Ben Paterson has performed at premier Chicago jazz clubs including the Jazz Showcase, the Green Mill, Andy's, Pops for Champagne, The Velvet Lounge, Pete Miller's, The Checkerboard Lounge, Green Dolphin Street, and the New Apartment Lounge. He also performs regularly with Chicago tenor legend Von Freeman (see photos), and recently finished a two month engagement at the Roxy Stage jazz club in Taipei, Taiwan.

After graduating from the Settlement Music School in Philadelphia, receiving awards and scholarships, he moved to the Midwest to attend the University of Chicago, quickly becoming known around the city as a young musician to take note of.

Ben has performed at the 2006 Chicago Jazz Fest, at famous Chicago venues including the Sears Tower, the Drake Hotel, and the Chicago Cultural Center, and was one of the top awardees of the 2006 Chicago Union League Jazz Improvisation Competition. Ben has worked with established musicians including Von Freeman, Corey Wilkes, Eldee Young, George Freeman, Ernest Dawkins, The Nia Quintet, John Burnett, Dennis Winslett, John Bany, and has recorded for Delmark Records with jazz violinist Savoir Faire.

His playing incorporates many influences from a wide variety of jazz styles, but his concept is rooted primarily in the classic piano trio format established by jazz giants like Bill Evans, Ahmad Jamal, Oscar Peterson, and Sonny Clark.