Originally from Philadelphia, Ben spent his younger years studying both classical and jazz music before moving to the great city of Chicago. There he spent years performing and working with the best musicians in town, absorbing the unique blend of Jazz and Blues that can only be found in the Windy City. Now, moving to New York, Ben is poised to bring his unique talents and style to a wider audience, combining hard-swinging grooves and melodic improvisation with an impeccable touch.Starting in 2005, Ben was honored to work as pianist for NEA jazz master Von Freeman, performing with him regularly until Vons passing in August 2012. In addition to regular club dates around town, Bens work with Von included performances at the Chicago Jazz Fest, Symphony Center, Millenium Park, The Jazz Showcase, and The Green Mill.Under his own name, Ben has performed at the Chicago Jazz Festival as both a solo pianist and with his Organ Quartet, led his own groups at dozens of venues including Smalls Jazz Club, Kitano Jazz, and the Zinc Bar in NYC, and headline performances at the Green Mill and Andys Jazz Clubs in Chicago.Notable collaborations include work Von Freeman, Johnny ONeal, Red Holloway, Eldee young, Jerry Weldon, Guy King, Brianna Thomas, Gregory Generet, Dave Specter, Jason Marshall, Henry Johnson, Corey Wilkes, Milton Suggs, Ernest Dawkins, Marianne Solivan, Patience Higgens, Myron Waldon, Kimberly Gordon, Martina DaSilva, JC Styles, Svetlanas Delancey 5, Adam Rongo, and many others.Notable performances include the 2010 Montreal Jazz Fest, the 2006, 2009, and 2013 Chicago Jazz Fests, the 2007, 2008, and 2011 Chicago Blues Fests, as well as shows in France, China, Switzerland, Mexico, Sweden, and Taiwan.Ben currently has 3 piano discs out: Breathing Space (OA2 Records 2007) Blues For Oscar (Meetinghouse Records 2012), and Essential Elements (MAXJAZZ 2013) Keep an eye out for his debut Organ record scheduled for release in Summer of 2014.