BIO

Ben Wolkins is a distinguished American jazz trumpet player, composer, arranger, and educator. Hailing from Toledo, Ohio, Ben is renowned for his post-bop jazz style, creating melodies in the moment with a unique, improvisational approach. His artistry has earned high praise from Grammy-nominated composer Tim Hagans, who describes Ben as a “formidable and eclectic artistic personality” with a “glorious sound filled with emotion, mystery, and mastery.”

Ben’s early career was marked by his impressive performances as a finalist in the 1999 and 2000 International Trumpet Guild Jazz Competitions, where he began to define his distinctive voice. He is an alumnus of the Aaron Copland School of Music in New York City and the University of Toledo, his hometown institution.

Known for his heartfelt performances and spontaneous creations, Ben’s recent work includes his contribution to Signal Quartet’s recording, Approaching, which features his composition “Ember.” This piece showcases his ability to blend dark, mysterious tones with adventurous chord changes. The Quartet’s 2022 album, Second Exploration: The Music of Ben Wolkins, is an entire album dedicated to Ben’s compositions. John Sinkevics of Local Spins lauds the album as “a beautiful tapestry of styles and influences across the jazz canon,” highlighting its moments of intense swing and dissonant melodies reminiscent of Miles Davis’ Second Great Quintet.

Signal Quartet has been a central part of Ben’s career, with performances at prominent jazz festivals such as the Toledo Jazz Festival, Detroit Jazz Festival, and Michigan Jazz Festival, further establishing his reputation as a leading figure in the jazz community.