Ben Esposito ELATION Album Release Party ft. NYC Vocal Sensation Lucy Wijnands

Join drummer-composer Ben Esposito for a special residency at the Black Cat, celebrating the release of his debut album Elation. A Bay Area native, Esposito brings a sound rooted in the jazz tradition while reaching into deeply personal and emotional territory. Elation marks his emergence as a bandleader with a distinct voice — blending soulful ballads, rhythmically charged grooves, and expansive harmonic textures, all delivered with spontaneity and deep ensemble interplay. The record features original compositions by Esposito and by his longtime mentor and collaborator, renowned bassist Dennis Carroll, with whom he often performed during his formative years in Chicago. The lyrics explore themes of unity, love, loss, and healing — offering a hopeful and human message through music. At the heart of this run is Lucy Wijnands, a radiant vocal talent from NYC known for her commanding presence and emotional clarity. She and Esposito first connected through the New York jazz scene, where their shared musical sensibilities led to a natural and vibrant collaboration — perfectly suited to the stylistic range of Elation. Band Lineup: Ben Esposito, drums Dennis Carroll, bass Joey Skoch, piano Lee Rothenberg, guitar