When on tour, Ben Bedford usually performs solo or with his lovely wife, Kari, 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
Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, Gordon Lightfoot, Richard Shindell, The Beatles, Tom Irwin, Cormac McCarthy, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, John Steinbeck, Kari(my wife), 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, Abraham Lincoln, Nanci Griffith, David Olney, Son House, Johnny Cash, Lyle Lovett, Dave Alvin, My Momma and Daddy, Dorothea Lange, Robert Earl Keen, Steve Earle, Mark Knopfler, John Prine, Willie Nelson, 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, Wilbur my dog, The Sangamon River
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, 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.
Hey, Ben! I've been thinking about you because FARM was just a few weeks ago (I was only there for 1 night this time due to a gig, & I didn't see your name in the book) and also, there's a new Amelia Earheart movie coming out, and you have that song!
Thus Sunday (10/25) I'm having a CD Release Show in Chicago, details on my calendar if you're interested & up that-a-way... hope all's well w/you! best, Sue
Hi Ben thank you so much for the add. I'm glad to know you appreciate I'm playing your music in my radio show here! Compliments for your new album and all the best from Italy. MF
Ciao,Ben Thank you for the add and the friendship. you are very good, I like your stupendous music a lot, Band, and stupendous voice. compliments ..really. you are one of my prefeitis, I feel great admiration for you, be really one whom is worth rather a lot! I hope to listen soon to you, in italy .. talk to you soon, and all of my best wishes to always listen to your good music all the best.. from italy.. and good life.. every day neal
Good spending some time with you and Kari and the girls up here in Vancouver. Hope you have a great time in Darby. Did you buy yourself some deer whistles? If not, you can get them in Darby at Mr. T's, dirt cheap. Happy trails. DL
Ever wondered what to do in the event of a nuclear threat?
A while ago I found stuff that inspired me to make this film:
Living Under the Shadow of the Nuclear Umbrella
Both artistic (ensure you get the background music!) and educational, it primarily comprises official British government civil defence advice.
Though source materials are quite aged, much remains relevant today.
I encourage all to visit the YouTube page to learn more (Show support! Rate! Comment!) and responsibly circulate as widely as possible, here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaIim3Rj7L4
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
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