Monday, October 24, 2011

"Contradiction", First Single Out Today

"Contradiction", Ben Babylon's first single of his debut album, "Dreams For Sale", is out today. Produced by Grammy award-winning Greg Penny and Jesse Johnstone, it features Davey Johnstone (guitar), Bob Birch (bass), and Nigel Olsson (drums) of the Elton John Band. It also features Martin Tillman, who also collaborated with Elton, on the electric cello. CD Baby is the first record store that you can purchase the track, but you will find it in itunes too, very soon.

Elton John says, "You better watch out for this kid! He can really play!".

He does!!!


CONTRADICTION
by Ben Babylon

"It’s Hard When You Don’t Know What To Do
And the World Is Piling Up On You
... What Your Looking For Is Nowhere
And What You Never Wanted is now There
Big Waves Crashing Down
Shaking the Ground

Heaven and Hell sit Side by Side
Good and Bad Can’t Make up Their Minds
Right and Wrong Can’t Understand
That Peace and War Battle Again

It’s Seems My Shadow Has Disappeared
It’s Not Comin’ Back, No, Not For Years
It Said Don’t Worry About Making Up Your Mind
For The Bad and Good They Will Decide
That Time Is Zooming By
It’s Time To Make Up Your Mind

Heaven and Hell sit Side by Side
Good and Bad Have They Lost Their d**n Minds
Right and Wrong Can’t Understand
That Peace and War Battle Again
Battle Again

I Can’t Understand
Something So Clear Makes No Sense
It’s Funny How War is used for Peace
It’s a Contradiction, I Agree

Heaven and Hell sit by my Side
Good and Bad, Have They Lost Their Minds?
Right and Wrong Can’t Comprehend
Peace and War Battle Again
Battle Again
Battle Again"

CONTRADICTION
par Ben Babylon

"C'est difficile quand vous ne savez pas Que faire
Et le monde est s'accumulent sur vous
... Qu'est-ce que vous cherchez n'est nulle part
Et Que Tu n'as jamais voulu est maintenant là
Grosses vagues s'écraser
Trembler le sol

Ciel et Enfer assis côte à côte
Bon et mauvais ne peuvent pas compenser leurs esprits
Vrai et faux ne peut pas comprendre
Cette bataille de la paix et de nouveau en guerre

Il semble mon ombre a disparu
Il ne reviendra pas, Non, pas pour les années
Il a dit ne vous inquiétez pas de vous décider
Pour le bon et le mauvais ils décideront
Ce temps est de zoom en
Il est temps de faire votre esprit

Ciel et Enfer assis côte à côte
Bon et mauvais ont-ils perdu leurs esprits
Vrai et faux ne peut pas comprendre
Cette bataille de la paix et de nouveau en guerre
Encore une fois la bataille

Je ne comprends pas
Quelque chose de si clair n'a aucun sens
C'est drôle comment la guerre est utilisée pour la paix
C'est une contradiction, j'accepte

Ciel et Enfer assis à mes côtés
Bonnes et mauvaises, ont-ils perdu leur esprit?
Vrai et faux ne peut pas comprendre
Bataille de paix et encore la guerre
Encore une fois la bataille
Encore une fois la bataille
"

CONTRADICCIÓN
por Ben Babylon

"Es dificil cuando no saber que tienes que hacer
Y el mundo se te va acumulando
... Cuando lo que buscas no lo encuentras
I lo que nunca querrias está ahora aquí
Grandes olas que se derrumban
Sacudiendo el suelo

El cielo y el infierno sentados a tu lado
Lo bueno y lo malo no pueden decidirse
LO correcto y lo incorrecto no se entienden
Esa paz y esa guerra que luchan otra vez

Parece que mi sombra haya desaparecido
No volverá, no en muchos años
Se dice que no tienes que preocuparte por no decidirte
Para lo bueno y lo malo ellos decidiran
El tiempo discurre
Es tiempo de decidirse

