Benito Gonzalez

Benito Gonzalez, born in Maracaibo, Venezuela, is a distinguished jazz pianist known for his powerful rhythm and Afro-Latin patterns. He gained recognition after winning the Great American Jazz Piano Competition in 2005, which propelled his career forward. His debut album, 'Starting Point,' was released in 2004 and featured notable musicians such as Christian McBride and Antonio Sanchez. Over the years, Gonzalez has collaborated with a variety of prominent artists, including Kenny Garrett and Pharoah Sanders, and has been nominated for two Grammy Awards for his work with the Kenny Garrett Quartet. He is also a Steinway & Sons artist and serves on the piano faculty at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music.