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.