BackCountry Jazz

05/29/2026

05/19/2026

In addition to our masterclasses, workshops, and mentorships, BackCountry Jazz provides young musicians experience on the bandstand as well.

The BCJazz BeBoppers is an ensemble of our advanced students who perform together year-round. Having gained local popularity as an in-demand performing group, they play at local festivals, events, churches, and venues in Fairfield County.

Try to catch one of their shows, and you’ll be glad you did! Learn more about them via our Link in Bio.

05/15/2026

A wonderful and music filled spring evening to all.

05/15/2026

A nice came to my inbox this week… Courtesy of and Bourbon Street Buzz: Tim Warfield and .bennie Wallace, at the 3rd Annual Greenwich Jazz Festival in 2024.

Stay tuned to our website BackCountryJazz.org and our link in bio here in for the upcoming performances of BackCountry Jazz!

05/14/2026

Here at BackCountry Jazz, we focus on helping students find their unique sound on their instrument.

Listen to a few of Bennie’s thoughts on the subject. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfqJmRtVWs8

Learn more about our educational programs via www.BackCountryJazz.org

05/13/2026

FRENCH POSTCARD: Our debut BackCountry Jazz Records label album, French Postcard by Bennie Wallace, is available for purchase now on vinyl.

This project brings together some of the most important artists and deepest friendships of my career, Herlin Riley, Anthony Wilson, Peter, Washington, Donald Vega, recording engineer James Farber, photographer Carol Friedman, and and my longtime producer Joe Harley.

All the music you hear on this record is as it was played, Everybody in the room, playing live to analog tape, no edits. So set your clock back to 1958 and I hope you enjoyed the French Postcard.

Purchase your copy of French Postcard via our Link in Bio.

05/12/2026

Available Now, a great spin.

ALL ANALOG Mastered by Kevin Gray at Coherent Audio Direct-to-two-track session honors the golden era of jazz recording. Produced by Joe Harley (AudiQuest Music) and Bennie Wallace. This project brings together some of the most important artists and deepest friendships of my career. Herlin Riley, An...

05/10/2026

Save the date Thursday, June 25th, 2026. Join us for our biggest fundraising night of the year celebrating Opening Night of the Greenwich Jazz Festival.

Taking the stage will be Donald Vega on piano, Anthony Wilson on guitar, Bennie Wallace on saxophone, Herlin Riley on drums, and Peter Washington on bass.

When you buy tickets, you help BackCountry Jazz raise funds to ensure our summer artistic and educational programming, including our free music camp, remains accessible to children, teens, and youth throughout Fairfield County. Over 90% of our campers come from Bridgeport.

Find your tickets and learn more on www.backcountryjazz.org or via our Link in Bio.

05/06/2026

Nothing makes us happier than seeing our students and alums succeed, including the talented Deborah Smith.

In this video, Deborah shares how BCJazz teachers and mentors encouraged her to develop her natural intuition for making music, starting when she began in our programs at age 13.

Check the Link in Bio or www.BackCountryJazz.org to learn more about our educational programs.

Thank you Deborah, for taking the time to share your BCJazz story ~ we appreciate you and are grateful to have you as part of the BCJazz family.

Keep making music, and share this video to help spread the word about Jazz!

05/03/2026

A recommended read about French Postcard. Thank you to Dan McClenaghan of All About Jazz for this review.

Read the All About Jazz review of French Postcard by Bennie Wallace (2025). Expert analysis, ratings, and insight into one of jazz's finest recordings.