Ben Perowsky

Ben Perowsky (born May 12, 1966) is a New York City based drummer, percussionist, composer, arranger and record producer.

Exposed early on to jazz from his parents, Frank and Ginger Perowsky, and teacher Bobby Thomas, as well as rock and roll from his older brother Ricky, Ben watched the great musicians playing at that time in New York City. He attended The High School of Music and Art in Harlem (now LaGuardia Arts). While playing drums in a high school jazz ensemble, Ben played with Dizzy Gillespie and Jimmy Heath. While growing up, he also played with his father, a well-known clarinetist, saxophonist and arranger. His mother, who worked with dance pioneer Charles Weidman among other choreographers, also influenced Ben with her Sly Stone and Stevie Wonder record collection. This mixture of rock, blues, funk and jazz made an impression on Ben, who then saw opportunities for crossing genre barriers, and went on to incorporate this in his works.

Ben plays Zildjian cymbals and Vic Firth sticks exclusively.

After high school, Ben studied at Boston's Berklee School of Music with Alan Dawson. Among the many musicians he met were John Medeski and Dave Fiucznski, who were studying at the nearby New England Conservatory.

Returning to New York City, Ben spent a brief year at Manhattan School of Music. Soon after, he was hired by legendary saxophonist James Moody. The following year, he went on tour with Rickie Lee Jones double billing with Ray Charles. In 1987, he worked regularly in NYC with guitarist Jeff Pevar and keyboardist/bassist Morris Pleasure. Ben's freelance career soon began to blossom taking him all over the world with vibraphonist Roy Ayers, with whom he also backed Tom Brown, and Lonnie Liston Smith. Around this time Ben also worked with modern jazz team David Liebman and Richie Beirach.

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