Catch the trio of Benito Gonzalez on piano, Buster WIlliams on bass and Lenny White on drums at the Regattabar, Jan. 9.
Pianist Benito Gonzalez swings into town for one show at the Regattabar at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 9. Joining him are the formidable Buster Williams on bass and Lenny White on drums. The three musicians have remarkable resumes. Gonzalez was part of saxophonist Kenny Garrett’s quartet as well as pianist and musical director for saxophonist Pharaoh Sanders.
Williams recorded five albums with The Jazz Crusaders and three albums as part of Herbie Hancock’s sextet. White was a member of Chick Corea’s legendary band, Return to Forever, and played drums (at the age of 19) on “Bitches Brew” and “In A Silent Way,” the Miles Davis albums that demonstrated jazz’s way of defying expectations.
As the trio’s leader, Gonzalez will be drawing on the experiences of Williams and White to create music that is shaped by North American jazz traditions as well as his upbringing in South America; he was born and raised in Venezuela and now resides in Brooklyn.
Gonzalez’s recordings have fluidity, bounce and solid rhythms — slow and fast — that embody his willingness to get personal. His most recent recording, “Sing to the World,” featured bassist Christian McBride and trumpeter Nicholas Payton.
The Banner spoke with Gonzalez a couple of weeks ago.
Banner: You have quite a lineup for the Regattabar show: Buster Williams and Lenny White. What’s the story behind the trio?
Gonzalez: We started playing together about three years ago with the concept of me trying to integrate different ideas in my music. I’ve been a huge fan of Lenny and Buster as long as I’ve known music. They’ve played with so many great musicians!
I love the music of Kenny Garrett; you played for years in his band. What did you take away from that experience?
It was amazing! Kenny is definitely a huge mentor to me. He allowed me into his world. He gave me a platform to be myself. He never imposed. He gave me 100% freedom, that’s what he did. He learned that from his playing with Miles Davis, Art Blakey, Freddie Hubbard and Duke Ellington. He’s passing on the knowledge as a way to continue what was done.
Coming from Venezuela more than 20 years ago, what traditions from your home country, in a broad sense, influence your music?
Everything! My father’s side of the family is from Cuba, which means Africa. From the age of three, I grew up playing drums. I feel very much a part of the Afro-Venezuelan tradition. What I really love is the special way of creating the beat. Black American music is pretty much the same.
And now in NYC — I see you have a song, “Flatbush Avenue,” — how does Brooklyn figure on your most recent record, “Sing to the World?”
Oh, yeah, so much! I learned pretty quickly: in Brooklyn you can find anything, any time. The West Indian influences: roti, and great jerk chicken! In one block, I have a dentist, doctor and gym. Brooklyn is a great place to be creating music.
What’s up in the year ahead for you?
We’re going into the studio in February to record a new album. Lenny and Buster will be on half the album, and Christian McBride and Jeff Taine-Watts will be on the other half. Nicholas Payton may be on one track. I’ll be touring with my new trio. A couple of tours with Kenny Garrett: Japan, China. The Blue Note in New York. I will try my best.
Creating art at a historical period as challenging as now, what invigorates you?
It has its challenges, but it’s not just now. In order to create art, you have to face many challenges. The thing is that as artists we are very honest people. Artists, not just musicians. The first thing is you have to try to be a good human being. You have to tell the truth. You have to know how to share with other people. You have to be a social individual and get along with other people. I learned this from playing with Jackie Mclean, Kenny Garrett, Pharaoh Sanders. I had to broaden my skills: not just play the piano.
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