tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31256495576526949932024-03-13T00:38:38.484-07:00Ben Babylon No 1Jackrabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997846029131010337noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125649557652694993.post-16257910999854072015-10-20T11:46:00.000-07:002015-10-20T11:46:37.373-07:00"I’ve learned to have fun with my songs": Ben Babylon's Interview in his 18th Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>Hi Ben. Nice you are here and happy b-day,
first of all. Seems a long time when you had 12 years old and you wrote that wonderful and impressive song as a tribute to your father, the late Guy Babylon: "Goodbye Superman" touched so many hearts while you proved you could write great songs. You are so young, you are forming yourself to develop a music career.But in the other hand, you have your experience: no one could say he openend for Leon Russell, Ambrosia, Kenny Cetera or Macy Gray. I had the honour to have a taste of some of your songs and they were really amazing. But we want to learn more from you. So we really appreciate your kindness in being here, with your fans, at your fantastic date. So let's start simply with... </i></b></span></span><b style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>What were you doing
this last year?</i></b></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Miquel! So nice to talk with you again. I’ve
been very busy this past year. At the beginning of the year I joined a band
called The Sposato Brothers Band, and I have been working with them a lot this
whole year. At first I joined as a keyboardist, but I immediately started
writing songs with them. We recorded a few of the songs, and we are finishing
them up right now and I really hope to release them soon. I am now the musical
director of the band and we are playing all around the Malibu and Los Angeles
area. Besides that, I’ve been working a lot with Alex Arnaout in the studio —
writing songs, recording them, producing them. Unfortunately, my band The
Episodes broke up, but Alex and I have continued to work closely and we really
have a lot of cool things cooking in the studio. Brian Schwartz has been coming
over too and putting some guitar on the songs — it’s really been a lot of fun.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>First we had Ben Babylon Band.
"Contradiction" and a fantastic EP were released: "Further
Interpretations of Real Life" with my favourite, the fantastic
"Burning Man" in there. I remember seeing you playing live at The
2013 Elton John Expo with John Mahon and Davey Johnstone debuting this song.
That was an amazing moment in your career. What those incredible musicians
adviced to you? </i></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The 2014 Elton John Expo was one of the
coolest experiences musically for me. Even if I didn’t play at it, it still
would have been an awesome experience. The band and I had a great time playing
with John and Davey, they are insane musicians. John and I opened the show with
a piano/percussion arrangement of “Song for Guy” by Elton John, and although
that song has no relationship to my dad at all, it was an emotional experience
for everybody nonetheless. We transitioned that song into “Burning Man,” my
tribute to Bob Birch, which was really cool to play with John. Then Davey came
up and rocked “Contradiction” with us — that was surreal!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>Ben, here we have the fantastic Ros Dinsdale, from our Facebook group. She would love to ask you her question: Would you like to become a member of the Elton
John Band, making an occasional guest appearance (like Ray Cooper does) at
somewhere like Caesars, Las Vegas? </i></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">No, never!
. . . . just kidding!!!!! Are you kidding!? It would be a DREAM to play
with the Elton John Band — what a connection that would give me to my father.
In 2010, Rock Nation did an Elton John tribute concert, and I had to learn all
my dad’s keyboard parts which was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done in
my life. Davey, John and Nigel all came and played with us too. Of course,
actually playing with Elton John would be crazy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Then we had The Episodes, an alternative rock
band. To the occasion Matt Still produced two singles, “Never Stop" and
"Jack's Hit" with good results. But since now an album it is not
materialized. Any plans to go ahead with The Episodes?</b></i></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That was awesome — working with Matt Still. He
is genius behind the mixing board — a great producer. Those songs turned out
great, and there’s one more he did with us that I will probably put out at some
point. However, The Episodes broke up in September and it doesn’t seem there
are many plans in the future with them. However, the band members and I still
keep a close relationship. Especially Alex Arnaout and I — we are working all
the time in the studio writing and recording songs. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>How your music has evolved in the past 5
years? And how your growing up has inspired your music?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I think I’ve definitely matured in my
songwriting and lyric-writing. But I’ve also allowed myself to become immature
— with songs like “Never Stop” and “Jack’s Hit.” I’ve learned to have fun with
my songs — not everything has to be so serious! I’ve also finally been able to
collaborate with other songwriters, which was always hard for me in the past. I
am constantly evolving, and I will continue to improve myself.</span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><b>Now it's turn to introduce the wonderful Vickie Peek, from our group too: Do you have any specific goals that you want
to achieve in your musical career within the next few years? </b></i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">No specific goals, really. As of now, my plan
is to pursue an education in music (production, orchestration, business) and
see where that takes me. I am also writing a lot, and a lot of those songs are
getting recorded — so we’ll see! I’m also trying to produce music as well right
now, which I’m having a lot of fun doing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><b>Very busy indeeed!!! I saw a picture of you in front a black piano,
with the sentence "recording at Woodshed in Malibu", so what it came
inmediatily in my head was: he is preparing something big... Anything you could
share about those sessions?</b></i></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now THAT’S a cool studio! The Woodshed was an
awesome experience. There I was actually recording piano on a few songs for the
Sposato Brothers Band. They also had a cool celesta there, so I recorded that
as well.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>Is it important for you to tell stories with
the songs? </i></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Of course! When there’s no story, it’s just
boring — in my opinion. I always try to keep my songs interesting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><b>And my last invited is from our group too. He's JonJon: What artists shaped or impacted you the most
musically and why?</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well, of course Elton first. He was the first
music I ever heard really and the first idol I could ever look up to. From
there I was turned on to Ben Folds who really changed the way the way I played
the piano and the way I wrote. I also like Jellyfish, Sting and The Police,
Stevie Wonder, Thelonious Monk, and Herbie Hancock.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><i>Which type of music are you listening today?