El cielo y la tierra sentados de costado
Lo bueno y lo malo han perdido sus malditas mentes
Lo correcto e incorrecto no se entienden
Esa paz y esa guerra luchan de nuevo
Luchan de nuevo

No lo puedo entender
Algo que era muy claro no tiene sentido
Es curioso como la guerra se utiliza para la paz
Es una contradicción, estoy de acuerdo

Cielo e infierno sentados a mi lado
Lo bueno y lo malo, han perdido su razón?
Lo correcto e incorrecto son incomprensibles
Paz y guerra luchan otra vez
Luchan otra vez
Luchan otra vez
"

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Happy Birthday, Ben Babylon!!!!

"She packed my bags last night pre-flight / Zero hours nine a.m. / and I am gonna be high as a kite by then", Jack Rabbit's whispering. Long journey today to the stars. Explain us the purpose of this tour along, basically, UK and US. I guess you have special guests with you, tonight. Ahh! Ok! It's Ben Babylon's Birthday and you have some people wanting to share time with him. That's ok, Rabbit! And also there's the release of the first single of the album. Wow!! We're ready for what you got.!!!

John Jorgenson
Liverpool, UK

Currently touring UK with his band. After a few gigs in Scotland, he performed a benefit concert in Stockport for his friend Stuart Fraser Thompson's Memorial Foundation, who passed away earlier this year. Andy MacKenzie featured and played a few gypsy jazz duets with him. Wednesday night playing in Liverpool, then Friday in Milton Keynes and finally back to the US on Saturday. Hi John, I am sure you know about the release of Ben Babyon's new album, early next year.

"I am already very proud of Ben, as his father is, for the way he is going for his music! To be this driven and accomplished at such a young age bodes well for a very good future. I look forward to seeing Ben develop as an artist and performer, and I think I speak for the many fans and supporters that he already has! Bravo Ben!"

Kiki Dee
Derbyshire, UK

Tourin' with Carmelo Luggeri in Europe. Since they first started working together 9 years ago, Carmelo and Kiki have been on a journey that has not only resulted in beautiful music that speaks straight to the heart, but also on a road of growing and learning for the guitarist and vocalist. They are equally at home doing an acoustic arrangement of a known song or experimenting with Indian drones and tablas. Also, the Fontana Years has been released featuring Kiki's first recordings from the 60's on CD for the first time from the 60's on CD for the first time. You know about Ben, right?

"I realize he is Guys son and I am wishing Ben all the very best with his music and Love and happiness in his future".

Charlie Morgan
Nashville, Tennessee

Still with playing regular shows with Orleans, and the Rock & Pop Masters (RPM). RPM visited Iraq/Kuwait last year, playing 5 gigs for the troops. His studio, in the Nashville house, is going strong: since the succesful album with mexican Manuel Mijares, a number of Latin artists have asked to do the same treatment for them. Also he'd developed a drum game "App" for the iPhone and iPad: Drums Challenge.

"Ben, I know you are embarking on your first major album project. This is both exciting and probably a little nerve wracking! I just wanted to wish you "good luck" - have fun, put your heart into it (as I know you will), and if you need any help or advice, please don't hesitate to ask!"

Natalie Jackson aka Kudisan Kai
Boston, Massachusets

The range of artists with whom Kudisan includes Bette Midler, Diana Ross, Joe Cocker, Saliva, Mary J. Blige, and Powerman 5000. She can be heard in a host of television and radio commercials, as well as movies like Dreamworks El Dorado, Disney's Dinosaurs, Ali, and John Singletons Dark Blue, working with top-rated music producers such as James Newton Howard, John Powell and others. Kudisan, who also teaches in the Voice Department at Berklee College of Music, had released her own Hard Rock EP entitled Confessions.

"I am really excited for Ben's first debut album. He is truly a gifted musician. I can hear Elton and his dad's influences throughout his artistry. His message is powerful and I think he is destined to becoming a true star".

