Trumpeter/vocalist, Benny Benack III, follows in the footsteps of a trumpet-playing grandfather and clarinet and saxophone-playing father, a lineage Benny credits with influencing his musical attitude and his approach to performing. Benny’s virtuosic playing and singing are coupled with a joyous, fun-loving stage presence, something rare in a jazz world loaded with virtuosos, but lacking in great players who are also great entertainers.

Now in his late twenties, Benny has released his second CD, A Lot of Livin’ To Do, and continues to tour with his own band, as front man for Postmodern Jukebox, and as a sideman to everyone from Melissa Erico and Josh Groban to Christian McBride and Ann Hampton Callaway. Benny and I recorded this conversation the day after I saw him onstage with fashion designer and cabaret performer, Isaac Mizrahi, at the Café Carlyle in Manhattan.