The Ben Paterson Organ Trio

Ben Paterson (Organ),  Andrew Lim (Guitar) and Carmen Intorre (Drums)

Originally from Philadelphia, Ben spent his younger years studying both classical and jazz music before moving to the great city of Chicago.  There he spent years performing and working with the best musicians in town, absorbing the unique blend of Jazz and Blues that can only be found in the Windy City.  Now, moving to New York, Ben is poised to bring his unique talents and style to a wider audience, combining hard-swinging grooves and melodic improvisation with an impeccable touch. Starting in 2005, Ben was honored to work as pianist for NEA jazz master Von Freeman, performing with him regularly until Von’s passing in August 2012.  In addition to regular club dates around town, Ben’s work with Von included performances at the Chicago Jazz Fest, Symphony Center, Millenium Park, The Jazz Showcase, and The Green Mill. Under his own name, Ben has performed at the Chicago Jazz Festival as both a solo pianist and with his Organ Quartet, led his own groups at dozens of venues including Smalls Jazz Club, Kitano Jazz, and the Zinc Bar in NYC, and headline performances at the Green Mill and Andy’s Jazz Clubs in Chicago.Notable collaborations include work Von Freeman, Bobby Broom, Johnny O’Neal, Red Holloway, Eldee young, Jerry Weldon, Guy King, Ed Cherry, Brianna Thomas, Gregory Generet, Dave Specter, Jason Marshall, Henry Johnson, Corey Wilkes, Milton Suggs, Ernest Dawkins, Marianne Solivan, Patience Higgens, Myron Waldon, Kimberly Gordon, Martina DaSilva, JC Styles, Svetlana’s Delancey 5, Adam Rongo, and many others. Notable performances include opening for acts including B.B. King, Buddy Guy, and Steely Dan, the 2010 Montreal Jazz Fest, the 2006, 2009, and 2013 Chicago Jazz Fests, the 2007, 2008, and 2011 Chicago Blues Fests, as well as shows in France, China, Switzerland, Mexico, Sweden, and Taiwan. Ben currently has 3 piano discs out: Breathing Space (OA2 Records 2007) Blues For Oscar (Meetinghouse Records 2012), and Essential Elements (MAXJAZZ 2013)  Keep an eye out for his debut Organ record scheduled for release in Summer of 2015. www.BenPaterson.com

Guitarist Andrew Lim has been an integral part of the jazz scene in Singapore and abroad since 2001. During that time he has participated in recordings and numerous festival, concert and club performances with musicians from all generations. Andrew has been fortunate to gain the respect of his peers and mentors. He continues to hone his style through writing and performing and is developing a lyrical yet mordernist guitar voice that is all his own. He is an active performer and is currently based in NYC. Embraced by its jazz community, he has performed at various venues including Lincoln Centre, Smoke, Dizzy's, Zinc Bar and various local clubs.  His reverence to melodies and soulful style have endeared him to audiences throughout the world as well as the musicians he's worked with.

Born in Buffalo, NY, Carmen Intorre developed an early interest in music and began playing drums at age five. A graduate of The Institute for Jazz Studies at the Juilliard School, he has performed and recorded with numerous musicians such as Pat Martino, George Benson, Larry Coryell, Wynton Marsalis, Monty Alexander, George Coleman, Eric Alexander, George Cables, Benny Golson, Richie Cole, Joe Locke, Lew Tabackin, Bobby Watson, Ira Sullivan, Bobby Watson, and many others.

A 2011 GRAMMY® nominee for his performance on the critically acclaimed album by Joey DeFrancesco entitled Never Can Say Goodbye: The Music of Michael Jackson, Intorre also had the pleasure of performing alongside DeFrancesco and Dr. Lonnie Smith on the PBS show Legends of Jazz, hosted by Ramsey Lewis.