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Ben Tyree
Guitarist Ben Tyree has the power to move people. That statement could be construed in two distinctly opposite ways – either the buoyant groove to get audiences out of their seats or the emotional depth to touch a listener’s soul – but Tyree is the rare case where both meanings are equally applicable.
A product of the diverse Washington, DC music scene, Tyree is a performer and composer of virtuosic ability, infectious groove, and eclectic tastes. All of those elements are placed on stunning display on his latest release, Burn It! LIVE, a blistering live set from the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s prestigious BAMcafé Live series. Revealing his multi-faceted talents, that album follows his gorgeous, classically-influenced acoustic solo album Thoughtform Variations, ample evidence of his diversity and range.
Determined to play the guitar since the age of four, Tyree studied both jazz and classical music in high school while writing his own rock songs and going to jam sessions at blues clubs at night. He continued his studies at DC’s prestigious Duke Ellington School of the Arts and at Howard University before moving to his current home, Brooklyn, in 2002.
The template for his genre-hopping agility was set by the pioneering Miscellaneous Flux, the band that Tyree co-founded in 1998 while still in DC. Refreshingly impossible to categorize, the group fused jazz, hip-hop and punk rock into a crowd-invigorating mix, releasing two EPs and a full-length album before disbanding in 2005 following its members’ move to New York. Its acclaimed 2002 full-length CD, Dead in Dreams, won a "Wammie" (Washington Area Music Association award) and garnered four other nominations for the band, including Best Urban Contemporary Instrumentalist for Tyree.
Tyree’s longstanding trio BT3 continues in that vein, grafting together jazz, funk and rock in often surprising but always vigorous fashion. The trio recorded their debut CD, re:Vision, in 2010 with special guests John Medeski and DJ Logic, no strangers to boundary-blurring groove. The album also featured tenor saxophonists Stacy Dillard and V. Jeffrey Smith, both of whom reprise their roles on Burn It! LIVE.
His solo debut, Thoughtform Variations, displays Tyree’s more introspective side even while retaining his recognizable stamp. The album consists of eight original pieces combining classical, jazz, pop and folk influences into a rich, harmonious sound. Evidencing influences as varied as John McLaughlin, Michael Hedges, and J.S. Bach, the pieces also reflect the indelible contributions made by family, friends and events in his life.
Tyree’s staggering versatility and creativity is spotlighted by the wide-ranging list of collaborators with whom he’s worked, including artists as varied as Vernon Reid, Kyp Malone (TV On The Radio), Nicholas Payton, Dr.
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Ben Tyree: Thoughtform Variations
![Read "Thoughtform Variations" reviewed by Ian Patterson](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/coverart/large/bentyree_thoughtformvariations_mt.jpg)
by Ian Patterson
On the face of it, an all-acoustic solo album may seem like something of a departure from guitarist Ben Tyree's eclectic, contemporary New York fusion of re:vision (Sonic Architectures, 2011), with his BT3 trio. Yet, in essence, these eight tracks share an equally wide arc of influences and the same spirit of adventure. Though not as raucous or urbane as re:vision, which roped in DJ Logic and keyboardist John Medeski, Tyree's acoustic sketches are, in some ways, no less modern, ...
read moreBen Tyree: Thoughtform Variations
![Read "Thoughtform Variations" reviewed by Mark F. Turner](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/coverart/large/bentyree_thoughtformvariations_mt.jpg)
by Mark F. Turner
In stark contrast to the psychedelic funk rock of re: Vision (2010, Sonic Architectures), Brooklyn-based guitarist Ben Tyree eschews pyrotechnic effects and performs literally naked on his solo acoustic debut, Thoughtform Variations, showing enough imagination and finger-picking stylizations to satisfy both six-string enthusiasts and casual listeners. These original pieces were conceived eight years ago as experiments, and display a virtuosity and breath reminiscent of guitarists Michael Hedges and Alex De Grassi's 1980s-'90s work for Windham Hill Records, ...
read moreBen Tyree/BT3: re:vision
![Read "re:vision" reviewed by Ian Patterson](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/coverart/2010/bentyree_b3_revision_jk.jpg)
by Ian Patterson
Ben Tyree's compositions on re:vision openly embrace a range of styles in a hard-grooving mixture, where the subtleties of the guitarist's playing are revealed upon repeated listening. Although this is evidently contemporary fusion, Tyree's approach comes from a jazz tradition, stemming from bebop and beyond. It is, however, rock and funk of an altogether more modern hue from which his music takes its wings, the result of a decade honing his sound in New York, surrounded by like-minded musicians.
