BEN CRUZ

Guitar | Piano | Composition

Ben Cruz is a guitarist, composer, and educator based in Chicago, IL. His music draws from a variety of traditions, combining forward-thinking composition with an emphasis on improvisation. Ben began playing guitar at the age of twelve, and studied jazz and improvisation from New York City-based guitarist Vic Juris. Ben went on study history and jazz performance at Oberlin College and Conservatory, where he was mentored by Bobby Ferrazza, Dan Wall, Jamey Haddad, Jay Ashby, Paul Samuels, and Brian Alegant.

Ben has performed with Gerald Clayton, Billy Drewes, Phil Markowitz, Billy Childs, Anat Cohen, Dominick Farinacci, Jason Stein, and Petros Klampanis, Greg Ward, and Russ Johnson, among others. His experiences working with esteemed musicians from many different traditions have made him a collaborative, versatile musician who nonetheless maintains a distinct musical voice.