Who?
Rooted in tradition yet driven by a spirit of contemporary exploration, Benchi's music reflects his upbringing amidst the vibrant landscapes of South America and his immersion in the cultural tapestry of the Middle East. Through his artistry, he shares a rich and dynamic journey, one that explores both the vast diversity of human culture and his own evolving identity. Benchi draws inspiration from a wide spectrum of influences: the rhythmic flow of artists like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole, the emotional depth of Spanish vocalists such as Buika and Diego El Cigala, and the intricate phrasing of jazz saxophonists Kenny Garrett and Miguel Zenón. While these artists inform his musical vocabulary, Benchi’s sound remains unmistakably his own, shaped by his unique personal journey and cultural heritage. He holds a Master’s degree in Music Production and Performance from Berklee College of Music, as well as a Bachelor's degree in Jazz Performance from the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance.
What?
Benchi’s music is an invitation, a journey that encourages listeners to explore the intersections of cultures, the power of storytelling, and the boundless potential of contemporary music. Through his compositions and performances, he aims to inspire, uplift, and provoke thought, crafting a space where tradition meets innovation and individuality meets universality. With years of experience in producing, recording, performing, teaching, and collaborating, Benchi’s current projects folder is a testament to his creative momentum. It includes an album created in collaboration with his older brother, Haimon, as they co-produce Haimon's upcoming second release. He's also working on another album that delves into his heritage—continuing the exploration of his thesis on cultural roots, featuring samples from his grandmother’s old recordings. And finally, his own debut album, composed of original songs, stands as a bold statement of his evolving voice as an artist.
- Enric Alberich,Berklee College of Music
"Roy has applied contemporary arranging techniques to Spanish medieval melodies and has incorporated the folkloric elements he has discovered into his musical creations and playing, bringing new sounds into non-folkloric environments, always in works of the utmost quality
His artistic vision and musical knowledge have made his work unique, extremely valuable, and inspiring."
- Olga Román,Berklee College of Music CPPD Program Director
"Roy Ben Chimol (Benchi) is an accomplished musician and outstanding jazz saxophonist with a very diverse background.We are really honored he was part of our program."