Kathryn Keats
California

She continues to write and record and is completing a new CD she is co writing with producer, Narada Michael Walden. Keats has created a theatrical concert playing such well-known venues as Yoshi’s Jazz Club, Oakland, Ca., Knitting Factory, Los Angeles, the Bitter End, NYC and the Throckmorton Theatre, Mill Valley, Ca. It is a theatrical concert filled with joy, humor, and a ton of love. Also, she is working on book about her experiences in hope to inspire others.

"I am so happy for Ben! His first CD is, no doubt, going to be amazing! What a brilliant light!"

Ken Stacey
Los Angeles, California

Ken was in the last season of American Idol as a vocal coach, vocal producer and arranger. Ken was instrumental in putting Scotty McCreery through the first round of judging during season 10 and helped Scotty find his upper range which played a key role in his success on the show! Also, Stacey collaborate at the University of Rock and Roll, which features a variety of musical education programs by world-class musicians from Rockers Collective.

"I am very proud of Ben! I know he carries his Dad's soul in his music. Ben is an extraordinary young man who has taken his God given talent to great heights because of his hard work and passionate commitment! There are many, many people who find Ben a true inspiration! I wish him so much success... he deserves it!"

Bill Trudell
Mar Vista, California

"I like to write sometimes, but now I'm in the studio 6 days a week writing songs and producing new artist for film and television". Trudell also co-own a few on-line companies e-appointcards.com and Smaktones.com. A new song from Michael Thompson/ Billy Trudel "Don't Take This Love", a little soul with a pop edge, is available to download. Trudell performed live with Ben Babylon and was quite surprised:

"I remember walking into Guy Babylons studio to work on a song for an up coming gig we were doing to raise money for the school, Davey and Guys kids went to. I was told that Guy and Kathy's youngest son Ben would be performing the song Baba O'Reilly with me and thought, what a cute idea it was to have him play with us. When Ben came into the studio to go over the song, I sat a watched him play and my jaw hit the ground. He was amazing, a star in the making. And now to watch him grow into this young man ready to take on the world, only makes me happy. I wish Ben Babylon all the best there is in this world of music. Ben, you are a true musician, a wonderful son to your mom and dad and will always be my friend. You have truly carried the torch for your dad, and I know he is there with a very proud heart watching you become everything he wanted you to be. I look forward to hearing all your music for many years to come. Big hugs to my brother".

Fred Anderson
Los Angeles, California

Ben Babylon's publicist. Also a writer, producer, media consultant: "I am not a musician, but I know what I like, and I like Ben Babylon's music! I recognized his talent the first time I heard "Goodbye Superman," and he just keeps getting better" says about Ben, while adding: "He writes and plays with the passion of a rock star and the discipline of a classical artist. He has the self-confidence he needs to succeed, without being arrogant. It is an honor to be associated with him and his mother, Kathy, and I am proud to call them friends". No one could describe best Ben. Could you share something about the recording session, Fred?

"I had the privilege of being in the studio with Ben during one recording session, when Nigel Olsson came in to lay down drum tracks for the song "Contradiction". It was an honor to be in the room with such a rock legend as Nigel, and to watch him work. Jesse Johnstone was engineering the session. He is very meticulous, and he has a great sense of humor. To be around these professionals, in the very studio where the late Guy Babylon created so much of his own music was humbling. It was a day I will never forget, especially whenever I listen to "Contradiction".

"Contradiciton", the first single of the album, available on itunes for Ben's Birthday.

"I have only heard a few songs that are going to be on Ben's album. "Contradiction" has a great melody and excellent, hard-driving guitar riffs by Davey Johnstone. I really think people are going to love it. Another song I like is "No Goodbyes On the Road," which was inspired by something that Ben's father used to say. "Us" is a fun, very fast song, which I think will surprise many people. And, of course, I have always been impressed by Ben's epic tribute to his father, "Goodbye Superman." I have not yet heard the new version that will be on the album, but with members of the Elton John Band backing Ben, it is sure to be spectacular".

