Well the touring season is here! It started a little early for me after joining Lakecia Benjamin's band for her “Phoenix” release tour. I worked with Lakecia quite a bit before the pandemic and since the shut down things have slowed significantly. In this European tour we visited Poland, Belgium, London, Paris, Luxembourg and Germany... I've been to most of these countries before but this was a longer run then usual. Luxembourg was new for me though…
JFK before the flight out to Poland
Meet the band! Ivan Taylor on bass, EJ Strickland on drums and the one and only Lakecia Benjamin on sax and vocals(rapping) I love this band and music, its a perfect balance or different genres
So we met each other in 1998 or 99 at Vail jazz camp… It’s amazing to have friends that are in your field for more then 20 years… We are blessed. Paris at Duc des Lombards.
Red double decker bus in London… never rode in one…. but… at least its proof I was there again!
Street scene in Belgium
Sound Check at Jazz Cafe… Packed night with standing room only … and the light show was off the chain tho…
I had a blast and backing up the great Lakecia Benjamin with the stellar EJ Strickland(drums) and Ivan Taylor(bass) and I think the best word to describe it is "inspiring." The music was seamless and they all work so well together… I'm honored to complete the band. Please download Lakecia;'s new CD "Phoenix" and although I am not on it, you will not be disappointed. I'll be reposting some of our tour videos here as well as on FB.
This was the 1st hit in Warsaw Poland at the club called Jazzmine. Besides the nice club, there were some great photographers at the club.
Exploring before soundcheck… I believe this was in Germany…lol… I’m not too sure…
Antoine Drye, EJ Strickland, Ivan Taylor, David Wong
Hanging with my old time buddy and label mate, Josiah Woodson. One of the baddest Trumpeter/ Guitarist/ Bassist now living in Paris. He enlightened me about so many positive things living in Paris as a musician.
We played at the radio station in Paris as well… Had a great time at TSFJAZZ station…
Caught a parade in Bergamo Italy
Great night in Italy! Here’s a pic with our driver(road manager at times) Darcy.
I thought I just took a picture of a statue but it turns out I unknowingly took a picture of a group of people letting their child drive them on a 5 seater bike without looking where he is going… Belgium…
Seeing some of my NYC friends in Paris was so great… here are some incredible musicians… Jon Thomas(piano) and Saul Rubin(guitar).
Had a great time playing this Bosendorfer in Belgium… 🙌🏽
The star herself… getting ready to break out of the club unnoticed after our last performance!