In 2019, URBAN LYS organized an Ukrainian tour of the twice Grammy-nominated pianist Benito Gonzalez (USA) together with his trio. The trio of the famous Venezuelan-born musician Benito Gonzalez from New York performed in Ukraine for the first time, although Benito himself has played here as part of other projects. In his own team, Gonzalez reveals himself with a different force. The trio includes the famous American double bassist Essiet Okon Essiet and a young Italian drummer Alessandro D’Anna.
Benito Gonzalez was recognized as a promising pianist and composer thanks to his successful debut album “Start Point” (Christian McBride, Antonio Sanchez, Renee McLean, Ron Blake) and first prize at the main American jazz pianist competition (Great American 2005 Jazz Piano Competition). The second album “Circles” (Ron Blake, Myron Welden, Azar Lawrence, Christian McBride, Jeff “Tain” Wetts), which became hugely popular among jazz fans, demonstrates a thorough personal work, as Gonzalez appears in it as a leader and a great author.
Benito attracted the attention of critics with his work on Kenny Garrett’s album “Seeds from the Underground”, which received a Grammy nomination. After nearly seven years of touring with Kenny Garrett, Gonzalez has added to his treasury performances at numerous festivals and international jazz clubs.
The tour in Ukraine took place in support of the album “Passion Reverence Transcendence” (2018), inspired by the work of McCoy Turner.
We thank producer Markiyan Ivashchyshyn, who has passed in short time after the tour in May, 2019, for his logistical advices during the tour…