Marlena Jeter
Las Vegas, Nevada

Marlena has recently released "Serenity", an EP which consists of 7 songs, and it was written, arranged, produced & performed by herself. Recently she’ve also been working with Timothy Schmit from the “Eagles”, getting ready to begin touring with him again in December 2011. Marlena has also been a consultant for several Los Angeles based production companies, as well as film projects.

"I'm happy to hear that Ben is about to release his first album. I can't comment on the album itself as I have not yet heard it. What I can say is that once I heard this young man perform, I believed he had a big career ahead. He has so much of his father's touch & talent, & I could hear the Elton John influence... What a combination! It is my opinion that Ben Babylon has something wonderful to share with the world. I send my best wishes to Ben for a successful musical journey!"

Davey Johnstone
Las Vegas, Nevada

Elton John returned to Las Vegas for a three-year headlining gig at Caesars Palace. He was set to perform about 16 shows scheduled through October, on a new show titled "The Million Dollar Piano. At his side, long-time guitarrist Davey Johnstone, was remembering about Ben Babylon's recording sessions.

"On a day off in Germany during our Elton John summer tour, our bassist Bob Birch called and asked if I would put some guitar on one of Ben's tracks. Birchy had already put bass and drums on the song. Our gear was on the way to Berlin, so I went to the local music store to beg the use of a guitar! The guy said, "We do not lend guitars here!" Then the owner who had been at our show the previous night said, "It's cool, Fritz, he's Elton's guitarist!" I still had to pay a $100 deposit for a cool Strat, then I walked back to the hotel, knocked on Bob's door, and we jammed for an hour on Ben's song. Who needs a studio when you have Bob Birch's Mobile Rock Palace!"

Nigel Olsson
Las Vegas, Nevada

Nigel is so special for Ben too. The original drummer of Elton's band has been doing occasional session work, donating his time to various charitable causes and races vintage cars in California, where he lives with his wife Schanda and his son Justin.

"Ben is a true vision of his Dad GUY. He has a long way to go to fill the shoes of a true genius ( His DAD ) but he has the faith Joy and inspiration that will take him to new heights So honored to be part of HIS life. Love you Ben Always. Love Uncle Nigel XXXX"

John Mahon
Las Vegas, Nevada

As Nigel and Davey did, as well as Bob Birch, Mahon was on the recording sessions of the album and Jack Rabbit asked about his impressions to that experience. So, John, what you would like to share with us?

"I just recently played drums and percussion in my studio for a song called "Learning". It's a short concise song and was fun to play. I played drumset and some tamborine, shakers, bell tree, and a little African drums too. Earlier in the year we went to the Babylon's home studio and recorded 2 or 3 songs with Davey Johnstone and Bob Birch. I played drums on those songs. We asked Ben to make some chord charts for the songs because he is young and a bit inexperienced. It's fun to play with him because he is very happy to make music all the time. Songs I would like to talk about? Well, we recorded "Goodbye Superman", and "No Goodbyes On The Road". The first is a song about Ben's dad Guy Babylon and is quite a little masterpiece. It was very fun to play. "Goodbye's" also comes from Guy in way. Guy did not like to say goodbye when we were at the airport getting in our cars to go home. He always would say "there's no goodbye's on the road" - meaning we'll see each other again soon".

John, you have the honor to close Jack Rabbit's journey. Do you have some encouraging words for Ben Babylon, just for him, about the career he’s beginning?

"I think Ben will have a great career in music. He's a good piano player and is writing some interesting songs. He is getting out and playing with musicians which is something any serious musician needs to do. It is very difficult to develop a music career - much more now than in the past because record sales are so low from illegal downloading. If you download songs without paying the musicians for them they can never make a living from making new music for you to hear. I hope Ben gets to see a new business of music in his future".

