Ben Musser -guitars, voice, drums, wurlitzer Tucker Yaro -upright bass, voice Meg Chamberlin -voice, tambourine Scott Claassen -songwriting
the commonwealth Doug Finnegan / dobro and guitar Susan Fuller / violin Lindy Donia / violin Al Hicks / drums Arran Jacobson / photography Katherine Keltner / photography
Influences
Scott Claassen, Ross Flournoy, Buena Vista Social Club, The Beatles, The Jayhawks, The Eagles, Ray Charles, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, Malcolm Holcombe, Darrell Scott, Paul Simon, and so many more...
Our new album is available now at CD Baby and iTunes
"The upcoming studio album from this Brooklyn-based acoustic folk/rock/Americana act invites comparisons to the glory days of CSN&Y (mainly due to their heavenly vocal harmonies...)
- Jim Reed - music writer, Connect Savannah (7/07)
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“His (Ben’s) amazing voice is the calling card of Benyaro …acoustic roots/folk songs with much feel, soul and emotion…a comparison to Ray Lamontagne comes to mind…splendid album.”
- Valère Sampermans - music writer, ROOTSTIME (Belgium, 5/08)
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"...not-so-secret weapon is the voice of multi-instrumentalist Ben Musser.....Musser sounds akin to a young Cat Stevens."
- Rick de Yampert - entertainment writer, The Daytona Beach News-Journal (2/08)
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"Relaxed, peaceful, and largely acoustic, benyaro sounds to be born less out of the smoggy subways and more out of the Smoky Mountains."
- Ryan Muldoon - music writer, Richmond Times-Dispatch (2/08)
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"Soft folky pop that grows on you...attractive, acoustic based songs that hark back to seventies soft country rock times...the sound is varied and their harmonies are reminiscent of the likes of Poco."
- Paul Kerr - music writer, Americana UK (1/08)
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"a sophisticated blend of soul, folk and finely executed song craftsmanship, all the way through... There is a lot of energy in the music, it could easily go electric. Musser's playing is finely textured, the songs are well composed, and his voice is a confident vehicle for generally uplifting, pensive lyrics."
- Joel Weickgenant - music writer, Savannah Morning News (2/08)
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"From a truly underground (NYC subway) background, the uniqueness of benyaro, a folk-pop quartet led by Ben Musser and sister, Meg Chamberlin, is the creation of songs with themes of idealism, mountains and stars, and a latent spirituality while keeping to a simple folk-pop format. Older listeners will recall memories of late 60's-early '70's country pop that one might see on TV. "Humble Child" is a fine introduction, with a sound comparable somewhere between a righteous Gram & Emmylou, and Three Dog Night."
- Dan Herman - DJ/podcaster, Radio Crystal Blue (11/07)
Ben Musser and Tucker Yaro met in the spring of 2005. A heavenly match made on Craig's list, they discovered they lived close to one another in Brooklyn, NY, so convenience motivated them to meet. Tucker was moved by the depth of sound Ben created on his four-track. Ben was equally inspired by Tucker’s musical and vocal ability and found it added a new dimension to his material.
Ben worked for a personal manager of recording artists that believed he had a gift. She told him that if he proved he was willing to work for it, she would help. With no draw yet to book gigs the manager suggested they hone their skills on the subway platforms. If they drew crowds consistently, they knew they had something. Drawing crowds came easier than Ben, Tucker or Ben’s boss thought possible. Benyaro quickly became a favorite of the cops on the station beat.
Next, Musser incorporated the strong vocal ability of his sister, Meg Chamberlin. Meg’s voice adds a choir like combo of sweetness and power. She also lends bits of percussion to the live show.
Today you can catch Benyaro filling NYC venues beyond their capacities. Benyaro is receiving accolades for their definable brand of acoustic roots and soul. Benyaro has supported the legendary Malcolm Holcombe in Boston, NYC and in Johnson City. The trio began booking in Austin, Nashville, Atlanta, Chicago, DC, Charlotte, Philly, Richmond, Charlottesville, etc. via word of mouth with no demo to hand to bookers or promoters. They became at once a critic’s pick and a crowd pleaser.
Only a year and a half later Benyaro saved enough money to record their self-titled debut album. It is now available at Benyaro shows, and on CD Baby and iTunes. The project is produced by Ben Musser and features the trio performing material written by Musser and a uniquely gifted LA songwriter, Scott Claassen, who also appears as guest pianist/organist on one tune as well.
Benyaro will tour this winter and spring to promote their debut work. Catch a gig. Enjoy quality live music and pick up this their treasurable CD. Add it to your collection of quality music. You will play it addictively.
hey there, thanks for your note. i'm sorry i wasn't able to make it to your last few rockwood shows. and i have a session scheduled for next monday. no luck! pls keep me posted. great sound, be well and happy touring xo jess
We had a great time at the Baltimore Chop, can't wait to go back! Haven't made it to NY yet, these gas prices may be the death of every small touring folk band. Good luck on the road and send us a note if you're ever coming through Tennessee, we know where to get the best breakfast food.
ha thanks! my husband is pretty much obsessed with the song"hes like um have you ever really listened to it, i mean its the perfect song..." ha.he cant wait to catch a show when he gets back from iraq! take care
if you guys come to Easton to play, you are more than welcome to stay at our house (Todd & Diane Elliott)!! Let us know...hope to see you in town soon!
