Chicago Pianist / Organist Ben Paterson

Since his arrival on the Chicago jazz scene in 2004, Ben Paterson has quickly established himself as a pianist / organist in high demand. Performing with a wide array of musicians, and in a variety of styles, he is both a highly sought after sideman and the leader of his own acclaimed piano and organ groups. Inspired by jazz greats like Art Tatum, Jimmy Smith, Sonny Clark and Jimmy McGriff, his style is one which encompasses both old and new, allowing him to sound equally at home with younger, contemporary musicians, or as the first-call pianist for Chicago tenor saxophone legend Von Freeman.
Ben began studying classical music at the age of 6, but soon developed a talent for improvisation and jazz harmony. After graduating from the Settlement Music School in Philadelphia, receiving awards and scholarships, he moved to the midwest to attend the University of Chicago, quickly becoming known around the city as a young musician to take note of.
Ben performs regularly at Chicago's premier jazz and blues venues, and has appeared at clubs and festivals both at home and abroad, including appearances in Beijing, Switzerland, Mexico City, Montreal, Sweden, and Taiwan.
He performed at the 2010 Montreal Jazz Fest, the 2006 and 2009 Chicago Jazz Fests, the 2007, 2008, and 2011 Chicago Blues Fests, at famous Chicago venues including Millenium Park, Symphony Center, the Sears Tower, and the Chicago Cultural Center, and was a top prize winner in the 2006, 2008 and 2009 Chicago Union League Jazz Improvisation Competitions. In addition to his regular work with Von Freeman, he has performed with Red Holloway, Guy King, Eldee Young, Henry Johnson, Corey Wilkes, Dave Specter, George Freeman, Ernest Dawkins, Kimberley Gordon, The Chicago Jazz Orchestra, Sabertooth Organ Quartet, Isaiah Spencer, and many more.
Ben's debut piano trio CD, Breathing Space, has received excellent airplay since it‘s release, and has garnered high praise from reviewers around the country. His next trio release is coming soon, and should be out in spring 2012.