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The seeds of music were planted at an early age. Being born into a musical family that included singers, songwriters, and instrumentalists, provided fertile soil to cultivate a growing connection to the Arts through music lessons and community theatre. Some early influences were listening to my parent's records of Sergio Mendes and Brazil 66, The Singers Unlimited, Nina Simone, and so many of the great musicals of that era. As a young teen uncovering my Mothers old recording of "Sarah Vaughan at Kelly's, was a real spiritual awakening.
These early beginnings and interests in diverse cultures continue to inspire and inform my musical vision. With an ancestry that includes Armenian, Slovenian, German, and Irish, I continue to celebrate the nuances of diversity in an everchanging world. With respect and gratitude I have learned and borrowed, from the music of other cultures.
Music is the poetry of the heart. It's honesty cuts through boundaries where nothing else can. It often takes the mask off of age-old ills that lurk in all cultures. This is one of the lofty and real goals and effects of music...to lead us to a better understanding of all, to see beyond the outward and obvious.... to learn to love and be loved.
There is an early part of my experience to share that is such an influence of love in my life. It is of childhood memories, spent on my grandparents ranch. It was there with my family, that I experienced the vividness and beauty of the country, the awe of childhood, feeling truly connected to the earth, nature, and the sights and sounds around me. I still remember the simplicity and goodnes of the land and the people, the sweet country air, and the vast open sky.
The mystery, wonder, awe, and innocence of childhood.... The music of the country, the feeling of connectedness with the land, and the poetry of its people, are my roots. It is the influence of this music and love that so molds and shapes my music, casting its complexion throughout. No matter where I go, or what happens, this eternal wellspring of love lives in my heart.
The family has changed; people have grown up and passed on. The end of an era. But the raw richness of this heritage is untouchable, and continues to be cherished.
In this dark age of aggression, insanity and ignorance, the inequities of war, racism, and social injustice are increasing at an alarming rate. Music can help human beings transcend the dualistic ideas that continue to create further suffering in the world. By working on ourselves, not causing harm, and being of benefit to others, we can all individually and collectively help to create a world that is based on kindness, compassion, and love for all beings.
In this music that is one of the messages to each heart that listens to these songs.
As an evolving singer/songwriter I aspire to create and share music with others that arises from the self-existing elemental energy of compassion that permeates the Universe. May the music, arrangements, thoughts, and preparation of it, all reflect in some way a measure of this aspiration.
May this music continue to flourish, spreading joy and happiness through-out
this spacious world.
Ben Black
REVIEWS
http://www.origin-records.com/reviews/review.php?ReviewID=86
http://www.jazzreview.com/cdreview.cfm?ID=2628
http://www.svhamstra.com/News2003BlackSeatt.shtml
http://www.origin-records.com/artists/artist.php?Artist_ID=24
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/reviews/r1101_119.htm
http://www.allmusic.com/
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