Thanks so much to all of the guests invited here for their collaboration. All they agreed to do that for Ben as a surprise, so their wishes for Ben are the best way to close the journey.

Me and them, we would like to tell you, Ben Babylon,

that WE LOVE YOU,
we wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY,

and we're ready to buy your new single as soon as it is available. Special thanks to the greatest Fred Anderson for his help, for his work, for his generosity. And finally, to the lovely Kathy Babylon, thanks so much for your efforts, for being there, for being such an extraordinary person. Jack Rabbit!!!! You have to run to the record shop, check out i-tunes, whatever you prefer, but you must have this record, ok?

Monday, October 17, 2011

20th October, the date

On 20th October our star was born. Son of keyboardist Guy Babylon and musician Kathy Brown-Babylon, Ben Babylon is their very talented 14-year old son who plays keyboards, piano, drums, and is a singer/songwriter. The Babylon's family, is complete with a brother, Max, 18, and sister, Jessica.

What happened in the music business on an October, the 20th?

1955, Elvis Presley and Bill Haley and his Comets both appeared at Brooklyn High School auditorium, Cleveland.

1960, Roy Orbison had his first UK No.1 single with 'Only The Lonely' and his first of 33 hits. The song was turned down by The Everly Brothers and Elvis Presley, so Orbison decided to record the song himself.

1961, The Beatles played a lunchtime show at the Cavern Club, Liverpool and tonight they appeared at The Village Hall in Knotty Ash, Liverpool.

1969, The Who played the first of six nights at New York's Filmore East performing a two-hour show featuring the songs from 'Tommy.'

1973, The Rolling Stones went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Angie', the group's 7th US chart topper. A No.5 hit in the UK.

1979, The Eagles started a nine week run at No.1 on the US album chart with 'The Long Run', the bands fourth US No.1.

1997, "Please", the eleventh song from U2's 1997 album, Pop, was released as the album's fourth single on 20 October 1997. As with "Sunday Bloody Sunday", the song is about The Troubles in Northern Ireland.

2007, Paul Raven, bassist with post-punk band Killing Joke, died of a suspected heart attack aged 46 in Geneva, Switzerland, where he was recording. He left the band in 1987 before forming Murder Inc and joining Ministry, Prong and Mob Research.

The Big Picture, the twenty-sixth studio album by Elton John, was released in September 1997, contained such hits as "Something About The Way You Look Tonight" or "Recover Your Soul". In the fall of 1997, Elton John set out on tour to promote this album, being on 18th October in Louisville, KY (Freedom Hall) and on the 22th October in Moline, IL (Mark Of The Quad). Tragedy impact in Elton's life that year with the murdering of designer Gianni Versace and for the death of Diana, the Princess of Wales.

Other musicians born on a 20th October:

1939, Born on this day, Jay Siegel, The Tokens, (1961 US No.1 & UK No.11 single 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight').

1953, Born on this day, Tom Petty, guitar, vocals, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, (1977 single 'American Girl', 1989 UK No.28 single 'I Won't Back Down', 1991 UK No.3 album 'Into The Great Wide Open').

1958, Born on this day, Mark King, bass, vocals, Level 42, (1986 UK No.3 & US No.12 single Lessons In Love', plus 19 other UK Top 40 singles).

1964, Born on this day, David Ryan, drummer, The Lemonheads, (1993 UK No.14 singles 'Into Your Arms').

1971, Born on this day, Snoop Doggy Dogg, (Calvin Broadus), 1993 US No.1 album 'Doggy Style', 1996 UK No.12 single 'Snoop's Upside Your Head'.

1971, Born on this day, Dannii Minogue, Australian singer, (1991 UK No.8 single 'Love And Kisses' plus 10 other UK Top 40 singles).

