Ben Bilello

Originally from Narragansett, Rhode Island, Ben Bilello has been playing drums since age 10. Ben moved to West Hartford, Connecticut to attend the Hartt School where, under the watchful eye of Jackie McLean, he received a Bachelors Degree in Jazz Studies. While at Hartt, Ben studied with Ben Toth, Glen Velez, Michael Carvin, and Tony Leone. Since graduating from Hartt in 1999, Ben has performed and recorded with musicians such as: Mulgrew Miller, Eddie Henderson, Joe Wilder, Curtis Fuller, Branford Marsalis, Anthony Braxton, Javon Jackson, Charles Flores, Steve Davis, Charmaine Clamor, Earl MacDonald’s Yankee Gumbo Ensemble, Jimmy Greene, Josh Evans, Wayne Escoffery, Shelton “Fatman” Laster, Atla and Matt DeChamplain, Lummie Spann, and Dezron Douglas/New Jazz Workshop, among many others. As well as performing with noted jazz musicians, Ben has toured with the South American folk groups Viva Quetzal and Markamusic. At this time, Ben can be seen performing with his own trio, vocalist Leala Cyr, guitarist Rich Goldstein, and bassist Jeff Fuller, as well as many others.