The foundation of Edge Theory began at Howard University in Washington, D. C. where saxophonist David J.White and guitarist Dennis Wells Benjamin
played together in the Howard University Jazz Ensemble, one of the nation’s oldest and most respected, college jazz big bands. Each musician had already written original compositions and discovered how much they shared an eclectic taste in music. Soon, David and Dennis began to collaborate on original music projects, incorporating current music technologies into their pieces.
Playing in the group, Fade to Black, David and Dennis solidified their sound with bassist Rory Moore and drummer Aubrey Moore. Attracting a strong following in clubs in the D. C. area, these four musicians became a creative team that provided the familiar jazz repertoire as well as Dennis and David’s original compositions.
Eventually, other life commitments ended the band. Still, these musicians always remained friends, aware of the unique blend of talent that had been created. Fast forward to 2009, when David and Dennis decide to form a new original jazz band to focus solely on their music.
A chance meeting on the street with Aubrey provided the crucial reconnection with he and his brother, Rory. Once again, concepts and skills blended and a new group, Edge Theory was formed. As the band’s name implies, these musicians aim to concoct a powerful and exciting sound, combining the innate form, structure, and improvisational freedom of Jazz.
Currently, Edge Theory are planning their first recording and beginning to perform locally in the D. C. metropolitan area. In late 2021, we added a fifth member, Doug Ortega, on keyboards.
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