1978, Born on this day, Paul Wilson, bass, Snow Patrol, (2006 UK No.1 album ‘Eyes Open’, 2006 UK No.6 single ‘Chasing Cars’).

What about the charts on that date, when Ben Babylon was born?

October 1997
UK ~ Top Singles
Positions / Title / Artist
01. Candle In The Wind 1997 - Elton John
02. Sunchyme - Dario G
03. As Long As You Love Me - Backstreet Boys
04. Tubthumping - Chumbawamba
05. Stand By Me - Oasis
06. Angel Of Mine - Eternal
07. Stay - Sash! ft. La Trec
08. Got Til It's Gone - Janet ft.Q-Tip & Joni Mitchell
09. Arms Around The World - Louise
10. Spice Up Your Life - Spice Girls

USA ~ Top Singles
Positions / Title / Artist
01. Candle In The Wind 1997 - Elton John
02. 4 Seasons Of Loneliness - Boyz 11 Men
03. You Make Me Wanna - Usher
04. How Do I Live - LeAnn Rimes
05. Honey - Maria Carey
06. Quit Playing Games (With My Heart) - Backstreet Boys
07. Semi Charmed Life - Third Eye Blind
08. All Cried Out - Allure/112
09. Mo Money Mo Problems - The Notorious B.I.G/Puff Daddy
10. Foolish Games /You Were Meant For Me - Jewel

October 21, 1997: The Guinness Book Of Records announced that Elton John's "Candle In The Wind" (Princess Diana version) was now the biggest selling single record of all time, with 31.8 million sales in the first 40 days after its release.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Preparing The Debut: First steps

Hi Babylonists. One year ago, I was fortunate enough to contact him. I was dedicating a week on him and I asked for an interview. He inmediatily said yes. I was surprised about the maturity of the kid. Specially about his talent. Yes, he's familiar with great musicians as the unforgettable Guy Babylon and Kathy Brown-Babylon. But "Goodbye Superman" just thrilled me. It was so amazing listening Ben on the radio show with Freeman Michaels. Since then, Ben proved his abilities playing covers, writing his own songs. And finally, the date of the release of his first work just is arriving. It's awesome to see how a star is born. And he will make it on the music business, I am plenty sure. So, please, wide-doors open to receive, other time, the amazing: Ben Babylon!!!

Hi, Ben, thank so much for your acceptation and welcome again to the site. How do you feel now, Ben?

Hey! Thank you! Right now I am just thankful for you and all my fans for supporting me for this! Thanks!

Looking back in 2010, when we did the interview, I realize how much reason Jesse Johnstone had when he said about you: “He's very much a 'feel' player, which is pretty remarkable at his age. He's a quick learner, and is always looking to learn new things. In addition to his many great musical talents, Ben is a wonderful guy. He has a great smile and good sense of humor. His ambition and talent will take him very far in life”. He knows you so well, I see, right?

Oh yes, we are very close. He is really a great guy and I’m so grateful to know him. The reason I like when he is engineering one of my songs is because he knows me so well. He knows what I want, and what I want it to sound like.

Also you said: “I don't think much of my future, I just hope it will be good”. Feel the same?

Yeah....I am just living in the moment, and that’s the best place to be. One of my favorite quotes is by John Lennon. “When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.” I just want to be happy when I’m older. I don’t know yet what that will be, but it will probably have something to do with music.

How did you come up with the name “Dreams For Sale”? I really love the title. That’s also the name of one of the tracks, from the album.

Well I love art, so I was in an art class and it was a “do whatever you wanna do day” so I decided I wanted to make an entire peace of artwork just using newspaper. I was just putting random words next to each other. And then I noticed there were three words right next to each other: “Clinging to Dreams”. I thought of it for a long time, trying to write a song to that title. But I couldn’t. So I gave up after awhile. I came back to it about a year later, and thought of a better title: “Dreams for Sale”. I was really happy about the title and wrote a song to it. I thought it was such a cool title, that it should be the album’s name. I also think that there are so many album cover options that go with that title.

