Benny Benack III Interview

How did your passion for jazz music begin and when did you decide to play the trumpet?

Because I come from three generations of Jazz musicians in my family, I was around the music for as long as I can remember. It’s been a lifelong love affair, and even before I started playing trumpet when it was just piano lessons and singing casually, I already was envisioning a life as a professional Jazz musician. I started piano at 5, and trumpet around 8 or 9 and immediately became obsessed with practicing and getting better on the horn.

2. What was it like for you to release a critically acclaimed album like "Third Time's the Charm"?

Anytime you’re able to record your own musical vision with musicians you admire, it’s already a W in my book...seeing it well received by fans and critics alike is certainly an added component, but I was proud of that album as soon as it was finished, even before it had touched anyone else’s ears.

3. How does your trumpet playing and vocal performances affect your musical style and what is the secret to successfully managing the two at the same time?

I like to think that I play the trumpet in a hyper-expressive and vocal manner, coloring and bending notes much the way a voice would. When I am singing, particularly scatting or improvising melodies, I feel as though my trumpet bebop vocabulary is what comes out of my voice, so I feel fortunate that I’m able to seamlessly switch between my two main instruments. I think a lot about the proper balance of featuring both sides of my artistry during a given concert or setlist, and I try to give them equal seats at the table, so to speak.

4. What was the experience of working with famous names like Christian McBride on the album "A Lot of Livin' to Do"?

Seeing a musical master like that up close and personal, it makes you realize why they have been so successful. Christian was the utmost professional in the studio, brought a great, humble attitude, and was a pleasure to be around all day long. He was the model bandmate, truly.

5. What does it mean to you that you were a finalist in the Thelonius Monk Competition for trumpet and third place in the Sarah Vaughan Vocal Competition?

Being as competitive as I am, I would much rather be answering questions about winning these competitions...but then again, I have enough perspective to acknowledge just being selected as a finalist in both competitions is a pretty historic achievement - most folks would be happy just to place in one of ‘em! I’m grateful for the opportunities these competitions gave me as a young artist, and also the friendships that came from meeting my peers.

6. What is the most memorable moment in your musical career and what lessons did it teach you?

I remember the first concerts I did with Post Modern Jukebox on a European tour...the audiences and venues were larger than anything I had encountered prior to that, and I remember being so struck by the fact that the audience was young, and having such a good time listening to SWING. It reminded me that there IS a young audience out there that could become Jazz fans, they just need it presented to them in an engaging, fresh way.

7. How did the increase in live concerts during the pandemic affect your musical career and what did making music during this period teach you?

I feel very fortunate to have been in NYC when the COVID restrictions began to ease up, and I was able to perform all over the city as most other musicians had left. Not only did I stay healthy, but I also was able to establish myself as

a staple of the scene, which happened to carry over even after COVID restrictions were gone and clubs were back to normal operations. I was grateful to have built an audience through the magic of livestreams and online concerts, and now that I can tour and perform in-person again, my audiences have never been bigger. It’s a blessing.

8. What are some words you use to express your love for music?

Jazz music gives me pure joy and elation. It makes me smile, it makes me cry, it makes me want to shout out and it makes me want to be completely still and silent. It’s a neverending gift, and one that I decided to dedicate my life to sharing with others, making sure other people feel just as euphoric from this music as I do on a daily basis.

9. What are your future projects and goals? Where do you want to go in your musical career?

I admire the careers of Sinatra and Harry Connick Jr. - I would love to parlay my musical success into acting on stage and screen. I’d like to host a television program, and I hope to be winning GRAMMYs sooner than later. Broadway would be fun too!