Ben Gilmer - acoustic guitar. banjo. electric guitar. pedal steel guitar. keys. mandolin.
Eric Elliot - dobro. guitar. ukulele. vox. etc.
Paul Winn - bass. vox.
Jesse Torgerson - drums
Influences
Benjamin F. Gilmer, Jr., Vincent, Ava, & Andrew Gilmer, Ann Yates Jones, Levi Dean, Emery Reid, Aaron Martin, Ben Quarles, Sam Lamont, Roy Martin, Chris Printz, Brandon Blevins, Darrell Scott, Ryan Adams, Neil Young, The Down Home in Johnson City, TN, Joe Dotson, Tony and Jeff Brown, El Gran Sabor in Elkins, WV, Tony Rice, Joni Mitchell, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Radiohead, Stevie Wonder, Tim O'brien, Sam Bush, Aretha Franklin, My Morning Jacket, Ed Young, Alan Addison, Townes Van Zandt, Blue Highway, home, Appalachia, Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, Jim Lauderdale, Seldom Scene, Ricky Skaggs, Lefty Frizzell, James Brown, Clinch Mountain, Cedar Creek.
PRESS:
"Juxtaposed, in one word, Phenomenal! Hailing from a region full of musical and family heritage, Ben Gilmer has tapped into the soul of Appalachia. Southwest Virginia is the birthplace of country music and of course, the resurgence of Americana flows through the veins of these hills without abandonment. When listening to Juxtaposed the spirit of these hills and the hardship and struggles that accompany life in Appalachia are brilliantly composed into an album that will enlighten your senses and provide a deeper understanding of those that choose to live in this beautiful mountain region. Juxtaposed is full of intelligent country, folk, and blues as if Ben tapped into the spirit of Robert Johnson and substituted the cotton fields of the south for the mining region of Appalachia. For fans of Darrell Scott, Guy Clark & Townes Van Zandt, you will find the same story-telling excellence & musical composition with Ben Gilmer's Juxtaposed."
-Bill Wright, WUVT Americana Director
BIO:
Ben Gilmer grew up in the mountains of southwestern Virginia where he passed his time messing around the farm with his brother and cousins and playing music with family. With a long family history in the region, Ben started out learning traditional bluegrass music the traditional way - Thursday nights at the local barbershop with the regular gathering of seasoned pickers. Using traditional bluegrass and country music as his foundation, Ben started writing songs in high school that reflected his growing appreciation for Americana, alt-country, and roots music. Ben's songwriting reflects a strong sense of place deeply rooted in southern Appalachia - honest songs about hard times, family, and love. Playing solo and with various bands, Ben has entertained pubs, coffee houses, and concert venues throughout the region for the past ten years, and is now based in the Pacific Northwest.
Ben's debut album, "Juxtaposed," (2008) was recorded with the wonderful Mark Hodges at Mountain Fever Studios in Floyd County, Virginia. Juxtaposed is a collection of 12 original songs that truly capture the essence of Ben’s songwriting and diverse musical background. Juxtaposed firmly rests at the confluence of country, folk, rock, and roots music – genuine, rootsy Americana music with the same grit and soul that can be found throughout the mountains of southern Appalachia. The album features several incredibly talented musicians, including: Sam Lamont (www.samlamont.com), Aaron Martin, Ann Yates Jones, Brandon Blevins, Andrew Gilmer, and Chris Printz.
NOW AVAILABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Buy BEN GILMER - JUXTAPOSED through any of the following methods:
1. Recommended method - the good ol' hard-copy album can be purchased for $15 (includes shipping within the continental U.S.) online here:
2. For all of you digital-only folks, you can download the album here:
Find me on iTunes or at www.digstation.com (search for "Juxtaposed" or "Ben Gilmer")
3. For all of you non-digital folks, you can send a $15 check with your shipping address to:
Ben Gilmer Music
1828 12th Ave. Apt. 201
Seattle, WA 98122
4. The album can also be ordered from CD Baby here: http://cdbaby.com/cd/bengilmer
Yo whats up? Hope all is well, The SeeDz have NEW music up!! Hell yeah!! We are deep in the mix on our up coming album! To get MP3s of our songs come to our up coming shows.
Apr 17 2009 9:30P Wild Wing Cafe charlottesville, Virginia Apr 24 2009 9:00P 330 Valley Street scottsville, Virginia May 1 2009 5:45P Scottsville Friday’s After 5:45 Scottsville, Virginia May 2 2009 9:30P Club Rivals charlottesville, Virginia May 15 2009 9:30P Wild Wing Cafe charlottesville, Virginia May 22 2009 9:30P
I am going to try to come to your show on the 19th. Its so random, I'm use to you playing at our small weekend gatherings on the river and now you are touring the country!! That just shows what talent and motivation can do!!
If you sifted through the dirt of folk, country, bluegrass, and Americana music you would be left with a little gold nugget of Ben Gilmers Juxtaposed cd. Distinct family harmony vocals and crisp guitar playing combined with unfolding short stories of small town life make for a great listen. Catch Ben on tour with equally talented Sam Lamont and throw down an IPA with these guys!!!
