WARREN BENBOW ON THE SPOT – IN THE MOMENT!
WARREN BENBOW is a New York-based drummer who has worked and recorded with Nina Simone, Weldon Irvine, Jr., Larry Willis just to name a few. In addition to his jazz work, he has also worked as an actor and musician in Broadway musical productions. He has performed on television, in the studio, and in clubs or concert halls around the world with such artists as Whitney Houston, Gwen Guthrie, LL Cool J, Nancy Wilson and many more…
As he says so well:
‘Music changes as the world changes. In fact, music can help in change and should have a role in creating peace with one another. As a drummer it’s not as easy but there is a way to create an energy and a pulse that can help change. Music can help in making people feel happy, to fall in love, to create fond memories, to fulfill our purposes in life. Music makes people feel better; to dance, to sing can stir emotions that can transform lives.
I was born in New York City and I’ve been a musician ever since I knew there was such a thing called music.
I started at an early age and I’ve studied, known and performed with some of the best musicians in my generation.
I am an artist.
My canvas is music.
My brush – sticks, and mallets.
I create in a place of unknowing, to hopefully provide growth and healing for the listener and
for myself.
The way I see it, to create music, to play music, is to be in a place of greatness.
We are all here for a reason.
It’s no accident that I’m a musician… Ha!’
Warren, welcome and thank you so much for participating in this project. You are a man of few words but words well chosen full of wisdom… let us begin.
No.1) What is music to and for you? (personally and generally).
Music is one way I can communicate my inner feelings to the outer world. To connect to others in a non- verbal language.
No. 2) What inspires you?
My children, and my Mother and Father. And just the fact that music is my gift.
No. 3) When you are playing, creating, where does it take you? Where does your mind travel?
When I play music sometimes I am praying. I go inside my soul to everywhere I’ve been on my path. And in a musical performance I travel along with my fellow musicians wherever there minds are taking them.
No. 4) Do you feel music, visual art and health are related and if so, how?
I think that we all paint pictures as human beings and as musicians, we try to share our art to try and give the listener a pleasurable experience. Maybe to help them feel good for that moment or the moments ahead. I think that we all paint pictures in whatever craft we are gifted in. In my case, I am a musician, and I hope to give the listener of my music a pleasurable experience in the moment.
No. 5) How do you feel when you are playing for yourself, not performing?
Every time I touch a musical instrument, whether it’s when I’m alone or in front of an audience I feel that there must be a reason for me doing this. Hopefully to uplift and inspire others.
No. 6) When do you do your best work? (under what circumstances or conditions)
When I’m relaxed and comfortable. That’s when I’m excited, and the music flows.
No. 7) Do you identify with your music and if so, on what level?
I am a musician, pure and simple. I was born to walk and talk in rhythms.
I do what I love and love what I do…
No. 8 ) Do you find playing music helps you connect with your “Higher Self” whatever that is for you?
Yes,
When I play I’m silent. In my own place of solitude.
Yes, I feel connected.
I go beyond the limits of my body.
No. 9) Many people feel the school systems tend to kill creativity. How do you feel about that?
No. I don’t feel that way. The artist will always find the way to create. It’s their gift and no ’so-called’ system can take that away.
No. 10) What is jazz to you?
Sometimes I wish I knew… Ha!
No. 11) In your opinion, what could be a simple solution to improve creativity in the public school system?
Creativity in the schools? – Two words: “Creative teachers…”
No. 12) How do you feel about improvisation?
Improvisation? – The soul of the musician. Improvisation is being the composer of music created on the spot, and in the moment.
Thank you so much, Warren, for sharing with us and for bringing joy through music to the world. Until we work together again, keep well and be blessed!
TO THE READER :
You are cordially invited to visit Warren’s links below to hear more of his music. As always, your comments are most appreciated, thank you and enjoy!
http://www.reverbnation.com/warrenbenbowtimecodeproject
http://www.reverbnation.com/warrenbenbowslaodyssey
http://warrenbenbow.wordpress.com/
Photo by Michelle Kia Benbow, Carlos Alejandro.
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