Benny Powell  - Trombone

Photo credit: © J. Harlaar

BENNY POWELL

Benny Powell is one of the most versatile trombonists and jazz lecturers on the contemporary music scene.  He is a world-class musician who draws upon his vast experience, deep roots in the jazz tradition, and a driving capacity to expand his concept of modern music. jazz critic Nat Hentoff has written: "Benny Powell's playing has always had a flowing coherence.

The stories he tells are not fragmentary; they're complete.  So, tool is his writing and arranging." Now, this accomplished instrumentalist and composer has begun reinvesting himself as a singer and lyricist as well.  Toward that end, Powell recently recorded a collection of his engaging melodies and inspiring lyrics, backed by an all-star ensemble.

Powell is a favorite with both nightclub audiences and jazz critics.  Sometimes performing alongside pianist Jane Jarvis and bassist Earl May, Powell and his long-time colleagues have delighted listeners worldwide with their straight-forward presentation of familiar standards and original compositions.  For the past 15 years, he has also played with pianist Randy Weston's African Rhythms.  In addition, he works as a solo act and recently appeared at jazz festivals in Japan, Italy, France and Los Angeles.

Dedicated to keeping the jazz tradition alive, Powell devotes a large portion of his time to a broad range of educational endeavors.
He regularly presents an oral/musical history of African American music, J.11 Stories; has taught at Barry Harris' jazz Cultural Theatre, Jazz-mobile, and Long Island University; and is currently a professor at The New School.
He is also a private teacher and conducts clinics and residencies at high schools and colleges. Powell is also a committed activist on behalf of jazz related causes. In 1978, he founded the non-profit Los Angeles Committee on jazz, and has served on panels for die National Endowment for the Arts, the New York State Council on the Arts, and Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians.

Born in New Orleans, Powell was a member of Lionel Hampton's big band and gained national attention during his twelve years with Count Basie.   Since leaving Basie in 1963, Powell has enjoyed a diverse career.   He has worked in orchestras for numerous Broadway shows and was one of the first jazz musicians to perform regularly on television as a member of The Merv Griffin Show band.   Powell can be heard on countless recordings with the likes of Count Basic, the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis jazz Orchestral Benny Carter, the Heath Brothers, and Randy Weston, among many, many, others.........
 

 
As well as on his own recordings:
 

-The Nextep, 2008  (Origin records)
-The Gift of Love, 2003  (Faith records)
-Why Don't You Say "Yes" Sometime?, 1991 (Inspire Prod.)

-Coast to Coast, 1982   (Trident records)

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