What is the album about? Did you have a concept or theme for this album when you started out?

There is no really album concept or theme. I just want it to be a really nice album to listen all the way through from beginning to end. I might do some Abbey Road / Beatles like transitions between songs. My theme was going to be a bunch of rock/pop songs. But during the making of the album I started discovering Ben Folds, Jamie Cullum and Randy Newman. So I started incorporating more jazz, blues and rock into my songs. I used to consider my music just pop rock. But I now consider my main genres jazz and rock. Most of this album however is more rock than jazz, but I’m writing lots of new songs that have more jazz than rock. And even some with some classical.

So yeah!

Can you describe as best as you can where your inspiration comes from most often? Did you listen other music for the making of the record?

I don’t know. It just comes.

“Contradiction” is the first single, out very soon. Do you have the date of the release?

I hope that this song will come out this month.

Will it be a just a downloading album or also a physical one?

The album will be downloading album and a physical album. I like physical albums better, an I want to put extra content on the physical album, but we’ll see!

Also you debuted the “Ben Babylon Band”, a three-piece band. That reminds me something about someone called Elton, with a drummer and a bassist. Just a coincidence?

Haha! Yeah well lots of my biggest influences are three-piece bands. Ben Folds Five, Jamie Cullum, and early Elton John all were three-piece bands. I just love the sound of it. Soon I’ll add more people in my band, but right now just it’s just Jagger Krusen, Alex Arnout and me.

Finally, a message to your fans?

Just...thanks! I can’t believe I even have fans!!!! It’s unreal. Thanks.

Hahahaha no, it's real Ben. We will be at your side in this journey to success. Life is not easy, all we know that. But we have to trust in us, in what we're capable to do, and, most of all, to have illusion. Ben, I wish you all the best in your debut album, we're so proud of you, and we love you very much. Thanks for being here, for your kindness, your humanity, and for being in the music business. Best wishes, my dear friend.

Friday, October 7, 2011

Buying Dreams

Hello Babylonists: what had to happen, finally happens: the highly expected Ben Babylon's debut album is ready to be released. Scheduled for early 2012, first single "Contradiction" is coming out this month.

“Goodbye Superman”, the moving tribute 11 year old kid wrote for his late father, the brilliant Guy Babylon, who passed away in September 2009, showed Ben's amazing talent and proved he’ll make it far in the music industry. Produced by Greg Penny, with the collaboration of Jesse Johnstone, the emotional track, performed for the first time at the memorial service, had all the characteristics to be considered a masterpiece. Performed live publicly for the first time, along with Kathryn Keats, it thrilled an audience stunned by the quality treasured boy. The same piece was performed live, too, along with members of Elton John's band, what it was an extraordinary experience for Ben.

Meanwhile Ben took the time to learn and form himself and, also, participating in numerous concert gigs, including the recent Malibu Show, Zuma Rock Festival or Music Nation, among others. Sometimes accompanied by his mentor and friend, Chasen Hampton; other times with his three-piece band: Alex Arnaout on bass, himself on piano / keyboards and lead vocals and Jagger Krusen on drums, but always with great success, for both the public and its legion of fans, growing more and more everyday, and, also (and very important too) of music criticism, all overcome the talent of Ben, his maturity, his brilliant compositions, his piano playing. There are many versions that Ben has tried, whenever a high note: including "Ain't No Rest For The Wicked" by Cage The Elephant, "Don't Stop The Music" by Rihanna, and "Fred Jones, Pt. 2" by Ben Folds. We have also been fortunate to hear some of his own songs: "No Goodbyes On The Road", "Walk Away" or "Write Your Own Song", some will be on the album, others will be saved for another time.

