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About |
 Photo: Cheryl Jeutten Over the past several years, Portland, Oregon-based musicians Ben Graves and Blake Lyman have developed a sound all their own, performing jazz standards and original compositions throughout Oregon. Combining the versatility of both the guitar and the tenor saxophone, their performances feature unique interplay and dialogue. Each accomplished musicians in their own right, Graves and Lyman have appeared in many settings, including public performances, private parties, and corporate and non-profit events. For more information on booking and other information, please visit our booking page, or contact us. |
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Ben Graves - Guitar  Ben Graves is West Tennessee born and raised. Deeply influenced by Memphis Blues as early as he can remember. Listening to Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and John Lee Hooker created his immense interest in the guitar. He started playing when he was 13 years old. After hearing Wes Montgomery's Smokin' at the Half Note album for the first time, he was instantly in love with jazz. Ben had his first jazz studies in a local music shop located in Jackson, TN at the age of 17. Moving to Fayetteville, AR shortly thereafter he studied privately with guitarist John Behling. While in Fayetteville the Ben Graves Trio was formed and Ben started teaching private lessons. Ben also had the pleasure of being the opening act for Leon Russell with a jazz/folk project he worked with for a short time. Ben relocated to Los Angeles in 1999 and studied with jazz guitarist Rick Zunigar (Stevie Wonder) as well as classical guitarists Scott Tennant (Los Angeles Guitar Quartet) and Evan Hirshelman. Attending LA Valley College in 2004-2005 Ben studied classical performance under guitarist/composer Robert Mayeur. Portland, OR is where Ben and his wife call Home. Ben teaches privately out of his Home studio. Since moving to Portland, he has studied privately with jazz guitarist John Stowell and is currently pursuing his degree in Jazz Studies from Portland State University. |
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Blake Lyman - Saxophone  Saxophonist and composer Blake Lyman has performed worldwide. Originally from Sacramento, California, Blake began saxophone at age 8, and has since performed at such venues as Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center, the Monterey Jazz Festival, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. While attending the University of Chicago (B.A. Economics, 2005) Blake performed throughout Chicago with members of Chicago's AACM, and studies at the London School of Economics allowed him to perform extensively in that city. Having graduated from the California Institute of the Arts in 2007, he now resides in Portland, OR. |
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