Lakecia Benjamin Performs Live

Summary

All Of It: Lakeisha Benjamin Performs Live – A Detailed Summary

Podcast Title: All Of It
Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Lakeisha Benjamin
Episode Release Date: January 8, 2025
Episode Title: Lakecia Benjamin Performs Live

---

1. Introduction to Lakeisha Benjamin and Her Grammy-Nominated Album

In this episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart welcomes Lakeisha Benjamin, a celebrated alto saxophonist and composer from Washington Heights, New York. Lakeisha has garnered significant attention with her live reimagined album, "Phoenix Reimagined Live," which has earned nominations in two prestigious Grammy categories: Best Jazz Instrumental Album and Best Jazz Performance.

Alison Stewart introduces Lakeisha with enthusiasm:
"Lakeisha Benjamin is an alto saxophonist and composer. But most importantly, she's Washington Heights born and raised... her album Phoenix Reimagined Live is nominated this year in the best jazz instrumental album and best jazz performance categories."
(01:37)

2. Live Performance: "Train" – A Dedication to John Coltrane

The episode features a live performance by Lakeisha and her band, starting with the opening track "Train," a heartfelt dedication to the legendary jazz musician John Coltrane. The performance sets a vibrant and energetic tone for the episode.

Lakeisha Benjamin introduces the performance:
"We're gonna start off with the opening track for the album train, which is a dedication to John Coltrane."
(01:52)

3. Influences and the Reimagining of Phoenix

Post-performance, Alison delves into Lakeisha's musical influences, particularly her admiration for John Coltrane. Lakeisha attributes her deep connection to Coltrane's music:
"Just his dedication to his music, his dedication to his spirituality, his dedication to playing music and giving back to humanity. I felt like his purpose was to be a healer, to be a kind of spiritual leader, and that's kind of what I strive to do."
(06:35)

This influence is evident in her approach to reimagining her album. Lakeisha explains the intent behind "Phoenix Reimagined Live":
"I tried to think of a way, like, the first album was kind of like a perfect example of how the song should be played, everything. And the second album is kind of a way for me to show that how I relate to my audience, how I relate to the people, my personal relationship with my fans..."
(07:12)

4. Collaborations and Musical Growth

Lakeisha highlights the importance of collaboration in her work, mentioning notable artists who have contributed to both "Phoenix" and "Phoenix Reimagined Live". Her collaborators include influential figures such as Angela Davis, Patrice Rushing, Sonya Sanchez, Georgia Anne Mjöll, Diane Reeves, and the legendary Wayne Shorter.

When discussing what she seeks in collaborators, Lakeisha shares:
"I'm looking for someone that is bringing so much to the table and so much of who they are that I can write a song that they can be featured doing what they do."
(07:52)

5. Personal Struggles and the Creation of Phoenix

A pivotal moment in Lakeisha's life significantly influenced her music. She recounts a devastating car accident that left her with multiple injuries, including a brain bleed. This traumatic experience became a catalyst for her creative process, leading to the creation of "Phoenix."

Lakeisha opens up about her ordeal:
"I was driving from Ohio back to New York on I-80 and I kind of crashed off into the mountains. Long story short, I broke three ribs, I broke my jaw, I fractured my scapula, and I had a brain bleed."
(09:06)

Through her recovery, Lakeisha sought to embody resilience and hope, aiming to be "a kind of a living example" for others facing their own struggles:
"If you keep pushing forward, of what could potentially..."
(09:44)

6. The Importance of Live Performances and Energy

Lakeisha emphasizes the significance of live performances in jazz, drawing inspiration from iconic live recordings such as Joe Henderson's "Live at the Lighthouse" and John Coltrane's live performances in Newport. She believes that live shows capture the soul and passion of an artist in a way studio recordings cannot.

Reflecting on her approach, Lakeisha states:
"It's such a phenomenal record. Him, Woody Shaw. It's just the energy of that record... And you can't really beat a live show. New York City is all about live energy."
(08:23)

7. Style and Stage Presence

Beyond her musical prowess, Lakeisha discusses the importance of visual presence on stage. Inspired by the great Clark Terry, she ensures that her vibrant attire complements her performances, making her presence felt even before she starts playing.

