Fall 2024

60 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 2 4 A s a lad of 18, LA native keyboardist Luca Fredericksen wrote a tune called “Blues for Ben” for Ben Ellman, the saxophonist and Grammy nominated producer he worked with.“Ben moved to New Orleans, playing with street bands,” Fredericksen says.“That song became a standard in New Orleans brass band music.” Its catchy melody has been recorded dozens of times. “It gets played around the globe.” After becoming a father, Fredericksen turned from touring the world as a musician and moved his fam- ily to the Monterey Peninsula.“I got a call to play a gig with a Monterey band. On the set list was ‘Blues for Ben.’They had no idea I’d written it.” Fredericksen’s career path began very differently. A talented artist, he was awarded a full scholarship to study art. However, the lure of a musical life captivated him. These days, Fredericksen fronts Wrockinfoose, an octet comprised of the crème de la crème of Monterey Peninsula area musicians.“I credit my years of playing with Pontiax, Walter ‘Wolfman’ Washington and Lenny Williams as being the inspiration for the music I write and play in Wrockinfoose. Musicians do their gigs but to make a statement you have to offer something that encompasses your experiences and what you’ve learned as a musician.” — Michael Chatfield MUS I C I AN PROF I L E Luca Fredericksen Photo: Kelli Uldall