What do you prefer?</i></b></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Recently, interestingly enough, I’ve been
listing to a lot of funk music! Can’t get enough of the FUNK! Also I’ve been
listening to a ton of old Motown, classic soul and R&B too. As for new
music, I really like Tame Impala, Kendrick Lamar and Flying Lotus.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><b>Music industry changes so much today. Radio
doesn't play rock songs so much, it seems all is very pop and dance. Digital
age changes everything. It seems so difficult to move in this world and to get
own products out. What's your experience? How do you manage to do that?</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The music industry is crazy. But what I’m
finding funny is that the “popular” music right now — the music you see
performed on the Grammys and what-not (Niki Minaj, Iggy what’s-her-face, Miley,
etc) — isn’t really . . . popular. People aren’t actually listening to that
music, as far as I know. A lot of people listen to it as a joke, but none of it
is really . . . respected. People right now are actually are listening to some
of the best music, in my opinion. At least people my age right now have great
taste in music — but none of it really goes “mainstream.” It seems that the
mainstream artists that you see on TV all the time aren’t REALLY famous, they
are just pushed so hard by the record labels. They are putting so much money
into them, so much energy — of course they are gonna be in the spotlight. But
nobody is actually listening to them. People right now are really into finding
“hidden gems,” small independent bands that are making great music.</span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><b>Are you going to see concerts, to see live
shows? Which one you could recommend for its spectacularity? Some you haven't
been and you thought you would love to be there (even in the past)?<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">All the time! I recently saw Snarky Puppy, an
AMAZING fusion band that is getting a lot of attention right now. They played
amazingly — the talent is incredible. Michael League, the bassist and the
writer/arranger of most of the music, was up there playing so nonchalantly,
while Cory Henry, one of the most amazing keyboardists right now, was up there
looking like a god. One of the best concerts I have seen in a while. I also saw
Ben Folds twice in the past year. The first time was at the Hollywood Bowl. He
played with a huge orchestra and . . . well . . . it sucked. Obviously the
music was great, he was great, the orchestra was great. But I hate the
Hollywood Bowl. It’s so quiet . . . so boring. So later I saw him play at The
Greek Theatre with yMusic. THAT was an amazing show. I wanted to see Sufjan
Stevens but I couldn’t make it, and I wish I could have seen Sigur Ros but it
didn’t work out. I love going to concerts all the time though!</span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><b>Great!!! Apart from music, what other interests do you
have now?</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Nothing much, really. Everything I do has to
do with music nowadays. All different parts of music — performing, recording,
producing, writing. But pretty much doing music all the time. Of course I love
to hang out with my friends all the time — and that’s what I like to do in my
free time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><b>Now you have 18 years old. When you see world
today, you could see a complicated panorama: refugees going up and down finding
a prosperous future, wars on different countries, fanatic terrorism, ... in the
other hand, progress with medecine, solidarism throughout the world fighting
for causes, ... which degree of concern you have about global future?<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I will try to do all I can to make the world a
better place — either through music or other means. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>Oh, how will you spend your birthday time?</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I’m going to Disneyland!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><b>Funny! Well, what have I forgotten to ask?</b></i></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You’ve pretty much covered it all Miquel! Nice
to talk to you again! Always a pleasure.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><i>Hahaha we almost did. Thanks so much by heart for sharing your time in that special date. Hope you are enjoying so much for BDay. We will be following your music career as we are doing, we are pretty excited about your projects, and we wish you all the success you deserve: that's plenty success. Thanks for your kindness Ben. God Blessed You.</i></b></span></span></div>
Jackrabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997846029131010337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125649557652694993.post-13654070033844675452015-10-20T11:00:00.001-07:002015-10-20T11:16:21.724-07:0018 Reasons to Choose<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>18 years old. Ok. So I suggested to Ben to
answer 18 short questions about different matters, but with only a few words,
and very faster, just what it comes to mind. The pretention is to learn a
little bit more of him. We did something similar on 2012 Xmas time. He was just 15 years old and it was so funny. This time, at 18, the questions are not particularly the same, just some. </i></span></span><br />
<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Are you ready Ben? So, let's start.</i></span></span><br />
<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>One book?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">House of Leaves - by Mark Z. Danielewski</span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>One country?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Texas . . . wait . . . that’s not a country!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>One Elton song?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Blues Never Fade Away (Captain and the Kid)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>One entertainment?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bowling!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>One food?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Filet Mignon!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>One girl?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Of course, I would never cheat!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>One fictional character?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Batman, of course!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>One monument?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hmmm….Washington Monument I suppose.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>One movie?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Prestige (Christopher Nolan)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>One number?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>One pet?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Layla, my beautiful golden retriever (kinda)
friend.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>One piano player?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jerry Lee Lewis<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>One slogan?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Just do it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>One record?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pet Sounds - The Beach Boys<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>One venue to play in the future?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Nokia Theater, why not!?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>One website?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Random Article” on wikipedia.org<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>One wish?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Success<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>One word?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Yes</span>Jackrabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997846029131010337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125649557652694993.post-30139313053521793292015-10-20T02:00:00.000-07:002015-10-20T10:38:22.609-07:00Happy B-Day, Ben Babylon!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx5aYCZsyH0UNn9vTMJgE12seUGNcv7C089fAYaEYEyeSqMPL-eyD6rNqqJnFqkrUuwovgayC92PNrlQ-bKCw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>"Ben, this is my gift for you, with all of my love. You are a very talented man and one of the most interesting people I've ever met. Have a nice day, man. My best wishes for you, today and always" (Jack Rabbit)</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Thanks JonJon for your help</i></span>Jackrabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997846029131010337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125649557652694993.post-54735590974405164102015-10-20T01:00:00.000-07:002015-10-20T11:58:13.000-07:00Boopies Wishes<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ben is great. I have met him and his family.
They are lovely. Wish him a happy birthday and send him and his family my love
