Ben Riley

Benjamin Alexander Riley Jr. (July 17, 1933 – November 18, 2017) was an American jazz drummer known primarily for his work with Sonny Rollins and Thelonious Monk. Riley worked with a number of other musicians throughout his prolific career as a sideman, such as Alice Coltrane, Stan Getz, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, and Ahmad Jamal. Riley was also a member of the group Sphere, and during the 1970s and 1980s, he was a member of the New York Jazz Quartet.

Biography Benjamin Alexander Riley Jr. was born in Savannah, Georgia, on July 17, 1933, and at the age of four moved with his family to New York City.

Riley performed with Sonny Rollins, Randy Weston, Sonny Stitt, Stan Getz, Junior Mance, Kenny Burrell, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis–Johnny Griffin (1960–1962), Ahmad Jamal, Billy Taylor, and Ray Bryant. He then spent 1964 to 1967 in Thelonious Monk's quartet.

Discography As leader Weaver of Dreams (Joken, 1996) – recorded in 1993 Memories of T (Concord, 2006)

With Andrew Hill Lift Every Voice (Blue Note, 1969) Shades (Soul Note, 1986) With Andrew Hill Eternal Spirit 1989 Blue Note Records

With Hank Jones Bop Redux (Muse, 1977) The Great Jazz Trio, What's New (Baybridge, 1998)

With Sam Jones Down Home (Riverside, 1962)

With Junior Mance Junior Mance Trio at the Village Vanguard (Jazzland, 1961) With Ken McIntyre Year of the Iron Sheep (United Artists, 1962)

With Jay McShann Some Blues (Chiaroscuro, 1993)

With Thelonious Monk It's Monk's Time (1964) Monk (1964) Live at the It Club (1964) Straight, No Chaser (1967) Underground (1968)

With Mark Murphy

One for Junior (1991)

With Freddie Redd Lonely City (Uptown, 1985 )

With Sonny Rollins The Bridge (RCA Victor, 1962) What's New? (RCA Victor, 1962)

With Dan Rose Fountains (Midlantic Records, 2002)

With Charlie Rouse Moment's Notice (Storyville/Jazzcraft, 1978)

With Jack Sheldon Playing for Change (Uptown, 1986 )

With Sphere Four in One (Elektra/Musician, 1982) Flight Path (Elektra/Musician, 1983) Sphere on Tour (Red, 1985) Pumpkin's Delight (Red, 1986 ) Four for All (Verve, 1987) Bird Songs (1988) Sphere (1998) With Nina Simone

Nina Simone at Town Hall (Colpix, 1959) – live

With Jeremy Steig Flute Fever (Columbia, 1964) With Horace Tapscott Dissent or Descent (Nimbus West, 1984 ) With Roseanna Vitro Listen Here (Texas Rose, 1984) With Larry Willis A Tribute to Someone (AudioQuest, 1994)