Ben Britton

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Born: December 5, 1983 Primary Instrument: Saxophone

Ben Britton has been described as a “real jazz tenor player and a true improviser” by world-renowned saxophonist Walt Weiskopf, and music critics have also recognized his “inventive abilities” and “predilection for rhythmic adventure”. He employs his creative impulses most recently with his project, Unconventional Riot, a Philadelphia based quartet, which just released their EP Children at Play. His 2010 debut release, Uncertain Living, was a cooperative effort with his brother John Britton (trumpet) which received critical acclaim from sites like AllAboutJazz.com, and JazzReview.com and many more. They celebrated the release with a packed in crowd and a guest performance by saxophone legend, Chris Potter, who also performed as a special guest on the album. Britton has shared the stage with many other amazing musicians including John Clayton, Dick Oats, Candido Camero, Bobby Sanabria, Walt Weiskopf, and Nina Beilina and her group Bachanalia. Britton's performance career includes a residency at the Kennedy Center with Billy Taylor, Curtis Fuller, Nathan Davis, Winard Harper, Chip Jackson, and Carmen Lundy in the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Program, and he has also performed at the Rochester International Jazz Festival, Merkin Hall, Dizzy's Club Coca Cola, Binghamton University, and other various jazz venues.

Currently, Britton is an adjunct professor at Montgomery County Community College, and has given clinics at both the university and high school level coaching jazz bands and saxophone sections, and teaching and presenting to music classes. An innovate eductor, Britton's 2010 record release included unique online content: play-along tracks of compositions from the record, transcriptions and analyses of Chris Potter's solos from the album, and other instructional material. Britton's academic efforts also extend into the world of blogging. His blog, EverythingSaxophone.blogspot.com, serves as a resource for both students of saxophone and students of jazz and improvisation. Britton also teaches private lessons in the Philadelphia area and resides nearby with his wife and 5 children.

Britton's own academic achievements have included a masters degree from Manhattan School of Music and a bachelors degree from Eastman School of Music. He has studied with some of the best living saxophonists including Chris Potter, George Garzone, Steve Wilson, Rich Perry, and Walt Weiskopf, and he has continued studying both jazz and classical music.

Last Updated: October 24, 2011

”Ben and John Britton are two extremely talented young jazz musicians, with a clear knowledge of the past but an eye towards the future. Check them out!” Chris Potter

“A real jazz tenor player and a true improviser.” Walt Weiskopf

“Ben ... has that drivingly linear modern sound, evocative slightly of Mike Brecker, Dave Liebman and other such players. He has a very strong tone and a confidence and inventive ability in the improvisations that make you want to check him out in a live setting.” Grego Applegate Edwards, Gapplegate Music Review

“Ben has a hearty tone (with a softer side, not unlike Wayne Shorter), a predilection for rhythmic adventure and creates melodies that seem to propel forward.” Richard B. Kamins, StepTempest.blogspot.com

“The CFJS members and the competing students were impressed with the dedication of this fine young man and convinced that Jazz, America's Art, has a healthy future because of young artists like Ben Britton.” O. A. Lowe - CFJS Scholarship Chairman

Uncertain Living (Record Craft, 2010)
Personnel: Ben Britton: Tenor Sax; John Britton: Trumpet; Chris Potter: Tenor Sax; Jeremy Siskind: Piano; Austin Walker: Drums; Taylor Waugh: Bass

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Primary Instrument:
Saxophone

Location:
Pottstown, PA

Credentials/Background:
Adjunct Professor at Montgomery County Community College Taught elementary school, high school, and college master classes. Contact for rates and availability.

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