(<b>Keith Hayward</b>, UK)</span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ben I wish you a wonderful birthday! Let love follow your footsteps everywhere you go. Be happy!!! (</span><b style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Rosemary Fernandes</b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, Brazil)</span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy Birthday, Ben! Have lots of fun on your
special day! (<b>Jean M. Goman</b>, US)</span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dear Ben, Wishing you a wonderful and happy
birthday with much happiness and much continued success! All the best. (<b>Brian
Gold</b>, US)</span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9_yHiOiHz-IOkXKlwfuBTwImjNpW9wv9TG68sIr6ClwMwSoy6dkcJAY-SEf9c959bmx7Rjup0Y163AOEDoZbk9xgFZ1KH_EivaXt5kNdSPK-voSZuhcdpSts6WXzkul5jwR3zto8u5se/s1600/12048589_1032192080124528_866349498_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9_yHiOiHz-IOkXKlwfuBTwImjNpW9wv9TG68sIr6ClwMwSoy6dkcJAY-SEf9c959bmx7Rjup0Y163AOEDoZbk9xgFZ1KH_EivaXt5kNdSPK-voSZuhcdpSts6WXzkul5jwR3zto8u5se/s320/12048589_1032192080124528_866349498_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy BDay to our golden boy. He deserves all the best in his life. </span></span><br />
<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(<b>Vera Rio</b>, Brazil)</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmCK9rKY-o7KfAHOo9AAET9oz7WDqyaLxeuWQo2TyBwx5jrksQum4fzWtmX0QaOW6FPPEGBkNgwIHhZOpyPJBus9iTURdGLB86SPf03_61gFiheHSxy1x1Wn95LyzmeUG_aaYxUx52i6Yp/s1600/received_935473019851835.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmCK9rKY-o7KfAHOo9AAET9oz7WDqyaLxeuWQo2TyBwx5jrksQum4fzWtmX0QaOW6FPPEGBkNgwIHhZOpyPJBus9iTURdGLB86SPf03_61gFiheHSxy1x1Wn95LyzmeUG_aaYxUx52i6Yp/s200/received_935473019851835.jpeg" width="133" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiimeyiMKwd_kIsaTdSu2WW_keznpP-k6duFOq0bcpz8aqyZhqDo5qvAIfRiLrIpgUok5k-wP9PCeZpTaQf5U4WgZ3dhdyUtp5poFn24uCGS7lc7QDZZOsW7GTSUGcCiybKX6OaF6HlgKo/s1600/received_935457686520035.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiimeyiMKwd_kIsaTdSu2WW_keznpP-k6duFOq0bcpz8aqyZhqDo5qvAIfRiLrIpgUok5k-wP9PCeZpTaQf5U4WgZ3dhdyUtp5poFn24uCGS7lc7QDZZOsW7GTSUGcCiybKX6OaF6HlgKo/s200/received_935457686520035.jpeg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXid8zmJWMm4Fv4Z858V6nDpa7ovaCTNofjSV_cW5c6ewbrhWZacoc8EikV3IErKRebZFFV6dSc_UP1a0QxeSziyKH-ZLwBk8WPcytfKAsaW0jom0H3Pj0T7M08fuKBRliWMGLd9jKZ_g/s1600/received_935460469853090.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXid8zmJWMm4Fv4Z858V6nDpa7ovaCTNofjSV_cW5c6ewbrhWZacoc8EikV3IErKRebZFFV6dSc_UP1a0QxeSziyKH-ZLwBk8WPcytfKAsaW0jom0H3Pj0T7M08fuKBRliWMGLd9jKZ_g/s200/received_935460469853090.jpeg" width="133" /></a><br />
<span style="text-align: right;">(<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Leila Avelar Santiago</b></span></span><span style="text-align: right;">, Brazil)</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Wishing a very happy birthday wish to a very special, talented young man. Happy Birthday, Ben! (</span><b style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Michele Gordon Cohen</b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, US)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy Birthday Ben Have a great day (<b>Jeff Teasdale,</b> UK)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy Birthday Ben! (<b>JonJon</b>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ben. First I would love to wish you a very happy Birthday. Second, I would love to wish you success as you are a very talented young man! (<b>Abby Goldstein Feilich</b>, US)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbl6s3371-IVpUoSGdODJDg31GflOjp7jlGbCexIEO9NIUcfuXIYDXgCARxtovNRuk-1a4LICBkITXUvAhDk4YmVL-vqEi5rzg1KLQ8-odoL-hllyRYtAEUQE38PjH_rhdfqrTPvzJ7kC/s1600/kim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbl6s3371-IVpUoSGdODJDg31GflOjp7jlGbCexIEO9NIUcfuXIYDXgCARxtovNRuk-1a4LICBkITXUvAhDk4YmVL-vqEi5rzg1KLQ8-odoL-hllyRYtAEUQE38PjH_rhdfqrTPvzJ7kC/s320/kim.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(<b>Kimberlee Kemble</b>, US)</span></div>
Jackrabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997846029131010337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125649557652694993.post-26703739131205915752014-10-20T04:42:00.000-07:002014-10-21T01:16:06.150-07:00Second Episode of The Day: Your Fan's Wishes<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My birthday wish for Ben would be to be able
to one day be able to play the biggest concert venues in the world, and I know
one day him and his band will play very big venues. That's my wish for ben.
(<b>Ashley Jones, US</b>)</span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy Birthday Ben, It has been amazing to
watch you grow into a man and follow your Dads footsteps. I know that he is so
proud of you and is guiding you on your Journey as a musician. Each year takes
you closer to the dream, so make this Birthday and everyday after count. All
the best to you. (<b>Billy Trudel, Singer/Songwriter, US</b>)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Just wish him a wonderful, happy birthday with
much continued success (<b>Brian Gold, US</b>)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy Birthday Ben! from Debbie Piemonte LATW
Boston Style and everyone from LATW. Best wishes on all your musicial
endevears. Rock on (<b>Debbie Piemonte, US</b>)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="CA"></span><br />
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ben I wish you from the bottom of my heart all
the success you deserve! Your talent is one that needs to be seen and heard by
many and us who know you will always support you in all your endeavors with
lots of love and faith In all you do. Happy Birthday! Love. (<b>Electra Barakos,
singer/songwriter, US</b>)</span></span></div>
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihq8fLPaBFJk-VqUdKiZt9TciMNSPEJfNvGr6ScbQWT_Gja6wiiAY4b-OCduYWMCWGljMVxmu0SHzKmfyNHaREpOywBHSDRE2ch8_KWnb4lYmRtKDrkkyOe1C6Y1VMhyB4btZRR2M7VZaO/s1600/974704_10152440869438596_1928628626_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihq8fLPaBFJk-VqUdKiZt9TciMNSPEJfNvGr6ScbQWT_Gja6wiiAY4b-OCduYWMCWGljMVxmu0SHzKmfyNHaREpOywBHSDRE2ch8_KWnb4lYmRtKDrkkyOe1C6Y1VMhyB4btZRR2M7VZaO/s1600/974704_10152440869438596_1928628626_n.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="CA">♫♪♫</span><span lang="CA"> Well, he was just seventeen<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You know what I mean<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And the way he sang was way beyond compare<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So how could I listen to another (Ooh)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="CA">When I heard him singing there. </span><span lang="CA">♫♪♫</span><span lang="CA"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">HAPPY BD, BB! (</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Fred Anderson, publicist </b>(with apology to
The Beatles))</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbZVRgqHPx5BO7zLWjExe4n-t73Sn3CyUGxiHThrQK1N41Duop6Dvh0lgVZDMSLjW_ybXX3tX7FbtB7EVHjlvX8ja90HZnqtwr8-T10bnYlJTDRGeZjlaj-D-xP0_R_ur7COebmundYfC/s1600/BenBabylon_GillianRedstone2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbZVRgqHPx5BO7zLWjExe4n-t73Sn3CyUGxiHThrQK1N41Duop6Dvh0lgVZDMSLjW_ybXX3tX7FbtB7EVHjlvX8ja90HZnqtwr8-T10bnYlJTDRGeZjlaj-D-xP0_R_ur7COebmundYfC/s1600/BenBabylon_GillianRedstone2.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Happy birthday, Ben! Meeting you at
Berklee and hanging out with you everyday made my summer amazing. Have an
amazing day!" (<b>Gillian Redstone, US</b>)</span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Can I be a part of this
conversation" "no" lol I'm
so glad you didn't take no for an answer. I had such a great time with you this
summer and I hope we'll be able to go to Berklee together!! I miss your crazy
sense of humor and all the fun times we had with Gillian and David lol. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BENNYBOOP (<b>Gracie Fisher, US</b>)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Happy Birthday, Ben! We will never
forget the time we performed together in LA!"<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(<b>Jetset Getset, Band, US</b>)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Ben, you are an amazing musician. I had
a wonderful time performing with you, when I was in LA, and I hope to do it
again! I also loved spending time with your mom and Layla! Happy Birthday!" (<b>Kaitlyn
Baker, singer/songwriter, US</b>)</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My dear Ben, Oh How I remember the day I met
you! Bright eyed and bushy tailed! And now...now...Oh MANNNNN! Happy Birthday,
Ben! Remember to stop and smell the roses! Much love to you, (<b>Kathryn Keats,
singer/songwriter, US</b>)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQBwFeran2BmLOEvspsdU2H__JcPqcrFmJqMY3aoa5_HXw4G636lBYXqAYyCuFqHIzCcmf3h9mzbO3UxnzGEDFQkMf8ErgUbcyFXrIC3wP98xBtxua6MSaE5uUC9GhpC1K_NbqDVDBKbs/s1600/1374944_10152404037323690_1810785941878292923_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQBwFeran2BmLOEvspsdU2H__JcPqcrFmJqMY3aoa5_HXw4G636lBYXqAYyCuFqHIzCcmf3h9mzbO3UxnzGEDFQkMf8ErgUbcyFXrIC3wP98xBtxua6MSaE5uUC9GhpC1K_NbqDVDBKbs/s1600/1374944_10152404037323690_1810785941878292923_n.jpg" height="124" width="200" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy birthday Ben!! Best of luck with all
