NEW ALBUM
WE ARE HERE TO HELP by BENJAMIN CROFT
OUT NOW
About the album
"We Are Here To Help"... a personal and social commentary on life in the 21st century. The title refers to the balance of light and darkness in us all. With some, the balance is tipped...
Throughout 2020 and 2021, most of the world experienced several lockdowns brought on by the pandemic. I had managed to complete and release my second album ‘Far And Distant Things’, despite overwhelming odds. My ambitions didn’t stop there... Facing several more months of uncertainty, I set about writing a third album. This period brought upon a great inner reflection on how I should present the new music. My whole career in music was initially sparked by the revelation of hearing the 1970s progressive rock music of YES, ELP and artists such as Kate Bush and Frank Zappa to name a few. The new music developed in this style.
After several months of intensive writing, I was ready to go into production at the start of 2022. 4 tracks would be instrumentals and for the first time, 4 featuring vocals.
The songs reflect the loose concept of the title; the album's title track accounts the ‘helping hand’ of the music industry. In "Caught In The Flypaper" a young girl is lured to her seeming demise by a ‘kind’ old lady.
Tracking for the album was split into several blocks of studio time spread out over the entire year. I selected 3 studios in London (UK) for my needs; the Church Studios, Sleeper Sounds and Greystoke Studio and other parts were recorded remotely in the UK and US. A total of 16 different keyboard instruments have been used on these tracks! Minimoog, Prophet 10, Yamaha CS80, Roland Jupiter 8, Hammond B3 and many others.
I had the pleasure to have several legendary musicians guesting on my previous album, and wanted to expand on this for my latest project. I approached the musicians who were part of my musical DNA when songwriting, and, in addition to Carter Arrington (guitar) and Flo Moore (bass) who played on my last album and the contribution from Dave Marks (bass), I am honored to have some of the world's greatest performing on these tracks: drummers Simon Phillips and Marco Minnemann, bassists Billy Sheehan and Stuart Hamm, guitarists Greg Howe, Frank Gambale, Mike Stern and Per Nilsson and vocalists Jeff Scott Soto and Lynsey Ward.
The album was mixed at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios by Stephen W Tayler (Kate Bush, Rush) and mastered at AIR Studios by Barry Grint (David Bowie, Prince) Both these amazing gentlemen had contributed to my previous album. For the artwork, I once again collaborated with Juno Award winning artist Hugh Syme (Rush, Dream Theater).
This new project marks a big change to what I have previously released. This collection of songs represent a return to what initially inspired me to become a musician, combined with my current musical vision. This release will also mark the launch of my record label "Galactic Receiver". I have created the label to cater to my music and ambitions.
I certainly feel music has a healing quality and "We are Here To Help" is my contribution.
Produced, written and arranged by Benjamin Croft Lyrics by Marsha Swanson
Benjamin Croft - Keyboards, Jeff Scott Soto - vocals, Lynsey Ward - vocals, Greg Howe - guitar, Mike Stern - guitar, Per Nilsson - guitar, Frank Gambale - guitar, Carter Arrington - guitar, Billy Sheehan - bass, Stu Hamm - bass, Dave Marks - bass, Flo Moore- bass, Simon Phillips -drums, Marco Minnemann - drums.
Recorded at: The Church Studios by Luke Pickering, Sleeper Sounds by Marcus Locock, Greystoke Studio by Andy Whitmore
Mixed by Stephen W Tayler at Millside, Real World Studios, Mastered by Barry Grint at AIR Studios, London
Art Direction, illustration and design by Hugh Syme
NEW SINGLE ‘‘WE ARE HERE TO HELP’’
OUT NOW
LISTEN / DOWNLOAD
“One man’s good is another’s evil” observed Milton Friedman.
“We Are Here To Help” is a phrase we hear on a daily basis...It’s all a matter of perspective. This song is based on my experience. Good or Bad? I will let the listener decide...
Produced, written and arranged by Benjamin Croft, Lyrics by Marsha Swanson
On this track: Jeff Scott Soto - Vocals, Benjamin Croft - Keyboards, Carter Arrington - Guitar, Billy Sheehan - Bass Guitar, Marco Minnemann - Drums.
Art Direction, illustration and design by Hugh Syme
Music video directed by Sam Chegini
NEW SINGLE ‘‘LOWER MOAT MANOR’’
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The classic 1980 Anthology TV show “Hammer House Of Horror” was the inspiration for “Lower Moat Manor”. The title itself came from the episode “Rude Awakening”. This particular story depicted being trapped in a recurring nightmare. The year in which it was composed, 2020 seemed like this to many...
