Benny Benack Quintet
Jazzcultural347 West 46th Street, New York 10036
Benny Benack III leads a quintet at Jazzcultural, with Virginia MacDonald on clarinet, Helen Sung on piano, Mark Lewandowski on bass and Maria Marmarou on drums. The band plays two sets, bringing Benack’s trumpet to a lineup that pairs clarinet with piano, bass and drums. The performance will also be streamed live.
Pittsburgh-born and New York-based, Benack is a trumpeter-vocalist known for combining horn playing with singing. He has worked with Christian McBride, Veronica Swift and Emmet Cohen, and has performed with the Christian McBride Big Band, Ann Hampton Callaway, Josh Groban and Ben Folds. A Jazzcultural review heard “musical chemistry” and a “swinging spirit” in his quintet, calling his vocal delivery “cool, relaxed, conversational” and his scatting smooth, with “impeccable rhythmic instincts.” Reviewers have also described him as a “rare talent” with “old-school charm” and “swagger.” All About Jazz called his album Third Time’s the Charm “a charmer,” highlighting Benack and pianist Emmet Cohen alongside its guest artists.
Jazzcultural offers a distinctive live music experience in Manhattan, housed in a space that invites close connection between performers and audience. The venue features a modestly sized room where the sound carries clearly, allowing even those at the back to catch the nuances of each set. Seating is available but limited, encouraging an attentive listening environment without the distraction of a bustling bar scene. The venue operates with ticketed shows, often featuring multiple sets that stretch into the late evening, giving you a full night of music. While there is a bar, the focus remains on the performances, making it a place to immerse yourself in the artistry of jazz. The neighborhood adds a quiet charm, making the walk to and from the venue part of the evening’s rhythm.