually exclusive.