On this track: Benjamin Croft - Keyboards, Frank Gambale - Guitar,Flo Moore - Bass, Simon Phillips - Drums
Art Direction, illustration and design by Hugh Syme
Music video directed by Sam Chegini
NEW SINGLE ‘‘WRESTLING WITH PLATO’’
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“Wrestling with Plato” is a tragic love story told over the lifetime of two people. A song about elaborate excuses; in the case of our protagonists, these are far reaching...
Produced, written and arranged by Benjamin Croft, Lyrics by Marsha Swanson
On this track: Lynsey Ward - Vocals, Benjamin Croft - Keyboards, Per Nilsson - Guitar, Dave Marks - Bass Guitar, Additional Guitars and Percussion, Marco Minnemann - Drums
Art Direction, illustration and design by Hugh Syme
Music video directed by Sam Chegini
FAR AND DISTANT THINGS by BENJAMIN CROFT
About the album:
March 2018. The production of my first album had recently concluded and I was keen to keep the momentum going and keep writing. I decided that this new project would have no compromises. I would try to improve and expand on all aspects of my previous album.
I initially contacted a selection of my favourite musicians in the UK to play on the tracks; Andy Davies (trumpet), Gareth Lockrane (flute), Henry Thomas and Flo Moore (bass), Tristan Mailliot and Laurie Lowe (drums). Helen Vollam, principal trombone of the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Carter Arrington (guitar) were also added to the roster around this period.
The writing process continued and I envisioned the UK musicians augmented by a US guest star, or two… In the fall of 2019, I sent out messages to several legendary artists and lifelong inspirations. To my surprise, all showed interest. I now had an all star line-up! Randy Brecker, Allen Vizzutti (trumpet), Frank Gambale, Barry Finnerty, Mike Miller (guitar), and Chad Wackerman (drums).
Back in 2019, we had no idea what was just around the corner... The majority of the guest stars had tour schedules that lasted for the remainder of 2020. At the time, I was led to believe I only had a window of the first two weeks of January to record them.
The compositions were recorded in London at Metropolis, Greystoke and The Church Studios. The studios were selected for their vast tracking space and unique selection of equipment.
A huge arsenal of keyboards was used on this album. Among them, the Yamaha CS-80, Minimoog, Prophet 5 and Freddie Mercury's Fazioli grand piano!
Eight of the compositions were tracked between January and early March. Then, disaster struck… March 24th 2020 was a day I will never forget… The 24th just happens to be my birthday. It also just happened to be the day I was scheduled to record my final three pieces. Sadly this was not meant to be. The UK entered national lockdown and everything was cancelled…
My time off was used wisely to refine the compositions and by late summer, we were allowed back in the studio. Tracking was completed at RAK studios in London.
At the start of this project, I only had one person in mind to mix the tracks; Stephen W Tayler. His work can be heard on many albums that inspired my compositions. The album was mixed at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios.
Production eventually wrapped up in early 2021. Barry Grint, whose previous clients include the likes of David Bowie, Madonna and Prince, mastered the tracks at Air Studios.
The unique artwork for the album is provided by Juno Award Winner Hugh Syme. His works are firmly planted in the public conscience. He has designed for Rush, Dream Theater, Whitesnake and many others.
I am immensely proud of this album. A true portrait of my musical mind. My love of jazz, rock and classical are all captured. The eleven compositions on this album represent my childhood dreams and fantasies. Utopian and dystopian, heroes and villains, all depicted. Concepts I regarded as far and distant things…
Out on August 6th 2021 on Ubuntu Music
Written and arranged by Benjamin Croft.
Produced by Benjamin Croft, assistant producer Henry Thomas
Benjamin Croft - Arp Odyssey, Clavinet, Fender Rhodes piano, Hammond B3/C3 organs, Minimoog Model D, Oberheim OB-X, OB-Xa, OB-8 and Xpander, Prophet 5, Roland Jupiter 4 and 8, Yamaha CS-80., grand pianos by Fazioli, Steinway and Yamaha, Randy Brecker - trumpet, Allen Vizzutti - trumpet, Andy Davies - trumpet, flugelhorn, Helen Vollam - trombone, Gareth Lockrane - flutes, Frank Gambale - guitar, Barry Finnerty - guitar, Mike Miller - guitar, Carter Arrington - guitar, Chad Wackerman - drums, Tristan Mailliot- drums, Laurie Lowe - drums, Flo Moore - bass, Henry Thomas - bass
Recorded at: Metropolis Studios by Paul Norris, The Church Studios by Daniel Moyler, Greystoke Studio by Andy Whitmore, RAK Studios by Isabel Gracefield, Studio X by Andrew Ching
Mixed at Millside, Real World Studios by Stephen W Tayler for Chimera Arts. Mastered by Barry Grint At AIR Studios, London.
