Piano genius Ben Waters has been paid the accolade by Jools Holland of being one of his 10 all-time favourite pianists. Named Europe’s #1 Boogie Woogie pianist in the 2017 Boisedale Awards, Ben has performed in over 25 countries around the world & in some of the most iconic of venues. Truly international and one of the busiest musicians around, Ben regularly tours Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Scandinavia, the Caribbean and the US. His 2018 “Tour down under” included Sydney Opera House where he played to full houses in the Utzon Room; Port Fairy Folk Festival where, according to Festival Director Caroline Moore the band “blew everyone away … so much so we have invited him back (for 2019)”; the iconic Cherry Bar in Melbourne’s CBD and the renowned MONA in Hobart. Along the way the band produced a CD, “BEN WATERS Live in MELBOURNE” recorded at the ABC Studios.
Ben’s repertoire, played with ‘flair & bravado’ (Birmingham Post) is an eclectic mix of American music from the early blues through ragtime, jazz, boogie woogie, stride, R&B and the R&R of the 50’s & 60’s. The high-octane shows have been described by the London Times as “like a bouncy castle for grown-ups”. Over the years Ben has played/ recorded with legendary figures including Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Shakin’ Stevens, Jools Holland, Ray Davies, Leo Sayer, PJ Harvey and others. His most acclaimed album to-date, “Boogie 4 Stu” is a tribute to family friend the late Ian Stewart, a founding member of The Rolling Stones and a major influence on Ben’s career. Rolling Stones past and present joined Ben for this tribute, along with Jools Holland and others. Proceeds were donated to the National Heart Foundation.
Most recently, Ben & his UK band joined Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood for sold-out shows at world famous Ronnie Scott’s Club in London’s West End. The shows featured special guests Rod Stewart, Hollywood star Johnny Depp, guitar icon Jeff Beck & Imelda May in a tribute to the late, great Chuck Berry with the resultant “Wild Lad” recording being released by Ronnie this coming November.
Earlier this year Ben announced that after 6,000 performances in more than 25 countries over 30 years he would be bringing down the curtain on his touring career in November. This upcoming trip will therefore be the last chance for Australia to experience the genius that is Ben Waters.
DATES
Oct 30th –FYREFLY, St Kilda;
Nov 1st – SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE;
Nov 3rd – LIZOTTE’S, Newcastle.