The Ben Darwish Trio has performed extensively since 2005 and released "Industrial Hero" in December of 2006, an album of mostly original material. The Trio also covers a couple of rock and pop tunes on the album. Here's what Cadence Magazine had to say about these tunes:
"The Beatles' "Hey Bulldog" sounds like a treatment Ramsey Lewis might try, pulling the shape and tempo of the song around but always keeping the melody recognizable. As for Christina Aguilera's "Beautiful", doggone if it doesn't live up to its title."
Aside from regularly performing in such venues as Jimmy Maks in Portland (rated by Downbeat Magazine as one of the top 100 places to hear jazz), music from "Industrial Hero" is heard on radio stations across the country, a Voleurz extreme sports movie, and was even included on ESC Records tribute to The Beatles, entitled "Step Inside Love". On this 2007 release, the Trio's version of "Hey Bulldog" is alongside recordings by such luminaries as Brad Mehldau, David Sanborn, Joel Frahm, Bob Sheppard, and countless others. The current Trio, featuring Eric Gruber on bass and Jason Palmer on drums, will be featured in the 2008 Portland Jazz Festival at Hotel Deluxe. Check the calendar for more upcoming dates.
About the Artist:
A Portland native, Ben Darwish has been playing piano since the age of six. He also plays drums, guitar, and sings. At age sixteen, he won Portland Battle Of The Bands at the Roseland Theatre with his rock group, Chill Factor. At the age of eighteen, Ben studied for two years with Randy Porter, pianist for Charles McPherson and Madeline Eastman. He since has played in the Mt. Hood Jazz Band and recorded their 2003 release "I'm New Here" on the Seabreeze label. After attending Mt. Hood for two years, he attended University of Oregon and received a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies. Upon graduation, he was awarded "Outstanding Undergraduate Performer in Jazz Studies". He currently works as a professional musician out of Portland. Ben has played with Kevin Mohagany, Rich Perry, Ron Miles, Harry Allan, Jamey Abersold, Esperanza Spalding, and Alan Jones, among others. He was also the recipient of the 2003 Jazz Society of Oregon Young Musician scholarship. Most recently, he was the winner of the 2008 downbeat award for Outstanding Big Band Performance
I DO like the new tune. I love the transition when it goes into the slow swing. I'm such a sucker for that.
And I saw you played with The Bad Plus! Must've been such a great show. I hear a lot of similar elements in both of your music. Plus you're all super fun.
Sorry I missed y'all. Had to work last night... Come through the Jade Lounge from 8-10 tonight if you're free. I'll be there with Darren Klein, Akila Fields, and Sam Berrett playing some originals and such. Cheers!
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