One of the most sought-after and revered saxophonists in the world, Lakecia Benjamin was voted 2020 Downbeat Critics Poll Rising Star Alto Saxophonist and Up and Coming Artist of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association.  Known for her charisma and dynamism as a player, as a composer she has an inimitable skill of fusing traditional conceptions of jazz, hiphop and soul.  

Speaking about her newest album PHOENIX (released January 2023 on Whirlwind Records) Lakecia says:

“This album is a bit of a rebirth for me; it continues the inter-generational legacy work I’ve been doing in the past by featuring guests that have inspired me musically, spiritually and as a human being. I am painting the picture of reinventing and recreating oneself from ‘the ashes’, so to speak, although this time using my own compositions as the vehicle. I am excited to be starting a new journey and partnering with Whirlwind Recordings to introduce this album to the world.”

Montuno West

Montuno West boasts an exciting and infectious sound strongly influenced by jazz, Cuban and other Latin styles.  Expect a true blend of traditional and modern approaches along with the distinctive sound of traditional Afro-Cuban percussionist and vocalist from special guest Israel “Toto” Berriel (Vancouver/Cuba). Berriel.

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Visit edmontonjazz.com for more about the Edmonton International Jazz Festival. Support for the Edmonton International Jazz Festival is provided by TD Bank Group through the TD Ready Commitment.