Lakeisha shares:
"One of the first musicians I ever played with was the great Clark Terry. And I came to his show, I think in a sweatsuit or something, and he told me, Lakeisha, they see you before they hear you. Make sure they can see your personality and what you have to say."
(18:35)

8. Future Creative Goals and Closing Performance

Looking ahead, Lakeisha aspires to diversify her musical repertoire beyond jazz, seeking collaborations that challenge and expand her artistic boundaries. She aims to create an album that encapsulates all facets of her musical identity.

She expresses her ambition:
"I'm trying to find a way to keep pushing myself to grow, to keep finding people to collaborate with that are at a higher place, but also have seen more than me and I guess know more about all the genres of music."
(19:16)

The episode culminates with Lakeisha performing "Mercy," featuring Diane Reeves and Melody Ray, showcasing her versatility and the collaborative spirit that defines her work.

---

Notable Quotes:

• "Just his dedication to his music, his dedication to his spirituality... that's kind of what I strive to do." – Lakeisha Benjamin (06:35)

• "If you keep pushing forward, of what could potentially..." – Lakeisha Benjamin (09:44)

• "They see you before they hear you. Make sure they can see your personality and what you have to say." – Clark Terry as conveyed by Lakeisha Benjamin (18:35)

---

Conclusion:

In this enriching episode of All Of It, Lakeisha Benjamin shares her journey through adversity, her deep-rooted influences, and her relentless pursuit of artistic growth. Her Grammy-nominated work stands as a testament to her dedication to music and her ability to inspire and connect with audiences worldwide. Through vibrant performances and heartfelt conversations, Lakeisha embodies the cultural spirit that All Of It seeks to celebrate and explore.

Transcript

[Progressive Insurance]

All of it is supported by Progressive Insurance. You chose to hit play on this podcast today. Smart choice. Make another smart choice with Auto Quote Explorer to compare rates for multiple car insurance companies all at once. Try [e-mail], progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates not available in all states or situations. Prices vary based on how you buy.

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

Listener supported WNYC studios.

[Alison Stewart]

This is all of it on wnyc. I'm Alison Stewart. A couple of programming notes. On tomorrow's show, we'll be remembering president Jimmy Carter, whose funeral is tomorrow. I'll be speaking about his life and legacy with Jonathan Alter, the author of the biography his Very Best, Jimmy Carter a Life. And on Friday, we'll be speaking with actor Fernanda Torres. She just won a Golden Globe for her role in the film I'm still here. It's a true story about a woman whose husband is disappeared during Brazil's military dictatorship. Fernando Torres joins us. That's in the future. Now let's get this hour started. This month, we're speaking to musicians who are nominated at this year's Grammys. And we continue now with one of New York's own. Lakeisha Benjamin is an alto saxophonist and composer. But most importantly, she's Washington height, born and raised. Last year, she released a live reimagined version of her 2023 ALB. The project is nominated this year in the best jazzed instrumental album and best jazz performance categories. Phoenix Reimagined Live is available everywhere. And Lakeisha Benjamin is in the house with her band for a special live performance. Hi, Lakeisha.

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

Hey, how you doing, Alison?

[Alison Stewart]

I'm doing well. What are you gonna play for us first?

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

We're gonna start off with the opening track for the album train, which is a dedication to John Coltrane.

[Alison Stewart]

Love it. Let's hear it.

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

All right, Here we go. 1, 2. 1, 2, 1, 2, 3.

[Alison Stewart]

That was Lakeisha Benjamin. Her album phoenix Reimagined Live is nominated for two Grammys and best jazz instrumental album and best jazz performance. She's here in Studio 5 performing live. Let's get this out of the way. That was quite a band you got performing. Did you give everybody a shout out? Tell us who we're listening to.

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

Oh, absolutely. That's Melody Ray on vocals, Oscar Perez on piano, Elias Bailey on the bass, and Anwar Marsh on the drums.

[Alison Stewart]

And you on saxophone.

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

That's right.

[Alison Stewart]

You mentioned that song was a dedication to John Coltrane. When was the first time you heard John Coltrane's music?

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

The first time I heard John Coltrane music is after I heard Alice Coltrane.

[Alison Stewart]

Right on.

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

So I heard her album, and I saw him on it and, you know, just started going through the discography and realized, wow, what a giant.

[Alison Stewart]

What was it about him that appealed to you as a young musician?

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

Just his dedication to his music, his dedication to his spirituality, his dedication to playing music and giving back to humanity. I felt like his purpose was to be a healer, to be a kind of spiritual leader, and that's kind of what I strive to do.

[Alison Stewart]

So when you were creating that song, what vibe were you going for?

