Benny Benack & Friends

At the age of 26, Pittsburgh-born, New York-based Jazz musician Benny Benack III has been hailed by Nate Chinen of the New York Times as “a charismatic young trumpeter who maintains an earnest sideline as a singer”. As a dual-threat, he’s quickly established himself as one of the most versatile and virtuosic voices of his generation. He first made his mark internationally through competitions, highlighted by winning the Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Soloist Competition (2011), and being a Finalist for the prestigious Thelonius Monk International Jazz Competition (2014). After placing in a number of US vocal competitions as well (Gentleman Sing, Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival), the stage was set for his bright career.

Delivering on that early promise, he became a frequent collaborator with musicians such as Ulysses Owens Jr., Michael Dease, and Chihiro Yamanaka – recording with the latter on the iconic Blue Note Records label. Sought after as a trumpet soloist, he’s played in nearly every major big band, including the Christian McBride Big Band, Mingus Big Band, Dizzy Gillespie Alumni All-Stars, Jimmy Heath Big Band, and Bobby Sanabria’s Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra. An international touring schedule includes frequent engagements in Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Russia, Ukraine and Italy. Equally at ease in the Pop/Cabaret world, he has toured alongside Josh Groban as his trumpet soloist, played the famed Cafe Carlyle with fashion icon Isaac Mizrahi, headlined the iconic Birdland Jazz Club alongside Anne Hampton Callaway honoring Ella & Louis, and was special guest with the Pittsburgh Symphony Pops Orchestra for a Tribute to Sinatra. When not on the road, he headlines at the finest venues in New York, with engagements at 54 Below, Jazz @ Lincoln Center’s “Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola”, The Blue Note, Birdland, SMOKE, Minton’s, the Jazz Standard, Small’s, and has a monthly Saturday night residency at Mezzrow in the West Village. He was recently featured as a vocalist during Jazz @ Lincoln Center’s 2016 Concert Series in the Appel Room, as a part of “Crooners” celebrating Bing Crosby, Mel Torme & Nat King Cole. He also made his television debut, featured live on-air in the House Band for NBC’s variety show “Maya & Marty in Manhattan”.

As an educator, Benack is highly sought after around the world as a clinician and masterclass presenter, known for his engaging and enthusiastic style with students. Throughout many schools, he leads The Benny Benack Band on behalf of Jazz @ Lincoln Center’s “Jazz For Young People” outreach program. He regularly leads educational concerts at the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, and for the NY Pops Education Outreach Program as a Teaching Artist.

He is a two-time graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, obtaining his Master of Music degree in 2015. He is endorsed by P. Mauriat Trumpets, Torpedo Bag cases, and Carol Brass Flugelhorns.