In this episode, I have the privilege of sitting down with acclaimed American saxophonist and jazz musician Lakecia Benjamin.
The 60th-anniversary edition of Jazzfest Berlin was a powerful reminder of jazz’s enduring impact as one of the most expressive art forms.
Celebrating six decades of Jazzfest Berlin means honoring six decades of contemporary history and, of course, 60 years of music history.
Founded in 1964, the Berlin Jazz Festival has firmly established itself as one of Europe’s most iconic festivals.
Today, it features artists from across the globe, with an expanding focus on Europe’s modern jazz scene.
Jazz Research Lab
Before diving into the festival program, I’d like to spotlight an important initiative within Jazzfest: the Jazzfest Research Lab.
Launched in January 2023, the Lab brought together researchers from Germany, the USA, and Australia, along with students from the Berlin University of the Arts and the University of Hildesheim.
Their goal?
To take a deep dive into 60 years of Jazzfest Berlin’s history—exploring its archives, past programs, and key figures.
As part of this year’s festival, these researchers shared their insights in open forums, engaging in lively discussions with festivalgoers and other enthusiasts.
Their work also became the heart of Jazzfest’s stunning 60th-anniversary magazine, beautifully designed by Damon Locks.
Festival Programme 2024: Lakecia Benjamin & Sun Ra Arkestra
This year’s festival brought together 24 acts over four packed days.
From U.S. pianist Marilyn Crispell to Japanese underground legend Otomo Yoshihide, jazz icons shared the stage with fresh voices and innovative projects worldwide.
I focused my attention on two artists: the Sun Ra Arkestra and Lakecia Benjamin.
Watching the Afrofuturist pioneers from Chicago live was a powerful reminder of Sun Ra’s legacy and his one-of-a-kind, complex aura.
Meanwhile, Lakecia Benjamin showed me why some artists make such a lasting impression.
I had a great chat with her before his performance at Quasimodo, and it turned into an insightful interview.
In Conversation with Lakecia Benjamin
If there’s one musician who truly embodies resilience, it’s Lakecia Benjamin.
Throughout her career, she’s played alongside legends like Anita Baker, the Roots, Missy Elliott, and Alicia Keys, just to mention a few.
After a serious car accident in 2021, Lakecia didn’t just bounce back—she wrote new music that would become her latest album, Phoenix, earning three Grammy nominations.
Her journey shows just how far small steps forward can go.
Lakecia opened up about her roots growing up in Washington Heights, New York, a predominantly Dominican neighbourhood pulsing with Latin music.
She shared insights into her 2020 album Pursuance: The Coltranes, her deep connection to Alice and John Coltrane and the courage it takes to reveal your authentic self to an online audience.
I saw Lakecia in an incredible concert at Quasimodo.
What impressed me the most was her attitude.
I had to think of what Miles Davis once said:
“Anybody can play. The note is only 20 percent. The attitude of the motherfucker who plays it is 80 percent.”
The concert wasn’t just music, it was a party with all of us.
We all celebrated life and “women in music”.
Chatting with her was a spiritual experience in the true sense of the word.
I hope you’ll feel the same while listening to the episode. 🎧
In addition, read this blog article: Navigating the Cultural History of Jazz Music w/ Natalie Greffel
Table of Contents
4:36 Growing up playing merengue in Washington Heights, New York
9:49 Alice and John Coltrane as true inspirations for dedication and resilience
13:15 The role artists like Sonia Sanchez and Angela Davis played in the creation of Phoneix
17:39 Being comfortable in telling your story as an artist and/or musician
EPISODES LINKS
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