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

I was looking for a little bit of the fire, a little bit of the burnout, but a little bit of, like, that urgency that's in a lot of us to get our dreams done, to get our goals done and try to accomplish things.

[Alison Stewart]

So if you listen to that record on Live versus the studio version of Phoenix, there are some differences, most notably the tempo. How did you think about reimagining it?

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

I tried to think of a way, like, the first album was kind of like a perfect example of how the song should be played, everything. And the second album is kind of a way for me to show that how I relate to my audience, how I relate to the people, my personal relationship with my fans, and, you know, what our daily life is, going around the world, traveling, and how we're engaging.

[Alison Stewart]

People on this album. You have a great list of collaborators. Will you share with us who else plays on the album?

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

Okay, so for Phoenix, we had Angela Davis, Patrice Rushing, Sonya Sanchez, Georgia Ann Mojo, Diane Reeves, and Wayne Shorter. And for Phoenix, Reimagined, we had the great Randy Brecher, Jeff Tane Watts, and John Schofield.

[Alison Stewart]

What are you looking for in a collaborator?

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

I'm looking for someone that is bringing so much to the table and so much of who they are that I can write a song that they can be featured doing what they do. So if you're. If your special talent you have is connecting to people, I want to write something you can connect to, if your talent is expressing yourself. So I'm looking for someone that inspires me by what they've done, and we can put that together, and you can kind of help me find my voice.

[Alison Stewart]

You know, there's been such a history of live albums in jazz music. What's one that you like to listen to that you go back to?

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

Oh, my gosh.

[Alison Stewart]

Oh, my gosh.

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

I would say Joe Henderson, Live at the Lighthouse.

[Alison Stewart]

Why? Why is that?

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

I mean, it's such a phenomenal record. Him, Woody Shaw. It's just the energy of that record. I mean, John Colchian live in Newport. There's so many records that just show that when you listen to an album, you see how amazing an artist is. When you see them in person, you get to feel the soul of them and the passion behind everything. And you can't really beat a live show. New York City is all about live energy.

[Alison Stewart]

That's interesting. So that. Is that what you were trying to do with your record?

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

Absolutely.

[Alison Stewart]

You released the original Phoenix in 2023 initially. What was the version of that? What was this sort of the. The intention of that record?

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

I had been in a car accident where I almost died.

[Alison Stewart]

I heard about this. Okay, wait a minute. Let's get into it.

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

Well, I was driving from Ohio back to New York on i80 and I kind of crashed off into the mountains. Long story short, I broke three ribs, I broke my jaw, I fractured my scapula, and I had a brain bleed. So from there, I kind of went from like, you know, how will I stay alive? To now my jaw is broke, how will I play again? To writing this music, Phoenix, and trying to. For me, it's, how do I stay alive? How do I figure out my next steps? But with the pandemic raging like that for other people is how do they survive with losing loved ones? How do people survive with the different down periods we're going through? So I was trying to be a kind of a living example, if you keep pushing forward, of what could potentially.

[Alison Stewart]

Happen, you know, that I had brain surgery.

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

Oh, man. Whoa.

[Alison Stewart]

And so I was going through the same. I couldn't speak, I couldn't talk about.

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

The therapy and stuff.

[Alison Stewart]

It's wild what you go through, because you go through ups and downs, you know?

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

Yeah. It's a lot of uncertainty.

[Alison Stewart]

Yeah. What did you do when you're down? Not I'm speaking for myself, but what did you do in your downtime when you were feeling down?

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

I tried to stay positive, but luckily I'm goal oriented, so I could just try to focus on whatever. I did a lot of prayer, I did a lot of eating. You know, just, if I can't survive, I can eat this pizza.

[Alison Stewart]

Spoken like a true New Yorker, right?

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

Yeah, totally.

[Alison Stewart]

Let me ask you about the original album. It was produced by Terri Lynn Carrington, the Great. What kind of role model has she been for you?

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

She's a living example of marching on for women's rights. Yeah. For showing that you may start your career and not be heard or seen. But if you keep persevering and pushing forward, they will see you and when they do see you how to open a door for someone else coming behind so that you can make a way for somebody like me so she's just a great role model.

[Alison Stewart]

My guest is lakeisha Benjamin. She's gonna perform another song for us. You're gonna perform? Let's go. Do you want to set that up?

