A Conversation In Jazz - Benjie Porecki

In this edition of A Conversation In Jazz we talk to the a multifaceted keyboardist, B3 organist, pianist, composer, producer, and band leader, Mr. Benjie Porecki.
Benjie Porecki is a versatile musician celebrated for his mastery of the B-3 organ, piano, and guitar, seamlessly blending jazz, blues, funk, country, reggae, and R&B. Drawing inspiration from legends like Ray Charles and Herbie Hancock, he has released six acclaimed solo albums and collaborated with artists such as Carlos Santana, Chaka Khan, and Patti LaBelle. His dynamic performances have captivated audiences worldwide, from international festivals to intimate clubs. Currently, Porecki is focused on his latest project, “All that Matters,” continuing to push musical boundaries and inspire listeners globally.
Versatility and virtuosity characterize the career of multi-talented songwriter-producer Benjie Porecki, who is often called a “musician’s musician.” He has earned that moniker by performing equally well as a jazz/gospel/funk B-3 organist, jazz/blues pianist, rock keyboardist, and reggae/blues guitarist while holding his own as a solo artist. Porecki enjoys the distinction of being among the top picks of many artists representing diverse genres.
In addition to four solo releases, Porecki’s work as a sideman has graced countless recordings, festival stages, concert venues and clubs throughout the world. An abridged list of artists that Benjie has performed and/or recorded with include Pieces Of A Dream, Maysa, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Angie Stone, Isaac Hayes, Regina Belle, Mary Wilson, Vesta, Kim Waters, Ledesi, Chuck Brown, Angela Bofill, The Blackbyrds, and Hubert Sumlin.
Porecki’s versatility is evident in the wide array of artists he works with in a variety of genres. He is as comfortable playing traditional jazz, contemporary jazz, pop, funk, R & B and urban, as he is performing country and rock. He carries on the musical traditions of the masters while putting his own personal and indelible stamp on any piece he plays.
It began in 1981 when 10-year old, Benjie Porecki discovered the trumpet. When he first brought the mouthpiece to his lips and blew into it, he astonished his parents and teachers with his apparent innate knowledge of the instrument. With no training or experience, he immediately began to play melodies. This newly revealed “gift” motivated him to study piano, organ, guitar, saxophone, and any other instrument he could find. Naturally drawn to jazz and blues, he began to play along with recordings of jazz and blues standards, show tunes, as well as other styles of music he experienced.
At 15, the young man was regularly playing professional gigs, and by 20 he had launched his career as a full-time musician. In1996 he released his solo debut Going On Through, followed in 1998 by his second solo project Servin' It Up on the Severn label. With the release of this all-instrumental album, Porecki was well on the way to earning his reputation as a “B-3 monster” and “keyboard whiz” (Jazz Times, 1998). Porecki’s Hammond B-3 and acoustic piano chops on the album led to rave reviews as well as to placing #32 on the Gavin Jazz Chart. In 2001, he released The Rest Of My Life which highlighted a more soulful, introspective side of Porecki’s music. The album featured two of his former employers, the legendary jazz bassist, Keter Betts (of Ella Fitzgerald fame), and The Godfather of Go-Go, Chuck Brown.
In How Does It Feel? Porecki’s most ambitious solo effort, he pulls out all the stops and presents an affecting and substantive work. The album celebrates love, romance and the heartbeat of an unborn child. Porecki wrote, produced and performed all 12 songs on the album.
Jazz is more than music. It is culture. It is the way we communicate. It's a life style. And through sharing the stories we can appreciate the music at a more dynamic level. We hope that by sharing the stories of jazz musicians, artists, educators, presenters, and enthusiasts, we can inspire and attract a new generation of jazz listeners, supporters, and appreciators of this original music.
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