Either way, the future (and present) of the boy shown splendid. With the illusion on the top, with great album collaborations, counting John Mahon, Bob Birch, Davey Johnstone, Nigel Olsson, Martin Tillman and ... others, the expectation is more than ever. We can follow him on twitter, facebook, on its official website, on fansites, because Ben is not alone: ​​we will be at his side, supporting and loving. A debut album should be very special and the quality of it, for those who have been fortunate to take a listen, is striking and awesome.

Jack Rabbit has thought of devoting time to celebrate the month of October to Ben Babylon, and he has said he gave another tour around the world looking for surprises. If last year were virtual birthday-parties in so many countries, this year he had to do something special. And not just because it is his birthday, next October 20th, also to celebrate the release of the single.

To this end, we pray, remain very attentive to events and get on board: the month of Ben Babylon has just begun.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Comprando Sus Sueños

Hola babylonistas: lo que tenia que suceder, al fin pasa: el más que esperado debut album de Ben Babylon está previsto para principios de 2012. Como anticipo, este mes de octubre publicará el primer single: “Contradiction”. “Goodbye Superman”, la primera canción que Ben publicó, con ocasión del repentino fallecimiento de su padre, el genial Guy Babylon, teclista de Elton John, demostró que el chico tenia mucho talento para dedicarse a la música. Producido por Greg Penny, con la colaboración de Jesse Johnstone, el emocionado tributo reunia todas las características para ser considerada una pieza maestra. Tocada en directo por primera vez, junto a Kathryn Keats, emocionó a un público sorprendido por la calidad que atesoraba el chico. La misma pieza fue interpretada en directo, tambien, junto a miembros de la banda de Elton, lo que fue una extraordinaria experiencia para Ben.

Aprovechando el tiempo al máximo, Ben dedicó su tiempo a formarse y tambien, a rodarse, participando en numerables conciertos, como los recientes en Malibú, Zuma Festival Music o el Rock Nation, entre otros. Unas veces, acompañado de su mentor y amigo, Chasen Hampton; otras, con su banda de tres piezas: Alex Arnaout en el bajo, Ben mismo con el piano / teclados y voz, también Jagger Krusen en la bateria, siempre con mucho éxito, tanto para el público como para su legión de fans, que sigue creciendo dia a dia, así como, tambien, los críticos musicales, todos rendidos al talento de Ben, su madurez, sus excelentes compisiciones, su forma de tocar el piano. Muchas han sido las versiones con las que Ben se ha atrevido, todas con excelente resultado: "Ain't No Rest For The Wicked" de Cage The Elephant, "Don't Stop The Music" de Rihanna, o "Fred Jones, Pt. 2" de Ben Folds. Tambien hemos sido afortinados de escuchar algunas de sus propias creaciones: "No Goodbyes On The Road", "Walk Away" o "Write Your Own Song", algunas de ellas estaran en el álbum, otras se guardaran para mejor ocasión.

Lo más destacable és que el futuro (y presente) de este chico es mas que espléndido. Con la ilusión por las nubes, contando con grandes colaboraciones en el album, como John Mahon, Bob Birch, Davey Johnstone, Nigel Olsson, Martin Tillman y ... otros, la expectacion es muy alta. Le podemos seguir en twitter, facebook, en su web oficial, en páginas creadas por fans, porque Ben no está solo: estamos con él, con nuestro apoyo y estima. Un álbum de debut debe ser muy especial, y este lo és, para los que han sido afortunados de escucharlo, lo destacan por ser sorprendente e impresionante.

Jack Rabbit ha pensado que seria una buena ocasión para dedicarle el mes de octubre a él, Ben Babylon, y me ha dicho que ha dado otra vuleta alrededor del mundo buscando con que sorprendernos. Si el año pasado fueron las fiestas de cumpleaños virtuales en muchos paises, este año ha pensado algo muy especial. No sólo por ser su cumpleaños, tambien por el lanzamiento del single.

Por todo esto, os pedimos que permanezcan muy atentos a lo que suceda y se suban a bordo: el mes de Ben Babylon acaba de empezar.