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

Yeah. We're doing let go to show everybody out there. Keep going. Keep the energy strong and keep surviving. So this is let go. It's a duet, y'all. Spreading dreams of love, light, and positivity for everybody. This one goes out to all my new yorkers out there. We feel you, and we love you. Let go, let go Let it flow, Let it flow Let it glow, let it glow it's all for show and hopes and empty jokes? Shine bright, shine bright Shine bright shine bright Shine light, Shine light, shine light, shine bright Living dreams and life we open up our wings and we all take flight Let go, let go Let it flow, let it flow Let it glow, let it glow it's all for show and hopes and empty jokes? Shine bright, shine bright Shine bright, shine bright Shine light, shine light shine light shine light, shine bright Living dreams in life we open up our wings and we all take flight It's a new year filled with splendor so near Living without fear that care is dear to the stars we dream is real we high up in the clouds Searching for an ocean to prove our devotion Empty vacant ocean Screaming for a token that claimed broken fortress Hit or miss the gems is real Honoring our fear do you kneel and try to take that deal? One of the shine we feel will be real so we say let go, let go, let go Let it flow, let it glow, let it glow it's all for show and hopes and empty jokes? Shine bright, shine bright Shine bright shine bright Shine light, shine light, shine light shine light, shine bright Living dreams and life we open up my wings and we all take flight let's go searching and clinging to our fears Deep down in your mind do the empty broken thoughts linger? Will you pay to pray to leave the limelight? It doesn't sit right? Cause folks in suits they keep me so uptight? Makes me loosen my mind with predatorial smiles? When you're teaching for the wine and you're seeking for? Open your thoughts and remember that you's a boss? If you remember to pay the cost? And that's one thing we say we say let go, let go, let go Let it flow, let it flow Let it glow, let it glow it's all for show and hopes and iffy jokes Shine bright shine bright Shine bright Shine light, shine light Shine light Shine light Shine bright Living dreams of life Open up our wings and we all say bright let's go Let go Let it go, let it go Let it flow Let it float Let it float Let it float Shine bright shine bright Shine bright, shine right Let it go, let it go let it go Let it go, y'all Let it go let it go Let it go Shine bright Out there in New York we love you.

[Alison Stewart]

That was lakeisha Benjamin. Let Go was the name of that song. She's got two nominations for Grammys this year. You got your first saxophone when you were 12?

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

Yes, I did.

[Alison Stewart]

Who gave it to you?

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

My great grandfather.

[Alison Stewart]

Were you interested, or did he just say, like, I want you to play this?

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

I was 100% interested. I saw it in the band in the school, hanging from the wall, and I was like, that's for me. And it was love from there.

[Alison Stewart]

What school was it?

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

I went to PS189. And actually, I mean, it's a long story, but we'll keep it short. That's great. They didn't have any more saxophones available, so I asked them, who's playing the saxophone? They told me, two girls and a guy. So I found one of the girls and I bartered with her. I gave her four Oreos. If she gave me the sax, I gave her the Oreos. She took the Oreos. So I went back with the sax, like, yeah. To the band director. So he said, how'd you find that sax? I said, I made a deal.

[Alison Stewart]

It's a good deal.

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

Great deal for Oreos, you know.

[Alison Stewart]

You were born in Washington Heights. Born and Braves. Where did you grow up?

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

I grew up on 186 between Amsterdam and Audubon.

[Alison Stewart]

How do you think your neighborhood influenced you, you as an artist?

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

Oh, my God. Jalegos, Manenge, salsa, bachata. You know what I mean? Just the fact that the first music I grew up playing was that the first music I grew up playing was to keep the block party, dancing outside, having a good time, feeling good. So when I think of music, I always think about good times, good energy, feeling good, good food, you know, your music could be the love story to somebody. You could be. Somebody can get married, meaning the love of their life there. So I always try to supply the soundtrack for people.

[Alison Stewart]

When did it switch over? At some point, it switched over for you. I can do. I might be able to do this.

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

As a career after one of those wonderful, wonderful Meninge gigs. I was sitting there eating my rice and beans, and the guy said, you know, thank you, mommy, for playing. I said, thank you. And he shook my hand. He said, you can go home. And when he shook my hand, I looked at the floor and I said, oh, you dropped your $20. He said, no, that's for you. And I picked it up, and I looked at it, and it was like, ding.

[Alison Stewart]

Had your first paying gig.

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

Yep.

[Alison Stewart]

That's so funny. What would you say was your breakthrough professionally that you like? This was a really important moment in my career.

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

Like, in terms of being noticed, almost could be that.

