Benny Green pursues magical moments

Hot House has published my profile of pianist Benny Green in its February issue in conjunction with his Jazz Standard performance in Manhattan in late February, as well as his role in the 40-city Monterey Jazz Festival 55th Anniversary tour across the United States.



One of the many nuggets gleaned in our hour-long conversation this month: his view of what’s inside the music that a performer presents to his or her audience:

“The truth always comes out – of the kind of person you are, your character, your ability to receive (listening to others), your intention to give, the kind of heart you have – it all comes through. There is no place to hide in the music. You learn to embrace that.”



Benny Green, Sedona Jazz on the Rocks, Sept. 2006

Green, who turns 50 in early April, will be in Florida with the Monterey Jazz Festival touring band. The sextet also includes trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire, singer Dee Dee Bridgewater, bassist Christian McBride, drummer Lewis Nash and saxophonist Chris Potter. Concerts are scheduled in West Palm Bach on the 11^th, Gainesville on the 12th, Tampa on the 13^th and Naples on the 14^th.