Michael Benedict Jazz Vibes

Michael Benedict JAZZ VIBES is an ensemble featuring Michael on vibraphone, David Gleason on piano, Mike Lawrence on bass and Pete Sweeney on drums.  The repertoire of the group includes straight ahead jazz standards, Latin-American songs and original material.  Jazz Vibes has been one of the leading jazz groups in the Capital Region of New York State for over a decade.

Michael is a graduate of the Crane School of Music at the State University College of New York at Potsdam where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education.  He later attended Rutgers University and graduated with a Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies.

Michael has performed and/or recorded with jazz luminaries Gary Smulyan, Harry Allen, Dick Oatts, Steve Nelson, Sharel Cassity, Bruce Barth and Joe Locke.  He has toured the United States extensively, performing at numerous concert halls, colleges, clubs and festivals and has performed in Europe.  In 2012, Michael was part of a US State Department tour of Tunisia, Africa where he taught and performed with the Planet Arts Trio.

As a drummer, Michael is also the leader of BOPITUDE and THE GARY MCFARLAND LEGACY ENSEMBLE and has released five recordings to date.  Downbeat Magazine listed BOPITUDE “Five and One” as one of the Best Albums of 2013.  His most recent release, “Circulation: The Music of Gary McFarland”, was an Editor’s pick in Downbeat Magazine and listed as one of the Best Jazz Albums of 2015 by National Public Radio and critics Ted Gioa and Scott Yanow.

Michael endorses The One Vibe by Marimba One, Grover Pro Percussion Drums, Soutone Cymbals and Regal Tip drumsticks.