read moreTake Five With Ben Tyree
![Read "Take Five With Ben Tyree" reviewed by Ben Tyree](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/9608d4fc2bcfafca9bbcd7c05cc6087b.jpg)
by Ben Tyree
Instrument(s):Guitar (electric and acoustic). Teachers and/or influences?Teachers: I learned the basics and how to structure songs, as well as recording techniques, from Rachel-Ann Cross. Tom Newman taught me how to play in the pocket as well as helped me develop advanced harmonic concepts. He also instilled within me a love of jazz. From Gerry Kunkel, I absorbed more advanced improvisational concepts, reading, and my classical technique, also more mindful and conscious approaches towards practicing ...
read moreGuitarist Ben Tyree: Sonic Architectures Live – Feb Residency @ Art Café (Brooklyn, NY)
![Guitarist Ben Tyree: Sonic Architectures Live – Feb Residency @ Art Café (Brooklyn, NY)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/9608d4fc2bcfafca9bbcd7c05cc6087b.jpg)
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Ben Tyree
NYC-based guitarist and composer Ben Tyree presents Sonic Architectures LIVE residency at Art Café in Brooklyn, NY (884-886 Pacific St. @ Underhill Ave – Prospect Heights 11238) every Tuesday evening in February 2015. The residency will allow Tyree to present new works in solo, duet and larger ensemble configurations collaborating with previous as well as new partnerships. Since 2007, Tyree has released recordings of his original work on his own Sonic Architectures label. Sonic Architectures LIVE represents Tyree’s concepts of ...
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Guitarist Ben Tyree Catches Fire On First Live CD
![Guitarist Ben Tyree Catches Fire On First Live CD](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/coverart/large/burnitcover.jpg)
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Ben Tyree
Burn It! LIVE captures the infectious grooves and adventurous virtuosity of the Brooklyn guitarist’s BT3 trio Release Date: SEPTEMBER 9, 2014 Whether it refers to a raging inferno or a long, slow smolder, Burn It! not only serves as the title for guitar wizard Ben Tyree’s first live album but as a mantra for his blistering BT3 trio. Recorded in 2010 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s prestigious BAMcafé Live series, the scintillating date finds Tyree, his bandmates and a ...
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BT3: Ben Tyree Trio Returns! March 29 at SubCulture NYC
![BT3: Ben Tyree Trio Returns! March 29 at SubCulture NYC](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/9608d4fc2bcfafca9bbcd7c05cc6087b.jpg)
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Ben Tyree
From a lifetime of pushing boundaries, leading award-winning projects, and collaborating with a multitude of musical luminaries, guitarist Ben Tyree, returns with his own groundbreaking, jazz/funk/rock trio, BT3 (feat. Jeremy “Bean” Clemons – drums + Kevin Farrell – bass). On Saturday, March 29 @ 10pm, Tyree and BT3 will perform at SubCulture (45 Bleecker St, NYC) to preview music from their forthcoming release, Burn It! LIVE. Formed in 2009, BT3 has been astonishing NYC audiences at The Blue Note, (the ...
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Ben Tyree - Solo Guitar Tour 2012
![Ben Tyree - Solo Guitar Tour 2012](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/9608d4fc2bcfafca9bbcd7c05cc6087b.jpg)
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Ben Tyree
Beginning this September, Ben Tyree kicks off several short run tours of the United States to promote his latest solo guitar record Thoughtform Variations (Sonic Architectures SA002, released June 26, 2012). Blending dazzling technical skill and heartfelt emotions, Tyree’s solo debut will resonate with six-string aficionados and lovers of pure musicality alike. On Thoughtform Variations, Tyree offers eight original pieces combining classical, jazz, pop and folk influences into a rich, harmonious individual sound. Above all, Tyree asserts his own unique ...
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Guitarist Ben Tyree Releases Debut Solo CD @ Rockwood Music Hall (Stage 1), NYC On Tues, June 26 (6pm)
![Guitarist Ben Tyree Releases Debut Solo CD @ Rockwood Music Hall (Stage 1), NYC On Tues, June 26 (6pm)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/9608d4fc2bcfafca9bbcd7c05cc6087b.jpg)
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Ben Tyree
Thoughtform Variations vividly melds virtuosity and personal expression on original acoustic pieces. On Tuesday, June 26 @ 6pm, Ben Tyree will perform at Rockwood Music Hall - Stage 1 (196 Allen Street – btwn Houston & Stanton - New York, NY) to celebrate the release of his highly anticipated solo guitar debut, Thoughtform Variations. Blending dazzling technical skill and heartfelt emotions, guitarist Ben Tyree’s solo debut will resonate with six-string aficionados and lovers of pure musicality alike. On Thoughtform Variations, ...
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Guitarist Ben Tyree Releases Debut Solo CD - Thoughtform Variations
![Guitarist Ben Tyree Releases Debut Solo CD - Thoughtform Variations](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/9608d4fc2bcfafca9bbcd7c05cc6087b.jpg)
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Ben Tyree
Thoughtform Variations vividly melds virtuosity and personal expression on original acoustic pieces Release Date: June 26 Blending dazzling technical skill and heartfelt emotions, guitarist Ben Tyree's solo debut will resonate with six-string aficionados and lovers of pure musicality alike. On Thoughtform Variations , Tyree offers eight original pieces combining classical, jazz, pop and folk influences into a rich, harmonious individual sound. Above all, Tyree asserts his own unique voice on the instrument through his gorgeous compositions and dexterous playing. I ...
