Ben Winkelman Trio

Ben Winkelman is a jazz pianist and composer living in New York. His writing explores diverse musical interests filtered through a jazz perspective: Afro-Cuban, gospel and classical music, with a focus on Latin rhythms in odd meters.

He is touring the US and Canada with his trio to celebrate the release of his fifth album Balance, featuring Matt Penman and Obed Calvaire, on OA2 Records.

Ben has released four trio albums to wide acclaim: his second, The Spanish Tinge, won the AIR Award for Best Independent Jazz Release; his first was nominated for an Australian Jazz Bell Award; and his third and fourth albums were nominated for AIR Awards. His work has been supported by grants from the Australia Council and other arts organizations, and he was a finalist in the Australian National Jazz Awards.

Ben was born in Eugene, Oregon and grew up in Melbourne, Australia. He holds a Master of Music degree from SUNY Purchase College and a Bachelor of Music degree from the Victorian College of the Arts. He has toured in Europe, Asia and extensively in Australia.

4.5 stars “A stellar contemporary trio to rank among the best. Succeeds on every level.” - allaboutjazz.com (USA)

“Impressive, quirky and a tad wild. True musical adventures.” - NYC Jazz Record (USA)

“Fresh take on the trio. Writing and musical imagery that reflects deep thought, passion and sophisticated vision.” - Jae Sinnett, WHRV FM, (USA)

**** “Splendid. Winkelman's joyous originals embody the exhilaration of music making and not a hint of fat... here we come a little closer to the divine.” - The Age (Australia)