Benny Benack III - One of a Kind (2017) Hi Res

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.