Benny Reid-Alto Saxophonist-Composer

A fresh and potent new voice on the modern jazz scene, 26-year-old alto saxophonist Benny Reid reveals a unique compositional vision along with an abundance of chops on his auspicious debut as a leader. A collection of six stirring suite-like compositions that unfold like richly appointed short stories, Findings is a fully realized work of remarkable depth and maturity that takes listeners on a musical journey traversing a whole range of emotions within each individual piece. And while the influence of Pat Metheny can be readily heard in the flowing melodicism, dramatic crescendos and overall uplifting nature of these half dozen tracks, Reid's own approach here is highly personal, inspired by a tragic event that forever changed the course of his life.

 "The major inspiration for this record is my sister, who passed away when I was 13," says the New Jersey native and current resident of Long Island City, Queens. "That is what drives me still. Back when I was a kid I promised myself, 'Some day I want to have her live through my music.' And now I am finally able to say, 'This is for her.'".

"I really got deep into playing because that was my way out," he recalls. "I remember in grade school just sitting around transcribing Joe Henderson solos for hours each day. A lot of kids probably don't do that but that was my escape and I went full force into it. Later on when I began to write tunes, they tended to be sad or touching or sentimental somehow. There was always a deepness to them, and that hasn't changed because I still feel very sad about my sister. I don't want people to feel sorry for me but the fact is, that's what made me who I am and itŐs really the defining factor of why I do what I do."

These events help explain the cathartic, contemplative nature of Findings. But there is also a touch of light to balance the darkness in provocative, atmospheric pieces like the opener "Destiny?" and complex offerings like "Findings: A Quest For Peace" or "Waves of Red." Wordless vocals play a significant part in buoyant, uplifting numbers like "Transient Melody" and the poignant "Dancing With My Father," Reid's homage to his first important musical influence. And the full scope of his compositional powers is employed on the dynamic closer, "Legend," which builds to a grand crescendo and showcases some of Reid's most passionate playing on the record.

"I feel like I was in some sort of a spiritual zone writing the music for this record," says Reid. "Everything from the titles that I came up with to the music itself just seemed very fitting for how I felt in those couple of years that I wrote the music."

Accompanied by a stellar crew including Pat Metheny drummer Antonio Sanchez, bassist Reuben Rogers, pianist Aaron Goldberg, guitarist Richard Padron, vocalist Jeff Taylor and percussionist Ryan Fitch, Benny reveals a big heart and a bold vision on his impressive first outing. And by eschewing the head-solo-solo-head formula of standard jazz repertoire for a more through-composed approach, Reid stakes out some adventurous new territory on Findings.

"I feel like there's more to say and develop than just a short head," he explains. "I may come up with a catchy line or musical idea and then I'm always thinking, 'How can I extend this and take it somewhere else?' From there I come up with transitions which lead to other sections -- a rubato section, 3/4 section, reharmonized section, funkier section or any number of other things. And I keep expanding from there so that I may end up with four, five or more sections in each piece."

Reid adds that an essential component in each piece on Findings is melody. "I feel the most beautiful element of music that you can write is melody, and that's an integral part of jazz and music in general that is kind of lost sometimes; moreso now in this day and age than ever. So I feel like thatŐs what I'm trying to do is create beautiful lines in all kinds of different ways."

Born in Westfield, New Jersey on October 7, 1980, Reid grew up in a musical household where the records of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Stan Getz and Pat Metheny provided a soundtrack for daily life. "Since I was a kid, my mom and dad listened to all kinds of music," says Benny. He recalls, "When I was in second grade, they got us started in band. My uncle played the alto sax in college so when they asked what instrument we wanted to play, I chose the alto sax because of him."

He credits both his parents along with his first sax teachers with shaping his early interest in jazz. "I was blessed to have very good teachers. And during this time of studying, my parents were also buying me records and taking me to jazz concerts. I saw Sonny Rollins, Joe Henderson, Phil Woods and so many others. They were really exposing me to the right elements and I started listening to jazz incessantly. I also started practicing a lot and by ninth grade, I was going to jam sessions locally. Later, in high school, I went into New York once in a while to play jam sessions there. So I got my ass kicked real young, and it just helped get me into shape."

From age 15 on, Reid's main mentor was former Buddy Rich alto saxophonist Andy Fusco. "Here was a real working jazz guy who was a phenomenal player and knew everything about jazz, so it was very inspiring to be with him."

Reid later attended Indiana University, where he came under the tutelage of jazz educators David Baker and Tom Walsh. "It allowed me the freedom to experiment and go on my own path," says Benny of his tenure at IU from 1998 to 2002. "Many schools tend to group you into a certain thing, but my teachers there really gave everyone individual attention. And I had terrific peers who provided a very friendly, but competitive atmosphere. We learned a lot and practiced hard. And that's the environment where I fully developed."

Although he was already composing in high school and showcased some of his original music at high school and college recitals, it wasn't until he finished his schooling at Indiana University that Reid began writing some of the music which appears on Concord Records debut. "I started writing that music when I was 20 and I finished when I was 22, so I've been sitting on it for a long time," he explains. "And I've probably written three albums worth of material since then that keeps changing and evolving. So I'm excited to hopefully get that out in the future as well.

"It's my dream to ultimately work on an orchestral scale," he continues. "I want to keep expanding the canvas and building these pieces to even bigger and bigger heights."

But for now there is Findings, a wildly ambitious work which introduces Benny Reid as a composer of great promise while hinting at even grander things to come.

Rick Holland, JR247: Benny welcome to JR247’s interview forums. I’m sitting listening to your newest release, entitled “Findings”. It’s a very refreshing set of music, and I hear influences from hard-bop to Pat Metheny. Plus, I love the way your playing the alto, great sound, great pitch and with an expressive quality. First question, tell us some about your background, and your genuine interests in music. The kind of players who inspire you, and music that you really just enjoy listening to.

