Ben Riley

Biography

A subtle and deeply musical drummer, Ben Riley is best known for his tenure in *Thelonious Monk's* classic 1960s quartet. He was the perfect foil for Monk's eccentric genius, possessing a nuanced, swinging style that could navigate the pianist's rhythmic puzzles with grace and precision. His understated yet interactive playing on albums like 'Straight, No Chaser' and 'Underground' was crucial in defining the sound of one of jazz's most celebrated small groups. After his time with Monk, he became a highly sought-after collaborator, working with artists like *Alice Coltrane* and *Ron Carter*, and co-founded the Monk tribute band Sphere.