"As soulful an electric pianist-organist as exists anywhere." - Downbeat Magazine

Since his arrival on the Chicago jazz scene in 2004, Ben Paterson has quickly established himself as a pianist / organist in high demand. Performing with a wide array of musicians, and in a variety of styles, he is both a highly sought after sideman and the leader of his own acclaimed piano trio. Inspired by jazz greats like Art Tatum, Jimmy Smith, Sonny Clark and Jimmy McGriff, his style is one which encompasses both old and new, allowing him to sound equally at home with younger, contemporary musicians, or as the first-call pianist for Chicago tenor saxophone legend Von Freeman.

Ben began studying classical music at the age of 6, but soon developed a talent for improvisation and jazz harmony. After graduating from the Settlement Music School in Philadelphia, receiving awards and scholarships, he moved to the midwest to attend the University of Chicago, quickly becoming known around the city as a young musician to watch.

Ben has performed at premier Chicago clubs including The Jazz Showcase, The Green Mill, Andy's, Pops for Champagne, The Velvet Lounge, The Checkerboard Lounge, Green Dolphin Street, House of Blues, Buddy Guy’s Legends, Rosa’s Blues Lounge, Pete Miller’s, and The New Apartment Lounge. He performed at the 2006 Chicago Jazz Fest, the 2007 and 2008 Chicago Blues Fests, at famous Chicago venues including Symphony Center, the Sears Tower, the Drake Hotel, and the Chicago Cultural Center, and was a top prize winner in both the 2006 and 2008 Chicago Union League Jazz Improvisation Competitions. Ben has worked with established musicians including Von Freeman, Guy King, Corey Wilkes, Eldee Young, George Freeman, Ernest Dawkins, Dave Specter, Sabertooth Organ Quartet, Isaiah Spencer, Elaine Dame, John Burnett, Dennis Winslett, The Nia Quintet, John Bany, and many more.

Ben's debut piano trio CD, Breathing Space, has received excellent airplay since it‘s release, and has garnered high praise from reviewers around the country.