your new projects!! (<b>Kim Bullard, EJ Band, US</b>)</span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Happy birthday Ben! Wishing you the best for
this new year. You've grown so much as a musician, your family and all of us
who loved your dad are so proud of you. Keep on rockin' and have a great
birthday! (</span><b style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Isabel Gonzalez, US</b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">)</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLqVkk9hUqna9JW8Lpm-vJ-qDLd7VX7VlyU-LVRFzw7EVF4ABfeKSGNTRedPcr0K6KtyRuebcpMNQ7r1XbZbKe5uIFtg-h2HX2v8or4qxvFm8nQjIIsbS7bPKvktrv66GJb-ldpOU9cFA/s1600/10728872_752458744819931_15389955_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLqVkk9hUqna9JW8Lpm-vJ-qDLd7VX7VlyU-LVRFzw7EVF4ABfeKSGNTRedPcr0K6KtyRuebcpMNQ7r1XbZbKe5uIFtg-h2HX2v8or4qxvFm8nQjIIsbS7bPKvktrv66GJb-ldpOU9cFA/s1600/10728872_752458744819931_15389955_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span lang="CA" style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span lang="CA" style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I hope you have a wonderful day and that the
year ahead is filled with much love, many wonderful surprises and gives you
lasting memories that you will cherish in all the days ahead. Happy Birthday
Ben Babylon! (<b>Leila Avelar Santiago, Brazil</b>)</span><br />
<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Happy Birthday Ben. Your picture taken in
Vegas during the Elton Expo is displayed in the wall in my store Provincia in
Provincetown and thousands have seen it this summer I am a huge fan and
congrats on your new band project. Cheers!!! (</span><b style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Manny Sousa, US</b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">)</span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">'Happy birthday Ben, you've come a long way
very quickly. You've inherited a great musical DNA which you're putting to
great use with The Episodes. Here's to a great future with them!' (<b>Paul
Purcell, Ireland</b>)</span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A very, very happy birthday to Ben. Have a
wonderful day (<b>Ros Dinsdale, US</b>)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Happy Birthday Ben !! We all are so proud to
witness your success.Share such important moments in your life it's a privilege
for us. Health, success and all the happiness of the world for you! God bless
you! (</span><b style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Vera Rio, Brazil</b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">)</span><br />
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Special thanks to Fred Anderson for always being there. You are the best.</i></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Pictures courtesy of Fred Anderson, Kathryn Keats and The Babylon family</i></span></span><br />
<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Ben Babylon's card by Leila Avelar Santiago</i></span></span></div>
Jackrabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997846029131010337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125649557652694993.post-72217812956156230092014-10-20T04:24:00.001-07:002014-10-20T04:42:57.940-07:00The New Episode Of Ben: The Interview<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2jGSiueHWw3D3X3EuTz7jQ-Qlxa6087D5Y6kCTxEeZZiaasp6SY7nWxEWvR-9oWdUKuto4b3jJsbFavSl18CEBWnJLk1YAaSkBodK-4o6obcWNhu4AhGonQFLjbg6whEqphy-ZuExt8O/s1600/1557536_10152247862198690_2079502293_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2jGSiueHWw3D3X3EuTz7jQ-Qlxa6087D5Y6kCTxEeZZiaasp6SY7nWxEWvR-9oWdUKuto4b3jJsbFavSl18CEBWnJLk1YAaSkBodK-4o6obcWNhu4AhGonQFLjbg6whEqphy-ZuExt8O/s1600/1557536_10152247862198690_2079502293_n.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>2014 has been a succesful year, full of new
projects. The Ben Babylon Band were selected by Sonic Bids to play Sunset
Sessions 2014. We could see tham opening for Marshall Tucker Band at the Canyon
Club. Also working with producer Matt Still in the Studio on 4 new songs: first
of them, "Never Stop" released free the past 03 September, the official day of changing their band name
to "The Episodes". As you know, </i></span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;">Ben released his new Single, "Burning Man", off his EP "Further Interpretations of Real life", and another single, "Contradiction", which features the Elton John Band.</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.3999996185303px;"> </span></i></span><i style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We invited Ben
to chat a little about all these projects, and asking about all those things.
So Ben, welcome again to your fan site, a joy to have you here. So let's start.
Jack Rabbit, it's your turn.</i></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Thanks, well, the BBB develop to The Episodes.
You define this as an Alternative Rock band. Why the need of this development?
What could The Episodes gives you that the BBB not did?</b></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yes, we are a high-energy, piano-based
alternative rock band. We put ourselves in that genre because a lot of the
bands that influence us are in that genre as well. The reason we changed our
band name to The Episodes was to form a sense of unity, and also to introduce a
new “start.” We are starting to branch out, listen to different genres, and
also write very differently. Our songwriting process is beginning to develop
and transform as well — both individually and collectively. We just sound
different. You can definitely hear our Ben Babylon Band “roots", but we
just sound different. We also wanted to institute a fresh and unique “image”
that we just didn’t think the Ben Babylon Band could boast. To establish this
image, we added Joshua Barish to the band. Now, you will never see Joshua on
stage, but you will see his art. Soon we will unveil our new beautiful kick
drum head. Joshua is going to be performing all of the art for The Episodes. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Art and music, good combination. Amazing idea! And why the choosing of the
name? What's the reason behind this?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That, I have to say, is a little bit of a
mystery. Somebody just suggested it — I believe it was Alex. We all got
together and started suggesting band names, and The Episodes just came up. I
can’t tell you why we all liked it so much, but I think we realized it just
fit. I think we liked the sort of double meaning behind the word “episode.” It
could mean an episode as in a period of time or a show, or it could be a mental
breakdown type of episode. I think it will prove to be a good band name in the
future as well. I think we, as The Episodes, will have many “episodes” — or
chapters. I think we will continue to develop, and I think the name really
allows for us to branch out and try new things as our career develops with
time. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Sure! Perfect! Influences from Ben Folds Five
to Randy Newman, from Elton John to Radiohead, from Queen to Cage the
Elephant... a wide range of styles. What do you pick from those different
artists?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yes, all of these artists are major influences
on our music. Elton John has been an influence on our music from our beginnings
as the Ben Babylon Band. But as we developed, we all began to listen to all
different kinds of music. One of my favorite singers/songwriters/performers of
all time is Freddie Mercury. I have listened to him, watched his performances
(my favorite being Wembley ’86), and even researched him and his life. He is a
major influence on me, and subsequently also an influence on the rest of the
band. We all listen to different bands however, and fusing all of our
influences together really creates, what we think, quite a unique sound.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Yes! Then could you present the members of the
band? One of those members is Jacob Staben, the one you write: "What will
he be playing, you ask? We don't really know to be honest . . . just a bunch of
. . . things". </b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Alex Arnaout — Alex is the bassist of the
band, and also sings background vocals. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ben Babylon — That’s me. I am the lead singer
and keyboardist.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Joshua Barish — Yes, we count him as a band
member. He creates all of the artwork for The Episodes, and has creative input.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jagger Krusen — Jagger is the drummer, and
sings background vocals.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Brian Schwartz — Brian is the lead guitarist
and occasionally sings background vocals.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jacob Staben — Jacob plays all sorts of stuff!
