Benjamin "Benzel" Cowan

Benjamin “Benzel” Cowan is a Baltimore native drummer whose deep roots in funk and jazz have shaped a powerful, expressive style behind the kit. The son of legendary trumpeter Bennie “The General” Cowan, Benzel was immersed in music from an early age and began performing professionally as a teenager.Mentored by Dennis Chambers and influenced by players such as Dave Weckl, Steve Smith, Pat Petrillo, and Horacio Hernandez, Benzel blends authentic funk feel with refined jazz finesse. His dynamic performances earned him a spot with George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, and he has appeared on stages including Woodstock ’99, Jazz in Vienne, the Essence Festival, and alongside artists such as Meshell Ndegeocello, Sheila E., Robert Glasper, and Pat Metheny.