Benjamin Drazen
Benjamin Drazen, a native New Yorker raised in Roslyn, NY, received his foundational jazz education from the late great Dave Burns. A graduate of the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music, Drazen studied with jazz luminaries including Dave Liebman, Jimmy Jiuffre, George Garzone, John McNeil, and Cecil McBee. Drawing from these influences, he has developed a distinct jazz style rooted in the traditions of Charlie Parker, Cannonball Adderley, Sonny Rollins, and John Coltrane.
Since relocating to New York City in 1995, Drazen has performed alongside some of the finest jazz artists, such as Rashied Ali, George Garzone, Gene Jackson, Steve Tyrell, Ron McClure, Lew Soloff, Santi Debriano, Marvin “Bugalu” Smith, and Ron Affif. He has also appeared at numerous festivals and clubs worldwide.
In 2011, Drazen released his debut album as a leader, Inner Flights (Posi-Tone Records), featuring a quartet with Drazen on alto and soprano saxophones, Jon Davis on piano, Carlo De Rosa on bass, and Eric McPherson on drums. In addition to his leadership work, Drazen has contributed as a sideman on recent recordings including Brooke Sofferman’s Symposium, Chris Massey’s Vibrainium, Marvin “Bugalu” Smith Quintet, Peter Fish Group’s Live at the 55 Bar, Laurent Medelgi’s Diverses, and Marlon D’s Love Is The Key.
Currently residing in New York City, Drazen continues to lead his quartet and is a member of the Peter Fish Group, Charlie Persip’s Big Band “Supersound,” and several other small jazz ensembles. He is also an active private saxophone instructor, sharing his passion for jazz and his instrument with many students.
Benjamin Drazen, a native New Yorker raised in Roslyn, NY, received his foundational jazz education from the late great Dave Burns. A graduate of the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music, Drazen studied with jazz luminaries including Dave Liebman, Jimmy Jiuffre, George Garzone, John McNeil, and Cecil McBee. Drawing from these influences, he has developed a distinct jazz style rooted in the traditions of Charlie Parker, Cannonball Adderley, Sonny Rollins, and John Coltrane.
Since relocating to New York City in 1995, Drazen has performed alongside some of the finest jazz artists, such as Rashied Ali, George Garzone, Gene Jackson, Steve Tyrell, Ron McClure, Lew Soloff, Santi Debriano, Marvin “Bugalu” Smith, and Ron Affif. He has also appeared at numerous festivals and clubs worldwide.
In 2011, Drazen released his debut album as a leader, Inner Flights (Posi-Tone Records), featuring a quartet with Drazen on alto and soprano saxophones, Jon Davis on piano, Carlo De Rosa on bass, and Eric McPherson on drums. In addition to his leadership work, Drazen has contributed as a sideman on recent recordings including Brooke Sofferman’s Symposium, Chris Massey’s Vibrainium, Marvin “Bugalu” Smith Quintet, Peter Fish Group’s Live at the 55 Bar, Laurent Medelgi’s Diverses, and Marlon D’s Love Is The Key.
Currently residing in New York City, Drazen continues to lead his quartet and is a member of the Peter Fish Group, Charlie Persip’s Big Band “Supersound,” and several other small jazz ensembles. He is also an active private saxophone instructor, sharing his passion for jazz and his instrument with many students.