When on tour, Ben Bedford usually performs solo or with his lovely partner, Kari Abate, on harmony vocals. He has now recorded two albums, "Lincoln's Man" and "Land of the Shadows" with guitar and Dobro wizard Chas Williams producing and playing. Some other wonderful musicians who have added their talents to his recordings include Peter Young, David Spicher, Ron De la Vega, Tammy Rogers, Joey Schmidt, Sally Barris and Jon Randall.
Influences
Strong Bad, Townes Van Zandt, Gordon Lightfoot, Richard Shindell, Tom Irwin, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Guy Clark, John Steinbeck, Warm Baby, Patty Griffin, Bill Morrissey, Norman Blake, Prof. John Buckler, Jack London, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Troy Carlson, Sally Barris, Tony Rice, Emily and Annelise, Doc Watson, Billy Joe Shaver, Slaid Cleaves, Diana Jones, Richard Thompson, Chas Williams, Abe Lincoln, Nanci Griffith, David Olney, Johnny Cash, Lyle Lovett, Tom Russell, Dave Alvin, My Momma and Daddy, Dorothea Lange, Robert Earl Keen, Steve Earle, Mark Knopfler, John Prine, Cat Stevens, Bruce Springsteen, Kris Kristofferson, Big Bird, The Carter Family, J.R.R. Tolkein, Richard Buckner, Hank Williams, Albrecht Durer, The Battle of Chancellorsville, Jason Eklund, John Adams, Wilbur my dog
With the release of his debut album, Lincoln's Man, Ben Bedford proves that one need not experience something firsthand to write about it. From life as a Confederate soldier's wife to modern problems such as homelessness, Bedford takes the listener on a journey across the landscape of American humanity. Poignant but never sentimental, his songs are portraits which capture the life and vitality of his characters much like an artist, while illuminating universal themes of joy, struggle, death and betrayal.
A storyteller from the young age of 3, Bedford began by dictating stories to his parents before he could hold a pen. He continued to write short stories into his early teens. He picked up the guitar at the age of 14 after watching a friend play on a camping trip. In high school Bedford explored many different genres of music, but his world exploded when he discovered his mom's Gordon Lightfoot collection and then began a foray into the world of folk and Americana that included artists such as Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, Richard Shindell, Tom Russell and Patty Griffin. The work of these artists resonated with Bedford and inspired him to try his hand at songwriting.
In 2000, Bedford entered the University of Illinois in Urbana with intentions of becoming a history professor. While he finished his degree, he was sidetracked by his love of music and writing. The history lectures and texts instilled in Bedford a fascination with gritty human truths and the plight of the common man/woman through the ages. Bedford has used that love of the past to imbue his characters with a sense of historical reality, yet maintain a heightened emotional and human quality.
Lincoln's Man was released to radio (U.S./Europe/Canada/Australia) January 29, 2008 on his own label, Hopeful Sky Records and reached number eight on the national Folk-DJ charts in February. The title track peaked at number three the same month. Bedford's second album, Land of the Shadows, was the number one album for January 2009 with three songs charting in the top ten, also making Bedford the number one artist.
Both albums are available for purchase at several locations on the web, including his website BENBEDFORD.COM.
Hej Ben! How are u? It's been so long. Sitting in London listening to u on Spotify! Great fun:) Hope we can write some more some time. Maybe Ireland in a year? Take care, Love Sara
just stopped by and heard your new tunes. Very nice. I just released a cd on bluestream records and can't wait to hear what people thinks. Keep the good music comming from springfield.....
hi ben, thanks for the cd, lovely album. i'm playing 3 tracks as my featured album next wednesday on my show 'strange brew' at www.sherwoodradio.com 7pm uk time. hope you can spread the word. cheers
Ciao Ben ,thank you for the add and the friendship. you are very good, I like your stupendous music a lot,and stupendous voice. you are fantastic ..really. you are one of my prefeitis talk to you soon, and all of my best wishes to always listen to your good music. all the best.. from italy neal
Good to have you as a friend! So great to see the internet in action this way, shortening distances between people.
I hope all's well with you and that you enjoy checking out my web site some time.
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Yeah, that's Ben Hassenger runnin' it down there in 1210. Should be a sweet show. You guys are welcome to stay, as always...that is, if you don't mind a screaming infant :)
And hope you and the little missus are swell. Looks like you have a busy summer. Awesome. Looking forward to hanging out. We are going to have to figure out something, get you back up here, etc.
I had my marketing cap on about a week ago and with all the bad news; the Taliban in Pakistan, the looming Chyrsler bankruptcy, the new flu epidemic, etc; I decided to go with a more optimistic theme for this summer in a bumper sticker (old school). I think its working. There are currently a little more than 50 cars in the Branson area sporty this lil’ beauty. (Yes, I comped them) What do you think?
Hi Ben Great to hear Amelia played on BBC Radio Scotland on Wednesday Night. Also great to listen back to a MP3 Podcast of your archived interview on WNUR Chicago in February which has been added today. Great conversation and live session hearing Goodbye Jack,The Sangamon and Amelia. Fans Check out http://www.wnur.org/folk/
Hi Ben, Absolutely love your CD. Recorded with Chas and he introduced me to your music. Thanks so much for adding me to your list of friends here. The honor is all mine! Here's wishing you and yours endless possibilities now and always! Stop by for a peek and a listen anytime as you are always welcome! God bless, Donita :o)
Ben, I've been spreading the word about your new cd here every time I visit a radio station. Ireland is treating me well. Shared gigs with a couple of my heroes, and visited some of the most beautiful countryside out in Clare and Kerry. We'll have to hit the road together sometime. That'd be a gas. Best to you and your lovelies! DL
Get your groove on with us this weekend!
Friday Apr 10 9:00P City Nights Theater @ The Station’s 10th Anniversary Celebration Springfield, Illinois
Apr 11 9:30P Lock Stock and Barrell Decatur, Illinois
Hi Ben You continue to get played LOADS on BBC Radio Scotland , amazing reaction everytime your played, hopefully you will conquer England, Wales & Ireland similarly. Brilliant music Ben! http://www.bbc.co.uk/radioscotland/features/iain_anderson
Hello Ben, I just received both of your releases yesterday from village records, I cannot say enough good things about your songs, I really owe Denise one, may your journey continue to be rewarding.
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