Doug Riley, Adele Armin, Bill Evans, Bob McLaren, Vito Rezza, Terry Clarke, Stravinsky, Brahms, Tribe Called Quest, Bruce Cockburn, John Cage, Allan Holdsworth, James Taylor, Don Grolnick, Weather Report, Joe Zawinul Syndicate, Stevie Wonder
Ben has had the great fortune of having been brought up in an intensely jazz/classical family. From the age of 3 he was jamming in the basement with the late great pianist, Bill Evans (a regular family guest at the time), who had already taught him how to play brushes and keep time.
Since then, Ben has recorded and performed alongside many luminaries such as Bruce Cockburn, Holly Cole, Michael Burgess, Molly Johnson, Joe Sealy, Jackie Richardson, Doug Riley (Ben's dad, aka Dr. Music), Adele Armin (his mom, violinist with the TSO), Jimmy Bruno, Jake Langley, Robi Botos, NOJO, Marc Jordan, Amy Sky, Moe Koffman, Michael Kaeshammer, Domenic Troiano, Joshua Nelson (gospel singer/ Oprah Winfrey guest) and Bowfire among others. Ben co-leads an original soul/R&B project in Toronto, Planet Earth, which has opened for Maceo Parker as well as for the Toronto International Film Festival two years in a row.
Having played on dozens of albums and hundreds of commercials, Ben also composes in many genres including classical, jazz, singer/songwriter and R&B. He has composed works for string quartet, world music ensembles and for symphony orchestra. Thats What Happens, a song co-written by Ben with Courtney Farquhar, was included on Warners 'Women and Songs 7' compilation CD which has gone platinum in Canada.
Recently, Ben was awarded a Canada Council for the Arts grant to work in New York with acclaimed bassist Matthew Garrison.
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I'm hitting the road in a couple of weeks to raise money for War Child, Coast-to-coast – 50 cities – ALL PROCEEDS TO WARCHILD. Why? 66% of all war victims are CHILDREN. Shocked like me? War Child helps these children that have been affected by war. Check out the new blog – the whole story is up there. Love to have you be a part of it.
You’ll find a Blog, Tour page and a Bio page. I’ll be blogging daily from the road.
Hey Ben. Long time no see. The other day I was thinking about the time at the Detroit/Windsor border crossing with you, me and Lucas. Had a good laugh. Damn border guards. At least there were no rubber gloves. Hope all is well. Cheers, Sean
Hey Ben, Thought you'd like to know that your Dad's B3 Quartet - Con Alma record was one of the first albums that really got me into jazz. So much musicality has been passed down to you. I see it every time I see you play. You're amazing! Col
ben, i was very saddened to hear about the loss of your dad. just want to send you my deepest condolences, and wishing you strength in this time of great sorrow. yours truly, ilios steryannis.
Hi Ben, My heart goes out to you and your family. I am so terribly sorry for your loss. All of us who have been affected by your father's work and brilliance are thinking of you. Sending you lots of love and support. Much Peace...