Art direction, illustrations and design by Hugh Syme
FAR AND DISTANT THINGS (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO) FEATURING FRANK GAMBALE
More videos on my YouTube Channel
FAR AND DISTANT THINGS - THE REVIEWS
Prog Magazine "Far And Distant Things puts a contemporary spin on the genre and sounds terrific with a crisp, revealing production."
Matt Derraugh ’‘shining example of sonic craftsmanship’’ RATING: 5/5
Progressive Rock Central ‘‘Far And Distant Things is clearly one of my top progressive albums of 2021.’’
At The Barrier ‘This is without doubt, a must own album for 2021, that pushes forward the creative possibilities of jazz fusion.’’
Gary “Uncle G” Brown ‘‘I strongly recommend having it in one’s own personal music collection, “Uncle G” rates Benjamin Croft – Far And Distant Things…5 stars!!!
Progarchy "The music is exceptionally well-written and equally well-performed"
Sea Of Tranquility:"Benjamin Croft is a force to be reckoned with, and I can't wait to hear what he comes up with next. Do not miss Far and Distant Things folks!". Watch Pete Pardo‘s video review on YouTube
Bebop Spoken Here: “There’s only two types of music, good and bad.' Far and Distant Things is amongst the good stuff."
Jazz Views "an epically scaled, all guns blazing affair"
Jazzwise: "fast moving, highly virtuosic set"
Jazz Journal: ‘‘Original and clever’’ 4.5 stars
Sound Magnet ‘‘An absolute recommendation to all fans of the genre, a 9/10 from me’’
UK Vibe: ‘‘This album is a must-listen’’
ProgLoop: ‘‘an album that stands out amongst new releases.’’
More articles and interviews here
10 REASONS TO… by BENJAMIN CROFT
About the album:
The sounds and styles on this album reflect the slow processing of all that captured my imagination since I was a child.
Written over a period of two years, the compositions were inspired by the passing of several legends. Tracks are dedicated to Allan Holdsworth, Keith Emerson, Christopher Lee and Gustav Mahler.
The musicians I chose to record with me are a selection of some of the best in the UK: Benet Mclean - violin , Andy Davies- trumpet, Henry (Rock School) Thomas - bass, Mario Castronari-double bass, Saleem Raman - drums and Tristan Mailliot -drums.
The music was recorded between December 2017 and January 2018 by Grammy, Mobo and Mercury Prize nominated engineer, Sonny Johns. I didn't want this to be a typical acoustic jazz sounding album as my ideas tend to be more orchestral. I wanted the sounds to be a combination of keyboard instruments and have always had a love of 70's and 80's analog synths. The Mini-Moog, Prophet 5 and Mellotron among others all feature on the tracks. The synths were recorded by Andy Whitmore at Greystoke Studios. Andy has one of the largest collections of vintage synths in the UK!
Tracking for the piano and other musicians was recorded by Sonny at Livingston Studio 1. It was important to me to also have a great sounding piano and Livingston has a world class Steinway.
After the recording was completed it was mastered at Air Studios by Ray Staff. Ray is a living legend and was the chief mastering engineer at Trident Studios during the 70's. His work can be heard on many of the albums that have influenced me over the years.
This album also marked the final work of a great friend of mine; I have been a Doctor Who fan almost since day one and I was very lucky to call Peter Miles a friend. Peter can be seen in many classic episodes acting alongside Tom Baker and Jon Pertwee. Peter reads two extracts of poetry that book-end the album.
The Doctor Who connection was kept with the artwork. Andrew Skilleter, famous for a multitude of book covers and video releases for the BBC, contributed an amazing album cover.
Available on 33jazz records
Benjamin Croft - Composer, Piano, Keyboards, Andy Davies - Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Benet Mclean - Violin, Henry Thomas - Bass, Mario Castronari - Double bass, Tristan Mailliot - Drums, Saleem Ramen - Drums,
Peter Miles - Narration.
Sonny Johns - Engineering, Andy Whitmore- Additional Engineering, Ray Staff - Mastering, Andrew Skilleter - Album Artwork.
Recorded at Livingston and Greystoke Studios, London
Mixed at The Nave Studio, Leeds. Mastered at AIR Studios, London
LIVE RECORDING VIDEOS
Benjamin Croft Composer/Piano/Keyboards, Benet Mclean Violin, Henry Thomas Bass, Tristan Mailliot Drums, Tomas Moreno Engineering/Mastering
Bad Reputations