He will play rhythm guitar, keyboards, percussion, etc. Whatever the song calls
for. He adds texture to the band.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Thanks! "Never Stop", mixed by the
greatest Matt Still, is the brand first new single. This is the first step to
release an entire album? I love the lines: "Look at all these people are
they even here for me? Look at all these people — why don’t they shout, why
don’t they scream?”.</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRx2SCDn7Sov9O3_vnsxBxAy2bN6OT_rCmPkMh7JMz2lDTDyQOlhQ0HvA2pl2Yb50o_3eGfoQ1nVborJM9axcb_trKFu8EYg9OhNlYaRI6zcp61NaGugJMGGfXTvj_edR57GLwjTFt5xL/s1600/1606394_1476939309235402_2119499917282387770_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRx2SCDn7Sov9O3_vnsxBxAy2bN6OT_rCmPkMh7JMz2lDTDyQOlhQ0HvA2pl2Yb50o_3eGfoQ1nVborJM9axcb_trKFu8EYg9OhNlYaRI6zcp61NaGugJMGGfXTvj_edR57GLwjTFt5xL/s1600/1606394_1476939309235402_2119499917282387770_o.jpg" height="116" width="320" /></a><span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yes, that is our first single, available on
Bandcamp for $1+ (<a href="https://theepisodesmusic.bandcamp.com/releases" target="_blank">https://theepisodesmusic.bandcamp.com/releases</a>). Matt Still
did an amazing job and we look forward to hopefully working with him again. He
is amazing. We recorded four songs with him, and “Never Stop” is the first one
we released. The second song, “Jack’s Hit” is actually available to download
now when you sign up for our mailing list
(<a href="https://www.facebook.com/theepisodesmusic/app_306495682738302" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/theepisodesmusic/app_306495682738302</a>). To answer your
question about an album — yes! We are trying to complete an album right now.
Unfortunately, making an album takes a lot of time and money, so it is a slow
process. That’s why every dollar that comes from Bandcamp goes to funding our
album. But we are definitely in the process, and we have high hopes for it!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Wow! People, we have to be there, we must be there. Next
coming shows are in the making, I suppose. Anything to explain about this?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our next show will be November 22nd at the
Canyon Club, opening for Macy Gray. Tickets and more details are on Bandsintown
(<a href="https://www.facebook.com/theepisodesmusic/app_123966167614127" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/theepisodesmusic/app_123966167614127</a>). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Which songs we could hear on your live
performances? Something from the BBB days? New songs by The Episodes? Covers as
you did by Fun or Ben Folds?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You will definitely here a few of our BBB
songs, but reimagined. We will also have a lot of new songs that we have never
played before. We will play a few covers, but a majority of the show will be
original.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Finally, I would love you explain something
bit about the experience on the Berklee School of Music. What does it means to
you to be in one of the most priviledged schools of music?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My experience at Berklee School of Music was
one of the coolest experiences in my life. I had so much fun, met so many
talented people, and I learned so much. What I learned there is definitely
being incorporated in my new songs — and I can’t wait to show them to
everybody!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="CA"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #444444;">Thanks so much Ben for being here. Today it's
your birthday, so me and Rabbit wish you a </span><span style="color: red;">HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY</span><span style="color: #444444;">, wishing all
the best this year and years in become. You are a genuine person and I wish you
fullfill all your dreams because you deserve it. Next, we've got a few people,
few fans, that would like to send their wishes to you. You are so much loved
and you are the best. Thanks so much Ben, God Bless you. </span></b><span style="color: #444444;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Fans, we have the opportunity to help Ben and
the boys to get funds for their coming album, so it could be a nice gift to
download one of their tracks, for just
one dollar. So my suggestion, and I will, it's to help in there. Thanks.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Pictures courtesy of Ben Babylon</i></span>Jackrabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997846029131010337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125649557652694993.post-37952752843676350052013-10-22T13:18:00.000-07:002013-11-03T13:25:57.303-08:00To Ben<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4bwFWqm6dfHpOcPIpEtCajdbE-ul7qKPKCRUChOVVTYPCLM5X-R14OzS6jSyGRuMAhexMSR0jaUV1hiTXe_hqjN-kkJSF3tWgeuu3xNYTm-_BepNrj8DnxFuClDYNOrQgUhHNBx40t-EN/s1600/1420667_1427469180799964_325505520_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4bwFWqm6dfHpOcPIpEtCajdbE-ul7qKPKCRUChOVVTYPCLM5X-R14OzS6jSyGRuMAhexMSR0jaUV1hiTXe_hqjN-kkJSF3tWgeuu3xNYTm-_BepNrj8DnxFuClDYNOrQgUhHNBx40t-EN/s320/1420667_1427469180799964_325505520_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Hello Ben,
I would like to wish you a happy birthday and I want to tell you that more and more I love your music." Petr Shadow-Clark, CZ/GB</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18.88888931274414px;">"Hello Big Ben, </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Happy birthday to you, huge hug to your amazing family. Have a nice time. Thank you so much for yout amazing music." </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Tišiks (Yes, they are still with Ben in their minds) </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span class="emoticon emoticon_smile" style="background-image: url(https://fbstatic-a.akamaihd.net/rsrc.php/v2/yL/r/p6FV-SxbpZT.png); background-position: -289px -906px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: auto; display: inline-block; height: 16px; vertical-align: top; width: 16px;" title=":)"></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18.88888931274414px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18.88888931274414px;">"Hello young man, </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18.88888931274414px;">Ben, I wish you good health, success and published many songs. I love your music, you're amazing musician. Your music makes my life better. Glad to know you. Take care, man. My mind is still with you." Very Old man, Taoist "master" Kim, called by his friends "Ancient".</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"Hi, </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">thank you so much for your music, Enjoy your day." </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Markéta Kuliskova, CZ</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18.88888931274414px;">"Happy birthday master! Our dear friends. We love your musi so much, thank you so much for it. Have a nice time. Best Wishes from Hawkes."</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18.88888931274414px;">"Hyvää syntymäpäivää! Happy birthday! all the best, good health and much success. Thank you so much for your awesome music. We love it." </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18.88888931274414px;">Hakanens, Finland</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"Všechno nejlepší k narozeninám! Happy birthday! Have a nice time! Huge hugs." </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Katya, CZ/FI</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18.88888931274414px;">"Alles Gute zum Geburtstag! Happy birthday! Thank you so much for your music, we love it." </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 18.88888931274414px;">Sebastian and Bella, GER/GB</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Courtesy of Mikael Makinen-May // </i></span><i style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Picture made by Koko, from Finland</i></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Special thanks to Ben Babylon CZ Fan Club // </i></span><i style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">To the memory of Ben Tisik and Robert Eduard Hirvonen</i></div>
Jackrabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997846029131010337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125649557652694993.post-54424229038831398922013-10-20T14:07:00.000-07:002013-10-20T14:07:23.027-07:00Happy B-Day Ben Babylon: 16 Reasons to Believe in You<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">H</span><span style="color: #444444;">igh at the stage: Ben has a considerable list of live performances and his live shows are growing every day too. Joined with a good band, with the excellence of Brian Schwartz on guitar, the amazing Jagger Krusen on drums and the greatest Alex Arnout playing bass, Ben is well supported and enhances his music.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">A</span><span style="color: #444444;">n extended list of good songs: Ben penned some memorable tunes for his set. Tracks like "Goodbye Superman" and the single "Contradiciton" are ones of his best creations. Don't forgetlast single "Burning man", where Ben gives his best. And also tunes like "No Goodbyes On The Road", "</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">P</span><span style="color: #444444;">rofessional: what surprises me most when I met Ben was how professional he is and how he loves music. He is working hard at the studio, rehearsing regularly with the band, studying and practising in a high level, singing and writing best every day. Work is the answer and he knows the answer</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">P</span><span style="color: #444444;">atiente: he knows so well how difficult is music business and how important is to going step by step. Well advised, good team on his behalf, he knows exactly what to do in order to get his place in music business. And he is in the way</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Y</span><span style="color: #444444;">oung: Ben use to sing Fun's cover "We Are Young": "we can burn brighter than the sun" reads the lyrics, and he could. Young, with a lot of good experiences to live, opening at his tender youth to artists of the category of Leon Russell, Kenny Cetera, Ambrosia, Air Supply, etc.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">B</span><span style="color: #444444;">rilliant: Ben is so good. He understand keyboard and keyboard loves him. The perfect mix. Seeing Ben playing piano, with the band and also, solo, is a joyful experience. He is technically perfect, and perfeccionist, so imagine what he could reach ...</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">I</span><span style="color: #444444;">llusion: Ben has passion for his music, even for his fans. He started at a tender age writing a beatiful rendition for his father, Guy Babylon. That song proved what Ben is able to do:writing and singing good music. And the illusion follows his steps in the business, the best way to grow every day, more and more</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">R</span><span style="color: #444444;">emarkable: he's one of a kind. When you listen his music you appreciate some difference with other new artists to come. He excelles from the rest. It's not casual you could see Ben working with masters like Greg Penny, Martin Tillman, Davey Johnstone, John Mahon, Nigle Olsson, the unforgettable Bob Birch. They all believe in him. . </span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">T</span><span style="color: #444444;">alent: Son of the late Guy Babylon, one of best keyboardist I've ever seen, one of best musicians on Eltons band over the years. Ben has music in his genes. His mother Kathy Babylon also collaborate with Ben on backing vocals, and his uncle is the amazing producer Paul Brown</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">H</span><span style="color: #444444;">armony: a true musician, notes and chords had no much secrets for him, and he is always improving. The result, his songs, are the perfect expression of his thoughts, his stories, ...definteley, what he wants to explain.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">D</span><span style="color: #444444;">illigent: careful and persevering in carrying out his tasks and duties. He is perfeccionist, as I said before, and he wants to deliver his best. Audience knows that. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">A</span><span style="color: #444444;">mbition: just a clever point of ambicious, necessary if you wanted to reach some objectives, lol. </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Y</span><span style="color: #444444;">esterday: Yesterday I thought Ben is magical, today I agree so much. A taste of his music and you will feel the same</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">B</span><span style="color: #444444;">abylonists: Babylonist or dreamers, the way I used to call Ben's followers, we are growing day by day, and we are so proud of him and follow his success. The last performances on the Expo and everyone of the shows at the Canyon Studios, is proving that the list of fans doesn't stop growing</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">E</span><span style="color: #444444;">lton: "You better watch out for this kid! He can really play!" are Elton's words. And anyone could discuss Elton's knowledge about music. He is the master, he has seen lots of bands and new artist to become, and he knows that Ben is special. Another keyboard wizard on the making.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">N</span><span style="color: #444444;">ice: Finally, the most important, he is a nice and a good person. So adorable, well educated, he likes to talk about music, of course, he loves his family and his friends, and also important, he loves his fans so much. A genuine person.</span><br />
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<i>With love, </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Jack Rabbit</i>Jackrabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997846029131010337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125649557652694993.post-19173740286978940032013-10-19T12:57:00.000-07:002013-10-20T14:07:41.992-07:00Ben Shining At The Expo. New Single out!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiDfQ-3fgsQBPFhW_vmHSuHSa8UipyBnywY7pcLU9P9g_WXGuvf9ff0t2U-IMu-wXb4FzxzMa4EnnUoU2y2teEj83cHQ5bqIDc8LMFkHxfiQ9kSBFctx41ibB7sqs0vCIeWzU14uBsrBK/s1600/2A39F4D3D-CC91-986A-E7C2F9143EB918C8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiDfQ-3fgsQBPFhW_vmHSuHSa8UipyBnywY7pcLU9P9g_WXGuvf9ff0t2U-IMu-wXb4FzxzMa4EnnUoU2y2teEj83cHQ5bqIDc8LMFkHxfiQ9kSBFctx41ibB7sqs0vCIeWzU14uBsrBK/s1600/2A39F4D3D-CC91-986A-E7C2F9143EB918C8.jpg" /></a><br />
<i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ben on the road again. Before the next opening show for Leon Russell, Ben was flying to Las Vegas for being part of the Elton Expo 2013. Jack Rabbit had the chance to speak with Ben, before departing to Las Vegas, where Ben was ready for debuting one new single: "Burning Man". The song, with enigmatic lyrics, were penned by him: </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"Burning man on a ledge, don't you know that you're the last thing we have / Come inside, burn alive / You can work on this new project that we have."</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></i><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So, </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ben Babylon with his band debuted "Burning Man" on television for the first time on Friday, October 4, from the prestigious Gibson Las Vegas Showroom at KVVU FOX5 Television. The performance was aired locally on the entertainment program "More Access" on FOX5, with hosts Rachel Smith and Sean McAllister, and will be available online.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNcDYBWm0XbJnAFKDYx3_Ti-gOknkew9owyozKG4MclGTHr-kTmUcE2abwHksH9Ackh1e8hJuktzAHtPp1AdK0oBlzcvUl_6xwsMJCQGmJIRuyuzntdjOAGmAMjtyRTx9kSKAhFe1SNST/s1600/1390754_10200760668604707_734777202_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNcDYBWm0XbJnAFKDYx3_Ti-gOknkew9owyozKG4MclGTHr-kTmUcE2abwHksH9Ackh1e8hJuktzAHtPp1AdK0oBlzcvUl_6xwsMJCQGmJIRuyuzntdjOAGmAMjtyRTx9kSKAhFe1SNST/s320/1390754_10200760668604707_734777202_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Asked about this project and, also, about the debut album, "Dreams For Sale" in the making, he kindly explained: "</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> The album
is expected to release late next year, but who knows. There is an EP out right
now that is only sold at live concerts, called "Further Interpretations of
Real Life." </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"Further