Benny Reid: Rick thank you for your kind words. I am delighted that you enjoy my concept.

I come from an artistic family (mother and grandfather is a visual artist) and the arts were a very important area of exposure for us. My parents asked me what instrument I wanted to play at the age of 7 and I said the alto sax. In addition to hearing lots of music around the house, they immediately enrolled me in private lessons. The other piece of the puzzle is that I ENJOYED practicing!

I enjoy a variety of music and musicians but there were certain figures that really inspired me. Some of these guys are Sonny Rollins, Miles Davis, Joe Henderson, Stan Getz, Wayne Shorter, Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock, Kenny Garrett and countless others. I simply enjoy listening to great music, which can come in many different forms. Right now I am into the operas of Puccini.

JR247: Benny I noticed you wrote everything on this disc, and you have an affinity to writing beautiful melody. This is a rare quality in this day in age. My sincere congrads to sticking to finding what’s beautiful in music. Question? How did you arrive at this point? What inspired you to write this way, as opposed to an academic approach that often disregards beauty in music?

BR: Well, I am not really sure but I think that comes from within. I just feel my heart singing out at times, singing from feelings of pain or pleasure and I just translate that into music.

JR247: Can you share some of your educational background, and important mentors in your musical development?

BR: As I mentioned earlier, private lessons was the first step in getting on track. I was also privileged to live in an area with a great music program. My parents sent me to music camp at Manhattan School of Music and Eastman School of Music and various other programs. Lastly I was taken to concerts to major jazz artists all throughout my childhood. My mentors were Andy Fusco, who is a phenomenal jazz saxophonist and teacher, Jim Pelligrino, Robert Rietzke, Tom Walsh and David Baker who were my professors at Indiana University. There were many other mentors that influenced me as well.

JR247: What are some of the early lessons in life that your music has been able to teach you? Your newest disc “Findings”, may suggest a theme here? Can you share some of this with our listeners?

BR: Man, music opened a door that few people enter. As a child, I was going to jam sessions, playing gigs and attending workshops all over the place, especially NYC and NJ. I was exposed to different social situations that allowed me to not only except all types of people, but embrace them. I gained a certain social maturity and learned how to talk to people. It also toughened me up a lot. Playing “Giant Steps” at Smalls and hanging until 6am when you are 16 makes you feel just a little more courageous. It also teaches you what you have to practice for the next time!

JR247:I’d like to focus on ‘Findings’ for a few moments. First of all, you have a nice group who seem to grasp your musical values. Please share with us how this project evolved with this particular group of musicians? Were their any concert or club appearances to help create a chemistry with this band?

BR: I had a bunch of concerts with the group and this is what developed the music to its potential. Like most people, I use different musicians for different things. I had the opportunity to work with the cats on the record since they were friends of mine and they were all excited about it.

JR247:I like some of the colors on this disc, in particular the use of voice and the Rhodes has always been a great sound. Who inspired these sounds for you?

BR: I always enjoyed creating different sounds and I love using keyboards. Rhodes just gave me a modern sound that I was looking for. The use of the voice was something that I think translates emotionally to the listener and I found myself singing a lot as I compose.

JR247: Benny, I later read how important your sister was to you in this life. For those who do not know, she passed away when she was only 14 years of age. This disc, although contemplative, is highly inspirational and hopeful. Please share with us your unique relationship with your music and your sister, and how she lives through your music. (Thank-you BTW,I know this could touch a lot of emotional chords, and only share what is comfortable for you?

BR: I kind of dedicated my life to her after she died. It is still sad for me but I feel that I am vindicating her if I can make her live in the world through my music. I am also doing this for my family. It makes us feel that she is living longer and that she is not forgotten.

JR247: Benny, I have 3 daughters, and they mean the world to me. And your disc has made me think how I want my music to live on through them as well. I can tell how important your family is to you. Your music seems to generate positive feelings for what and who made you who you are. Share with us some about how you feel family has helped make your music whole and meaningful?

BR: Family is where you gather the most inspiration. You are genetically programmed with certain personality traits and your family then shapes the rest. Having supportive, loving parents and siblings is perhaps the main reason why I am playing today.

JR247:Share with us about this upcoming tour, who’s going out with you and some of the highlights you are looking forward to?

BR: We will be traveling to the Midwest to do concerts and clinics. I am doing a quartet version of the band with a couple new members. I will be taking my guitarist Richard Padron, who is doing extremely well in NYC and drummer Kenny Grohowski who is a member of Lonnie Plaxico’s band.

JR247: I feel when I listen to so many of the younger musicians coming up, they’re truly taking Jazz to a new spot musically. Do you feel this way? Why or why not?

BR: I think some musicians are taking the music to a new spot, but I don’t think it is different than times in the past. There are always a few artists who are labeled as ground braking but you really never know until they withstand the test of time. I hope I can withstand the test of time.

JR247: Do you feel ‘Jazz’ is still a healthy a viable musical idiom today?

BR: I do. I just wish we could get this music in the mainstream. It is definitely hard, but there are so many cats still playing and fighting for jazz every day.

JR247: As a younger artist, what are some of your goals in helping ‘Jazz’ get into the ears of more people worldwide?

BR: I hope to cross musical borders with my music. I also enjoy teaching and I think the academic approach to jazz greatly helps spread the idiom. I wish that the music industry as a whole will embrace jazz and market it to the general public a bit more.

JR247: Benny, please share with us some of your goals for 2007-08?

BR: My goals are simple and that is to ultimately continue to create great music that upholds my personal standards. I wish to tour, spread my name, music and record my next record.

Thanks a lot Rick. Great questions!