Benny Lackner Trio

I edited my profile with Thomas' Myspace Editor V4.4The second half of 2006 finds the trio taking the next step in its’ evolution, once again taking to the studio to self-produce its third and most original album yet. Benny Lackner attributes the success of the trios many tours and critically acclaimed records to the fact that theirs is a true band approach. “We operate as a collective, every member has equal input in terms of musical ideas that help develop the style and sound of the group.” The other key ingredient to this band sound is the careful selection of material. On record and in concert one will hear the band play everything from sharp and stylish original pieces, to inventive covers of popular songs by artists such as Bjork, Jimmy Hendrix, Prince, Nick Drake, Nena Feist, as well as insightful arrangements of the music of Mingus, Monk, and Gerschwin. Their sonic embellishments on the sound of the acoustic piano trio (slight electronic enhancements by Lackner and some drum programming by Perkins) give the overall sound a subtle yet modern, ambient feel. The Benny Lackner Trio has headlined at jazz clubs such as the Blue Note- NYC, Joe’s Pub-NYC, Joe Zawinul’s Birdland-Vienna and the A-Trane in Berlin and has toured the U.S.A., Germany, Austria, Turkey, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Currently they tour in Europe every six months expanding their territory every time. They are scheduled to do at least two European tours in 2007 as well as several festivals. ABOUT THE MUSICIANSBorn in Berlin, Benny Lackner, was raised on American folk songs and blues by his California native father. Upon moving to America at 13, his jazz drummer uncle (Tom Lackner) introduced him to the world of jazz. Benny went on to study with pianist Brad Mehldau, to perform at the Monterey and the Montreux jazz festivals, and to play with artists such as the late Billy Higgins, Marc Ribot, Brad Shepik, the and Pheeroan akLaff and is now residing in NYC where is working with his internationally touring trio and as a sideman. Benny Lackner has recently shared bills with such Downtown NYC artists as Elvis Costello, the Jazz Passengers, Sex Mob, Vijay Iyer, Ralph Alessi, Kenny Wollesson,Jonathon Haffner and many others. Derek Nievergelt (NYC) is a freelance/session musician who has performed and/or recorded with Myron Walden, Greg Osby, Edward Simon, Dianne Reeves, Stanley Jordan, Eric Harland, Herbie Hancock, Diana Krall, Cassandra Wilson, Oleta Adams, Jason Moran, Jojo Mayer, Kenny Wollesson, Eddie Henderson, Graham Haynes, Butch Morris, Bobby Watson and was a member of the Terence Blanchard Quintet with whom he toured the World and recorded the grammy nominated album Let's Get Lost. Besides being a member of the Benny Lackner Trio he is currently a member of Jeremy Pelt's Creation, The Mike Moreno Group and leads his own group The Phliptones. Robert Perkins has enjoyed a professional career being associated on both coasts of the country. His journey so far has given him the opportunity to travel all over the world playing with bandleaders such as Michael Buble, Eric Reed, Ingrid Jenson, Charlie Hunter, Leon Parker, The Clayton Brothers, Terell Stafford, Bobby Watson, Chris Pierce, Dwight Trible and Tierney Sutton. Robert Perkins endorses DW Drums, Zildjian Cymbals and Regal Tip Sticks and Brushes.