Interpretations of Real Life" has six very cool songs on it, and
"Dreams for Sale" is undetermined". </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Jack Rabbit asked if he still is continuing to writing songs for the album, and what Ben said was as follows: "</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I keep writing more and more
songs, and I'm trying to pick which ones should go on the album. </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The problem is my style keeps changing, and changing again. You would
definitely be able to hear that as the album goes through. Right now I have too
many songs to go on one album, and I'm having a lot of problems deciding which
ones should go on. And right when I think I have a good line-up, I write a new
song." So Dreamers, you could imagine how busy is our idol in the process. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But, as you all know and I said before, Ben was the guest of The Elton Expo 2013 in Las Vegas, at the Tuscany Suites Hotel, where he is performing one show. "I prepared
for the Expo by practicing every day, and getting as much rehearsals in with my
band as I possible could. I am playing many, many new songs at this show, and I
am really showing a different side of me and my songwriting and the direction
it's going" he added on the conversation with Jack Rabbit. Asked if he planned to play some of Elton's tunes, que agreed: "I </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">plan on
playing "Song for Guy" instrumentally with John Mahon at the concert,
and then transition into "Burning Man," which John will also play
with us. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It is so
amazing to be able to play with members from the EJ band. </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It's very surreal."</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyod4IT6k-yz6suUFOq3nUSy6oB2-Sb27AROMsAkhbMtyuhxd6qECPWCexpoby4bPeEmdCeyeSLQxBlOFd9AaIntpzIL7Wu1MX-2TnB6aCKBQ_opbJtlD3iczmHlLMBWNZ3Ry5sVOIctVm/s1600/1385708_10200760679244973_121335008_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyod4IT6k-yz6suUFOq3nUSy6oB2-Sb27AROMsAkhbMtyuhxd6qECPWCexpoby4bPeEmdCeyeSLQxBlOFd9AaIntpzIL7Wu1MX-2TnB6aCKBQ_opbJtlD3iczmHlLMBWNZ3Ry5sVOIctVm/s320/1385708_10200760679244973_121335008_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Davey Johnstone was also expected to be part of the show, and joined with Ben in some of his songs. </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Asked Davey Johnstone about Ben, for his coming Birthday, he sent his wishes: "<span style="line-height: 20px;">I’ve known Ben since he was a bump in Kathy’s tummy, so yes, of course I wish him all the love and luck in the world for his birthday". He answered in <a href="http://musinq.com/">http://musinq.com/</a>, the website when he kindly is answering fan's questions, this time it was Jack Rabbit turn. More than this, Davey who was one of bests friends of keyboardist Guy Babylon, Ben's father, he continued explaining: "</span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Also he really seems to want to be a full time rock and roll musician, so let’s wish him well down that road too. </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">His Dad and I were the closest of friends and I will miss Guy always". In fact, Johnstone's son Charlie is following his steps too: "</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">My son Charlie is also a killer of the keys and I’m jumping onstage with him too at the expo…..oops, I think I gave away a secret! Not to worry, these kids are the best and we all get the chance to see and hear how they progress…that’s the gift".</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Most eltonites attended the event, as its expected, and some of them gave their impressions about the performance. Everyone is sure about Ben's potential and was surprised about his performance with the band. They really rock!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ben's music is available on iTunes. Also, more information is available at his official site: </span><a href="http://www.babylonmusic.biz/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">www.BabylonMusic.biz</a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><i>Pictures courtesy of Fred Anderson</i></span><br />
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Jackrabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997846029131010337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125649557652694993.post-12869537851946238772013-07-06T15:04:00.000-07:002013-07-06T15:05:19.532-07:00Times goes by<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONP1SW17g-OA56UouuXemxbuXdgTHG8k6UmkfVWV70ssW4ewui-2d1Hb06cevQDkKKwx03Q6yXkTcLrGrVBQEe9-SLmz_X83I-xG0Q8EBlDVBQ1qMF9ODjaRq_2N0bQFXGpds50NxMGE1/s1600/1003817_10151741204473690_470625577_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONP1SW17g-OA56UouuXemxbuXdgTHG8k6UmkfVWV70ssW4ewui-2d1Hb06cevQDkKKwx03Q6yXkTcLrGrVBQEe9-SLmz_X83I-xG0Q8EBlDVBQ1qMF9ODjaRq_2N0bQFXGpds50NxMGE1/s200/1003817_10151741204473690_470625577_n.jpg" width="155" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> <span lang="EN-US"><b><i>Times goes by, very faster. It was a year ago I
met Ben in person. It was one of the most memorable things I’ve ever lived. I
saw a man that he lives for and of the music. Meanwhile, Ben has performed at
such prestigious venues as House of Blues in Hollywood, The Canyon Club, The
Mint, Whisky a Go Go, and the renowned Yoshi’s jazz club in Oakland,
California. With an album in the making, with a good title, “Dreams for sale”,
Ben kindly agreed to chat a bit with Jack Rabbit, some kind of a review of the
year behind, and, of course, the brilliant future in front. So, Rabbit, it’s
your turn. Thanks so much Ben, and always happy to be with you.</i></b></span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Well, first comes to mind is the club,
the Canyon Club. It seems to be a magic place for BBB, you’ve been playing
several times there. What has the club for you and what makes it different from
the rest, in case you feel this?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
Well, it really is a great place to play. The crew there is so great to the
bands, and the sound there is phenomenal. Some of the best sound guys and sound
systems are at the Canyon Club. It is really great to play at a place so
professional. I’ve been opening for many bands this year, and it’s so great to
have that exposure. The Canyon Club is one of my favorite places to play, that
is for sure.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3TgYzLHp5MKCZWkMZzjLRC2NP3pl7eQAc1UWc9NJiG_EbhyphenhyphenaWLr0OisY74gIjblj_A9oB_H-tft7J5QHSPf4jKbPJi5TKZfkutF-z1R0OQvYGmx3LyyTbkAipPWzjCbp7ucf8e5zU-kE/s1600/304586_3587506571276_188553109_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3TgYzLHp5MKCZWkMZzjLRC2NP3pl7eQAc1UWc9NJiG_EbhyphenhyphenaWLr0OisY74gIjblj_A9oB_H-tft7J5QHSPf4jKbPJi5TKZfkutF-z1R0OQvYGmx3LyyTbkAipPWzjCbp7ucf8e5zU-kE/s320/304586_3587506571276_188553109_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /><b>
Precisely, you opened for some great bands this year, with a public enthusiasm
and success, congratulations, Ben! As I was saying, it was Little River Band,
Ambrosia, the group you referred as “one of the first bands I listened to as a
kid,” and Air Supply, for example. What it was the experience to be on stage
with them? Any anecdote to share?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
It is such a great opportunity always to open for these kinds of bands. It is
amazing exposure, and it is very fun.<span class="apple-converted-space"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /><b>
Playin’ live it’s the best way to run the band. How’s the band growin’?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
We are really getting better and better every time we play. It’s really cool.
You learn things every time you play. Playing live really makes you have
on-the-spot decisions and on those decisions you really learn a lot.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /><b>
Some covers were in your set. I love your cover of fun’s “We Are Young,” let me
say. Pickin’ up the set list seems to be a difficult thing. How do you proceed?</b><span class="apple-converted-space"><b> </b><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
It is hard to expand the set list, especially with covers. Covers are tricky.
