Bennett Paster

ew York City-based keyboardist, composer, and producer Bennett Paster has performed original music at clubs, concerts, and festivals in the United States, the Caribbean, and throughout Europe. He has been a featured performer with jazz stars Kurt Elling, Brian Lynch, Peter Bernstein, Rufus Reid, Bill Stewart, Billy Hart, Albert “Tootie” Heath, Ndugu Chancler, Miri Ben-Ari, and Yosvany Terry, amongst others.

In addition to being a popular sideman, Bennett co-leads several bands, all of which have toured and released critically-acclaimed recordings. His acoustic jazz piano trio, Paster, Ryan & Hall, released their sophomore disc entitled Invisible Horizon in late 2006, showcasing their broad vision of modern jazz. Bennett and bassist Gregory Ryan are also founding members of Grupo Yanqui which performs original modern Latin jazz and classic Latin standards. Grupo Yanqui was selected to tour internationally as a part of the prestigious US State Department/Jazz at Lincoln Center “The Rhythm Road 2006” program where they performed at concert halls, clubs, and schools in Sweden, Russia, Estonia, and Serbia. They released their sophomore CD Grupo Yanqui Rides Again in May 2008 on Miles High Records. Bennett also shows his formidable abilities on vintage electric keyboards and Hammond organ in Organic!, the funky psychedelic organ trio he co-leads with guitarist John Cabán. Organic! performs live improvised compositions that are rooted in the tradition of ’70s instrumental funk and R&B. He recorded and produced their latest CD, Sweets, at his own studio, Benny’s Wash ‘n’ Dry. He recently released an album of original compositions, Relentless Pursuit of the Beautiful.

For more information, visit www.bennettpaster.com.