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Ben Tyree/BT3 - Re:vision (2010)
![Ben Tyree/BT3 - Re:vision (2010)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/2010/helpinghands100x100.jpg)
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Something Else!
A couple of years back while covering a record by the whack jazz-funk-rock big band Burnt Sugar the Arkestra Chamber I picked out Living Colour's Vernon Reid's contributions to the collective, but he wasn't the only guitarist on there. Ben Tyree was also on that record. Like Reid, Tyree doesn't settle for the middle of the road stuff, he starts with massive technically ability, a driving rock clamor and a great sense of funk, deploying all this to more challenging, ...
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Guitarist Ben Tyree Releases Long-Awaited BT3 - "re:Vision" CD on His Own Sonic Architectures Label, Featuring an All-Star Cast!
![Guitarist Ben Tyree Releases Long-Awaited BT3 - "re:Vision" CD on His Own Sonic Architectures Label, Featuring an All-Star Cast!](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/9608d4fc2bcfafca9bbcd7c05cc6087b.jpg)
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Michael Ricci
Release Date: November 6, 2010 From a lifetime of pushing boundaries, leading award-winning projects, and collaborating with a multitude of musical luminaries, guitarist Ben Tyree, releases the groundbreaking, improvisational sci-fi/jazz/funk album, Ben Tyree/BT3re:Vision, featuring all original material. em>re:Vision showcases Tyree's trio, BT3, blazing through an adventurous and bombastic set of high-octane, guitar-driven compositions, alongside special guests John Medeski (organ), DJ Logic (turntables), Steve Jenkins (bass), V. Jeffrey Smith (tenor saxophone), and Stacy Dillard (tenor saxophone). BT3, formed in 2009, has ...
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BT3 Brings Hard Jazz/Funk Grooves & Guitar Pyrotechnics to the Iridium Jazz Club - Friday, August 13 @ 11:30PM as Part of Their Emerging Artist Series
![BT3 Brings Hard Jazz/Funk Grooves & Guitar Pyrotechnics to the Iridium Jazz Club - Friday, August 13 @ 11:30PM as Part of Their Emerging Artist Series](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/9608d4fc2bcfafca9bbcd7c05cc6087b.jpg)
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Michael Ricci
From a lifetime of breaking boundaries, leading an award-winning, DC-based hip-hop/fusion band, Miscellaneous Flux, and collaborating with numerous musical pioneers (Vernon Reid, Burnt Sugar: The Arkestra Chamber, and DJ Logic), guitarist Ben Tyree, pushes forward with his own ground-breaking, improvisational, sci-fi/jazz/funk trio project, BT3. On Friday, August 13 @ 11:30pm, Tyree will present BT3 at the Iridium Jazz Club (1650 Broadway @ 51st. Street, NYC) as part of their Emerging Artist Series. Incorporating Coltrane-esque melodic sheets of sound, funk-derived and ...
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BT3 Returns with Hard Jazz/Funk Grooves & Guitar Pyrotechnics to Fat Baby -- Wednesday, May 19th @ 8PM
![BT3 Returns with Hard Jazz/Funk Grooves & Guitar Pyrotechnics to Fat Baby -- Wednesday, May 19th @ 8PM](https://s3.amazonaws.com/allaboutjazz/photos/profile/musician/9608d4fc2bcfafca9bbcd7c05cc6087b.jpg)
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Michael Ricci
From a lifetime of breaking boundaries, leading an award-winning, DC-based hip-hop/fusion band, Miscellaneous Flux, and collaborating with numerous musical pioneers (Vernon Reid, Burnt Sugar: The Arkestra Chamber, and DJ Logic), guitarist Ben Tyree, pushes forward with his own ground-breaking, improvisational, sci-fi/jazz/funk trio project, BT3. On Wednesday, May 19th at 8pm, Tyree will present BT3 at Fat Baby (Frnt 1, 112 Rivington Street - New York, NY). Incorporating Coltrane-esque melodic sheets of sound, funk-derived and classical finger-style rhythm playing as well ...
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- Dr. Matt Warnock (Guitar International Magazine)
"Big picture: Ben Tyree is hot, he’s fresh and he’s got a lot to offer us in the way of new music. Needless to say this isn’t your parent’s ‘60’s fusion record."
- Eric Sandler (The Revivalist, 2010)
"…high caliber player…”
Bill Milkowski, Jazz Times (March, 2009)
"Tyree had this way of evoking the most precise utterances, delicate yet so deliberate, it was sure-footed dexterity and then some."
Primary Instrument
Guitar
Willing to teach
Intermediate to advanced