Benny Green is not an innovator, but he has managed to blend the styles of Wynton Kelly and Gene Harris in his playing. His fast octave runs can often be dazzling. As a teenager, he played with Joe Henderson and Woody Shaw in Berkeley. He moved to New York and spent significant time with Betty Carter (1983-1987), and Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers (87-1989). The latter was a well-known association. Green was also a regular performer in bop settings for a number of years, before joining Ray Brown’s Trio. He has also worked with his own trio which included Christian McBride, Carl Allen, and others. Green was Oscar Peterson’s choice when he was asked to name his protege in 1992 for a concert. Benny Green has recorded with Blue Note and Criss Cross, as well as his work on Telarc and earlier Blakey dates. Allmusic
