The Phoenix era — encompassing that 2023 album and its 2024 live counterpart, Phoenix Reimagined — has been good to Lakecia Benjamin.
Stemming from a car accident that nearly claimed her life, Phoenix netted 3 Grammy nominations for Best Instrumental Composition, Best Jazz Instrumental Album, and Best Jazz Performance — with Phoenix Reimagined matching it in the latter two categories. None other than Stephen Colbert announced Phoenix Reimagined, live on air, with the alto saxophonist and composer herself guesting in the Late Show Band.
But Benjamin — much like her heroes John and Alice Coltrane, who she memorably paid tribute to with 2020’s Pursuance — has never been content to rest on her laurels. “We’re not just rising from the ashes anymore—we’ve done that,” Benjamin proclaims, “Now, we’re stepping into a season that honors every side of who I am: the survivor, the sovereign, the storyteller. This is a more regal era—rooted, radiant, and fully claimed.”
The first offering thereof is “Noble Rise” — a simmering collaboration with fellow alto voyager Immanuel Wilkins, who released his acclaimed third album for Blue Note, Blues Blood, in 2024. Less a saxophone battle than a meeting of the minds, the track features Benjamin’s core band as well as guitarist Mark Whitfield.
Benjamin was drawn to Wilkins for many reasons — his Philly roots, his control of his image, his mastery of the instrument at a young age. “I was looking to showcase where Immanuel and I are at in our careers — some of the similarities, some of the differences,” she says. “And to highlight getting knocked down, but striving, trying to get through.”
“Noble Rise” is a riveting introduction to Benjamin’s new chapter. We’re leaning into a more regal expression,” There’s a sense of heroic elevation“The ashes are no longer her origin story—they’re her foundation. Benjamin now creates from power, not pain.”
The launch of “Noble Rise” coincides with the continuation of her international tour. Her European tour dates will see her make stops in Germany, Slovenia, Italy, Belgium, Spain, Portugal and Netherlands. She will return to the Newport Jazz Festival main stage in August.
Lakecia Benjamin - Alto Saxophone
Immanuel Wilkins - Alto Saxophone
Mark Whitfield - Guitar
Elias Bailey - Bass
Oscar Perez - Piano
Miki Hyama - Organ
Bendji Allonce – Percussion
