Album Notes

Ben Schachter is a powerful and original saxophonist and composer. As a leader, he has six recordings on his own label, with more coming soon. He has performed and recorded in the U.S., Europe, and Asia with; Sam Rivers, Tim Hagans, Conrad Herwig, John Zorn, Dave Douglas, Gary Bartz, Dick Oatts Jef Lee Johnson, Terell Stafford, Jeff "Tain" Watts, Kurt Rosenwinkel, John Medeski, Uri Caine, George Garzone, Marc Ribot, John Swana, Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Burhan Ocal, Jack Walrath, etc. As a composer, Ben has been recognized with grants from the American Composers Forum (2003), Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (2001 & 2005), and Pew Fellowships in the Arts (1999). A Philadelphia native, he has been cited in his hometown press as “Best Jazz Artist” and “Best Saxophonist”.


“If the news hasn’t reached you, then listen up! Philadelphia-based saxophonist Ben Schachter is one of the sharpest improvisers in modern jazz.”
Glenn Astarita, AllAboutJazz


“...the power of...Dave Holland...or Steve Coleman...the authority of Joe Lovano...”
Jason Bivins, Cadence


“...Ben Schachter’s Trio of Many is working on a new style of freedom and democracy.”
Daniel Pietrowski, JazzTimes


“...Schachter fired up his heavy tenor to display some serious monster chops...he could be king of the mountain.”
Ken Weiss, Cadence


“...advanced harmonic capabilities and fluid, sure-fire rhythmic drive....a personal and present-tense sound.”
Nate Chinen, Philadelphia CityPaper


“...Schachter writes peppery tunes that tapdance on the subconscious before his searing saxophone takes over to blow down the house.”
Karl Stark, Philadelphia Inquirer


“...a highly personalized style...beautifully arranged interludes offset by passages of boundless improvising...something special is happening here.”
Michael Mellia, JazzImprov


“...has a fire in his soul that he vents through angular, topsy-turvy modified bop explosions.”
Brian Howard, Philadelphia CityPaper


“...Ben Schachter’s Sung/Unsung will blow your mind.”
Greg Trout, Philadelphia Arts Writers