[Alison Stewart]

It could be something that happened which sent you on the right path anywhere. You know, just something you go back to. You think that moment really made a difference.

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

Okay, one moment for me, I guess I had just scored a gig with Stevie wonder. I was like, oh, my God. And I'm sitting kind of laying on the floor under the piano. He's not playing. He's not there. And I'm just playing with my phone. Then he comes in and starts playing the piano, but he doesn't know I'm under the piano. And I'm like, oh, my God. I can't move because I'm under the piano. And like this. I'm gonna get fired. He's gonna notice there's somebody under the piano. Or maybe he won't hear me. I don't know. He's playing, he's playing. He's playing. Finally, I kind of try to sneak out, and he goes, did you like that, lakeisha? And I was like, did you know I was there the whole time? Yeah, Yeah. I give you something so you could start to learn to write your own music. And I was like, okay, great. You know, but it didn't let me know that somebody great thinks maybe I could write music. So. And I was under there for an exceptionally long time.

[Alison Stewart]

It must have occurred you at some point, you're like, oh, my gosh, he knows I'm here.

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

No, he totally didn't. I just thought, you know, he just doesn't know.

[Alison Stewart]

He's in here doing his thing.

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

Of course, you can't see that I'm here. So, no, it's not happening. I could just creep out of here, and I'm good. And he was like, no, hey, lakeisha. I was like, oh, boy.

[Alison Stewart]

Don't try to get one over on Stevie. He knows, right?

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

I got big feet. You probably heard them.

[Alison Stewart]

I read you said that in 2024, you played 175 shows as a band leader that's a huge amount of the year.

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

Amen.

[Alison Stewart]

How do you keep it together if you have to tour that much?

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

Keep your mind focused and centered. Keep your food and diet right, get some rest and make sure that you really, really love what you're doing.

[Alison Stewart]

How did you keep it focused, your mind focused? Is it reading? Is it meditating? Is it.

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

No. When I meditate, I always fall asleep, so that helps if I want to get some sleep. But I guess just remembering why I'm doing what I'm doing, what is the goal? I'm having fun doing what I love, playing what I love, and that's a self thing. But also when you see those people's faces out there in the crowd and someone comes up to you and says that this show changed their day, or someone comes up to you all the way in Lithuania and says, I've been, I paid for this ticket two months in advance and I've been waiting. Or someone says, I drove from D.C. up to New York to see you and you realize that your music is having an impact on people and it's kind of bigger than you are.

[Alison Stewart]

I'm just gonna say this because it's radio. I like your fit.

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

Okay, great.

[Alison Stewart]

You always have good outfits. Seriously, is that a big part of your Persona or is that just that you just like bright colors? You're wearing like gold lame and silver lame and a great necklace?

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

I do like bright colors, but one of the first musicians I ever played with was the great Clark Terry. And I came to his show, I think in a sweatsuit or something, and he told me, lakeisha, they see you before they hear you. Make sure they can see your personality and what you have to say. That way it's easier for them to receive it when you play it.

[Alison Stewart]

Smart. Smart advice. You know, 2025, you're going to the Grammys. But I'm curious, do you have creative goals for 2025 outside of the awards and the performances?

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

Yeah, I'm trying to find a way. I've had my last three albums have been very jazz based. I'm trying to find a way to keep pushing myself to grow, to keep finding people to collaborate with that are at a higher place, but also have seen more than me and I guess know more about all the genres of music. So I'm trying to find a way to embrace all the sides of me and make them come out in one album.

[Alison Stewart]

Well, we wish you luck on that creative goal.

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

Oh, thank you.

[Alison Stewart]

My guest has been Lakeisha Benjamin. Her album Phoenix Reimagined Live is nominated for 2 Gramm. You're going to play us out. What are we going to hear?

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

We are going to play a song on the album called Mercy and the original it featured Diane Reeves. Feature Melody Ray.

[Alison Stewart]

All right, here's lakeisha Benjamin. Turn the page and start a new.

[Lakeisha Benjamin]

Sea in the peace with your mind and soul. Focus on Love.

[Progressive Insurance]

NYC now delivers the most up to date local news from WNYC and Gothamist every morning, midday and evening with three updates a day. Listeners get breaking news, top headlines and in depth coverage from across New York City by sponsoring programming like NYC now, you'll reach our community of dedicated listeners with premium messaging and an uncluttered audio experience. Visit sponsorship.wnyc.org to get in touch and find out more.