Benjamin Drazen is a native New Yorker, and grew up in Roslyn, NY. He got his first great jazz education from the late great Dave Burns. (Dave was a master trumpeter with the Dizzy Gillespie and Duke Ellington Orchestras as well as leading his own groups) A graduate of the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music, Mr. Drazen studied with such legends as Jimmy Jiuffre, George Garzone, John McNeil, and Celil McBee. He also studied with the great Dave Liebman just before returning to NYC. From these influences Benjamin has crafted his own jazz style coming out of the traditions of Charlie Parker, Cannonball Adderley, Sonny Rollins and John Coltrane.Since being back in NYC in 1995, Benjamin has performed alongside some of jazzs best including, Rashied Ali(John Coltranes Drummer 1965-67) George Garzone, Gene Jackson, Steve Tyrell, Ron McClure, Lew Soloff, Santi Debriano, Marvin Bugalu Smith and Ron Affif. He performs regularly on the New York scene with his own quartet, playing original and standard compositions. Benjamin has performed as a leader and sideman in New Yorks most acclaimed jazz clubs including; The Blue Note, Birdland, Smalls, Mintons Playhouse, Smoke, Cornelia St. Cafe, The Knitting Factory, 55 Bar, and Sweet Rhythm.In addition Benjamin has worked in several festivals and clubs both on the east coast as well as Canada.Although Jazz has been Benjamins forte, he also is a lover and performer of many types of music including Funk, R&B and Salsa. He has performed with such legends as Clarence Clemons of Bruce Springsteens E St. Band and Jimmy Sabater. (Joe Cuba, Tito Puente) and Stephanie Renee from Jill Scotts Group.Mr. Drazen currently resides in Manhattan, NYC where he continues to lead his own quartet with band members Jon Davis on Piano, Carlo DeRosa Bass, and John Davis Drums. He is currently a member of the Peter Fish Group, Charlie Persips Big Band Supersound and is a sideman with several NYC small jazz groups. Benjamin is also an active private saxophone teacher sharing his love of his instrument and jazz to his many students.Recent recordings include; Marvin Bugalu Smith Quintet, Peter Fish Group Live at the 55 Bar, Laurent Medelgis Diverses and Marlon Ds Love is the key.Weblinks:www.benjamindrazen.com/