Benjamin Lee

"As composer of much of the material being explored by Wyldlyfe, I am fortunate to have Galen, Mike and Ben as collaborators....Ben gives everything he has in mining the possibilities of any given piece. He has a great sound, excellent intonation and a very solid time-feel. There appear to be no boundaries to his creativity, whether (for example) negotiating an odd time signature, venturing into the space of free improvisation, or just finding that pocket. 
Recruiting Ben for Wyldlyfe also involved an estimation of his potential for musical adaptability and growth. His progress has been remarkable and swift. He's organized, reliable and works hard. It will come as no surprise when he becomes a prominent mainstay of whatever scene he chooses to inhabit."
-- David Tidball
Wyldlyfe, Band Leader
Saxophonist/Composer/Arranger

"WOW. I have spent the past 4+ months taking private lessons from Ben and where do I begin to explain how good he is? First off, he's a wonderful person with a lot of empathy who knows how to build a great relationship. He also is an outstanding musician who deeply loves and understands his craft. Finally, he is a great TEACHER. He knows how to pivot a lesson based on how much I practice, curates the curriculum for my goals and gives me killer feedback while we're working together. I feel seriously blessed to have found Ben and to be one of his students."
-- Carol Tyger
Private Bass Student

"As far as music instructors go, Ben Lee is hands down at the top of the list. He has been instructing our 8th grade son for a year now on upright bass and we've seen my son's technical abilities and music theory grow at an astonishing rate. Ben is a total professional. You could not ask for a finer musician and instructor. We simply can not recommend him highly enough. You could not be in finer hands."

-- Johnny & Shawn Jones
Student parents

"I've had the privilege of working with Ben several times over the last couple years. He always shows up more prepared then anyone else, and shreds the charts on anyting that's put in front of him. I wish I had an extra band so that I could hire him full-time!"
--Alex Taite
SF Opera, Composer

"Ben Lee has been a pleasure to work with.  He has provided excellent musicianship, organizational skills, and leadership with the San Diego Songwriters House Band.  Having a house band learn and perform original music backing up local songwriters is a challenge.  Ben was the member who could quickly evaluate and update charts for the house band and lead them during the live performances.  
As a bass player Ben is not only very talented, he also is quick at learning the songs, sensitive about supporting the song’s feel, helping the other band members in a diplomatic way, and providing a positive group dynamic. 
Ben is punctual, responsive, always rehearsed and ready to play, and makes the performer’s job easier. Ben is the consummate music professional."
-- Cliff Keller
San Diego Songwriters, Director
The Kellers, Guitarist/vocalist/songwriter

"Working with Ben [in the studio] was a pleasure from start to finish. He came completely prepared, helped with recording setup and nailed his part quickly.  Highly recommended."
-- Jeremy Fisch
St. Tropez, Drummer

"I have had the opportunity to work with many a great bassists throughout the years. There have been those who have been based more in the groove traditions of players like James Jamerson, those who lean more toward the straight ahead stylings of folks like Ron Carter or Charles Mingus, and then there are the cats who can show skill in both camps. Ben is one such cat.  Though our journey has not been long by rhythm section standards, there is no denying "the pocket" or "grease" - as I often say - that we have developed. The cat is a strong composer as well.  Be it Jazz, Hip-Hop or Pop, Ben continues to show the makings of a true professional in the music business." 
-- Ricky Carter
Session Drummer, Producer

"A solid anchor both musically and as a person [...] Ben puts the right energy into every note. Great technique and intonation, shows up on time, knows the music... He is flexible and chill to work with. Highly recommend him for jazz and more!"  
-- Jeff Worrall 
Trumpet/Educator

"I was gifted bass lessons with Ben, coming to him with absolutely no experience playing an instrument and what a gift it was! Ben was an incredible teacher. Patient, deeply knowledgeable about the bass and its history, and connected on an emotional level with me while infusing our lessons with great faith in my ability to improve, in spite of my lack of experience. 5 stars isn't enough!"
-- Christina Mitra
Private Bass Student