Lakecia Benjamin and Soul Squad @ Sullivan Hall 1/7/12

Whoa! Intense greatness!  The only one up there I already knew was Maurice Brown.  He was accompanied by his equals.  I must admit, the word "soul" in the band name made me leery I wasn't going to to like it due to the genre.  Oh no, this kicked some serious butt.  The trumpets and sax were intense, high level amazingness.  The only thing that resembled what I think of as "Soul music" was the rhodes and the sound coming from it.  I enjoyed that due to the intensity of the music in general.

I can't help but wonder if it was extra good because of the festival.  I hope not - I hope that was the norm for this band.

Lakecia Benjamin and Soul Squad 

Lakecia Benjamin, saxophone, vocals, effects / Chris Rob, keys & vocals / Louis Cato, bass / Joe Blaxx, drums / Jamiel Corneilo, guitar / Maurice Brown, trumpet / Melanie Charles, vocals

Saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin, born and raised in New York City is a multi-faceted artist on the scene. International Globe Hopper Lakecia Has Played in Europe, Asia, South America, Russia and many other festivals throughout the world. Exploring the musical styles of Jazz, R &B, and. Ms. Benjamin has performed with artists Clark Terry, Rashid Ali, Joanne Brackeen, Vanessa Rubin and the Duke Ellington Orchestra. As well as performing with contemporary recording artists JT Taylor and Kool and the Gang, Stevie Wonder, and Alicia Keys. Not only Is Lakecia Noted for her work with some of the world’s greatest Musician’s you can find her As the saxophonist with Comedian Craig Robinson who is featured on “The Office” and the Hit movie “Pineapple Express”. Giving back to the community Lakecia also performs workshops as well as concerts at public schools, Festivals, and community events with organizations Jazz At Lincoln center and Arts Connection.