A Steinway Artist, Ben Paterson is one of the top Jazz pianists on the scene today. He's performed at premier venues around the U.S. and abroad, and knows how to bring class, sophistication, warmth and beauty to your event.
Ben's piano playing and singing was a wonderful feature of our event -- he made it feel very festive. He was also very personable and easy to communicate with. I recommend him very highly!
I have booked Ben Paterson more than ten times in the past seven years. I have booked his trios (with Ben on acoustic piano), his trios (with Ben on the Hammond organ) and as a soloist on acoustic piano. Each performance was outstanding (and a sell-out). Ben is an incredibly gifted pianist of world class caliber, and his Hammond electric organ skill set is second to none. He is a highly fluent jazz improviser. I am not just throwing out superlatives and platitudes. Ben is the "real deal" and will deliver a world class level of performance every time. Oh, I need to add that he surrounds himself with the best of the best. I have heard him perform with at least a half dozen of the world's best jazz guitarists. I do not exaggerate. So, when you hire Ben, you can relax with confidence that his "sidemen" will be of his caliber. Ben is entirely reliable. When you hire Ben there is no drama. He will be there on time with his sideman, ready to perform at the highest level. Do I endorse Ben Paterson and recommend that he be hired? I certainly do!!
Price Range: $300 and up
Gig Length: 30 - 240 minutes
Languages: English, French
A set of classic Jazz and Blues tunes, performed with joyful swing and impeccable taste. Whether performing solo or with a small group, Ben provides top-notch Jazz entertainment, either in the form of a concert or as background ambiance for your event.
'As soulful a pianist / organist as exists anywhere.” - Downbeat Magazine
Combining a joyful swing feel with an impeccable touch, Steinway Artist Ben Paterson has established himself as one of the most exciting pianists on the Jazz scene today, garnering international acclaim for his superb musicianship and engaging performances. Originally from Philadelphia, Ben studied both classical and jazz music before moving to the great city of Chicago, absorbing the unique blend of Jazz and Blues that can only be found in the Windy City. Now based in New York, Ben is poised to bring his unique talents and style to a wider audience, performing regularly at top notch venues around town, and at clubs and festivals around the world.
Starting in 2005, Ben was honored to join the band of NEA Jazz Master Von Freeman, performing with him regularly until Von’s passing in August 2012. Other notable collaborations include work with Bobby Broom, Houston Person, Johnny O’Neal, Red Holloway, Eldee Young, Peter Bernstein, Jerry Weldon, and Ed Cherry to name a few, with performances opening for groups like Steely Dan and B.B. King.
In 2018 Ben was named as the First Place Winner of the Ellis Marsalis International Jazz Piano Competition, with judges including Ellis and Branford Marsalis, Arturo O'Farrill, and Jonathan Batiste. In 2019 he performed at Jazz at Lincoln Center as part of their tribute to Oscar Peterson, playing alongside John Clayton, Jeff Hamilton, and fellow pianists including Benny Green and Kenny Barron. Ben has released 7 CDs under his own name: Breathing Space (OA2 Records 2007) Blues For Oscar (Meetinghouse Records 2012), Essential Elements (MAXJAZZ 2013), For Once In My Life (Origin 2015), That Old Feeling (Cellar Live 2018), Live at Van Gelder's (Cellar Live 2018), and I'll Be Thanking Santa (Meetinghouse Records 2019) Visit website for more information.
If a grand piano is provided at the venue that is always preferred,
though I can bring a keyboard if necessary.
Jazz Classics / Great American Songbook:
All The Things You Are
Autumn Leaves
Stella By Starlight
But Not For Me
There Will Never Be Another You
Georgia On My Mind
Cheek To Cheek
Songs from Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan etc..
Requests are taken if they fit within the style.
I'm influenced by the greats of Jazz piano, including Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, Ahmad Jamal, Art Tatum and Nat King Cole.
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