​Ben Jossi

Converging innovative musical writing with a passion for improvisation, Retrospect is a new emerging band on the Chicago jazz scene. Rooted in the voice of American music, the band's journey began as a senior recital band. This group boasts five instrumentalists, with composer and saxophonist Ben Jossi, Jackson Arbogast on guitar, Miles Pretel on keys and piano, Ethan Davila on bass, and Hugh Maxey on drums, the lineup was set.

 

Their music is a captivating blend of past and present, where jazz's improvisational spirit dances with Latin rhythms, hip hop beats, soulful blues, and a sprinkle of American roots. This unique fusion began during Ben's senior recital at Columbia College Chicago, aptly titled "Retrospect." Soon, they headlined at Manifest, Columbia's spring arts festival, under the name "Ben Jossi's Retro Collective."

 

But it was their recording at Sessions@33, a Columbia production akin to a tiny desk concert, that solidified their identity as Retrospect. With some new members that brought a powerful sound, the name stuck.

 

For Retrospect, their music identifies with jazz's limitless possibilities and acts as a testament to the allure of genre-blending. It goes beyond music; it's personal storytelling through the sonic language this group performs with. Join Retrospect on a journey through music that defies boundaries and captures the essence of an ever-changing soundscape. Explore their unique sound in the video below.