You never want to play it exactly the same, because then you’re getting
compared to the band that originally plays it, and there is usually no way to
compare. You don’t want to play it too different, because then some people
might think that we don’t like the original version and “want to make it
better,” and it’s almost an insult. Have to hit right in the middle, and that
is hard to do.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /><b>
The collaboration with the girls, the country group JetSet Get Set. I particularly
love them, so it seems to be a perfect mixture having you. But how it came up
the idea to join them as a guest artist and will you tour with them?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was a lot of fun playing with JetSet GetSet. They
really are a great group of musicians. It was a cool experience to play with
them, and I would definitely love to play with them next time they come to LA,
but as far as we have talked, going on tour together has not been discussed.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIat5ApquF5OnismnZ2zKP_cS3AcI8cVWddLu2tfXg-KjhMp9MYP_lALKzcChdFx4GbVZYyQ0v8xY6YILUK-vlm6pKltsL74PRZ5gsfSpeTd-tEGvbsRJ9AUllImndg0BFnN2Z-rxQbRsz/s1600/5924_10200857172983449_1220509596_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIat5ApquF5OnismnZ2zKP_cS3AcI8cVWddLu2tfXg-KjhMp9MYP_lALKzcChdFx4GbVZYyQ0v8xY6YILUK-vlm6pKltsL74PRZ5gsfSpeTd-tEGvbsRJ9AUllImndg0BFnN2Z-rxQbRsz/s320/5924_10200857172983449_1220509596_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Ben, if we referred about opening for bands, next
October you’ve got the chance to be with Leon Russell. What does it represents
to you? Did you met him, when he was recording with Elton, right?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
This is a great opportunity and I am really looking forward to it. It is going
to be tons of fun, but it also is going to be very nerve-racking — for two
reasons. One is that I’m opening for LEON RUSSELL. That is crazy. Leon Russell
is one of the best pianist/singer/songwriters ever. The other reason is that I
am playing solo. I will ONLY be playing piano (and maybe guitar on a few songs)
and singing. No band. That is so different from what I am used to, and I really
am going to have to put a lot of work into new arrangements for my songs
specifically for that kind of performance. It will be fun though, and I am
looking forward to playing this show and learning from it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /><b>
Las Vegas Elton Expo will find Ben Babylon playing his music to eltonites. How
will you prepare this show? Have you thought about covering some of Elton’s
tunes? <i>Rabbit, maybe it’s to earlier to ask this</i>………… excuse me, Ben<span class="apple-converted-space"> <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
I am SOOOO excited for this concert. It is one of my biggest gigs to date, and
my first one out of state. This is crazy. We are going to prepare our asses off
for this show. As for covering Elton’s tunes, I cannot say yet.<span class="apple-converted-space"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /><b>
Do you hear something about “The Diving Board” by Elton? Eltonites are so
excited about the return to his classic music</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
I have heard some of the songs off The Diving Board, and it is really cool.
Very piano-oriented, lots of keyboard pads in the background. Really cool. And
even though it is sort of returning to his classic music, from the songs I’ve
heard, it is also very different in some ways too. And it is produced in a way
I’ve never heard Elton do before too, and it is really cool. Eltonites: you should
be excited.<span class="apple-converted-space"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /><b>
Ben, you are currently working on your first album of original songs,
"Dreams For Sale," in collaboration with several members of the Elton
John Band: lead guitarist Davey Johnstone, drummer Nigel Olsson, cellist Martin
Tillman, percussionist John Mahon and the unforgettable bass player Bob Birch.
When is it expected to be released?<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
Dreams for Sale is definitely coming along well. We have made a lot of progress
in the last few months. And yes, several members of the EJ Band will be playing
on some songs, but the majority of my songs is me and my band members. All I
can say about the expected release date, is that it will be unexpected . . . .
. . . . if that makes sense . . .<span class="apple-converted-space"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /><b>
Have you penned some other new tunes for the album? “Different meanings” is
sooooo good!!!</b><br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thank you, sir! I am glad you enjoy it!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>You said: "Humor is also important. If you're
going through something hard, laughter can help you get through it” and
remarked how humor is important in your writing. Is that so? For example,
what’s “Dorky Loves Donuts” about?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
Humor is very important, I will stick to that. I learned that first through the
lyrics of the Ben Folds Five, and then other bands later. But humor really
makes their songs relatable and enjoyable, but they still get a great message
out. It is a really cool concept that I am trying to get hold of. “Dorky Loves
Doughnuts” is not really funny song, (I mean unless you think it’s funny) but
it is random, which could be funny, I guess. I was just bored and started writing
“Dorky.” I wanted more of a instrumental type song where I could really jam and
this was it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERzMublwlPhRsixEkrM3HOJ3f1qtru8FqvgRa-p9PQYtrMehRpSg5Ypd5Xkb_Hn9DOwq7LeEeQBEM75USVLdQ8NIjBKuFVH9kg7mP5AoI7goNIL3lgWpE5XYz47a7TuUmgi3bmblJWbOT/s1600/295971_10150426379771756_187734442_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERzMublwlPhRsixEkrM3HOJ3f1qtru8FqvgRa-p9PQYtrMehRpSg5Ypd5Xkb_Hn9DOwq7LeEeQBEM75USVLdQ8NIjBKuFVH9kg7mP5AoI7goNIL3lgWpE5XYz47a7TuUmgi3bmblJWbOT/s200/295971_10150426379771756_187734442_n.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>“Contradiction”, the first single off the album, is
the preview of the album, on iTunes now. I love this song, especially live.
“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”. That’s
strong! Life is a contradiction in his own, could it be? Oh, that was released
in 2011. Would it be another recording of the song or another single is
planned?<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
You can expect another single, but I can not guarantee it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /><b>
First it was “Goodbye Superman”, the Guy Babylon homage. Looking back now, that
song grows more and more on me. It seems to be so hard to sing the song for
you. Or maybe not, because although is touching it’s a nice reminder of one of
our keyboard heroes. How do you feel about this song?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzLCEPURzAQ-L_X8rdv_uk1fMNcD009uw5BxjTdaVEhVLdQ5yLAkwWy5XqV63Y8gAtxMwLMKbr2HtEhsJ_s6WVNbO_dwuFDJeHkemx4NvOwgZFREe62FSPvhh8RGU94nZv_eaaf6Id9J9/s1600/25000_404857556755_1842739_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzLCEPURzAQ-L_X8rdv_uk1fMNcD009uw5BxjTdaVEhVLdQ5yLAkwWy5XqV63Y8gAtxMwLMKbr2HtEhsJ_s6WVNbO_dwuFDJeHkemx4NvOwgZFREe62FSPvhh8RGU94nZv_eaaf6Id9J9/s200/25000_404857556755_1842739_n.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />
I do not play this song anymore, and (I’m sorry, but) it will be off of iTunes
soon. This song is more of a personal song for me, and I think that’s all it
should be.<span class="apple-converted-space"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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Do you have any upcoming shows, for sure?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Yes I do! You can look on my facebook page for all of them!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Regards to your band current members. The fantastic Brian, warm regards to him
too. And the new bassist and drummer, best to them too. Something
to say to the dreamers out there?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; line-height: 14.15pt;">My new bassist, Chase Goldman, is amazing! It is lots of fun to play with him,
and Jacob Staben, the new drummer, has such great ideas all the time. It is
great to work with him. And of course, Brian Schwartz is my favorite guitarist
in the band.</span><br />
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Finally, what type of music you are listening in the moment? Could you show me
your iPod, in order to learn about your preferences, now? <i>Rabbit!!!!</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Oh god, way too much! I like Conor Oberst (of the Bright Eyes), Ben Folds Five,
Slightly Stoopid, Dr. Dre produces great music, The Black Keys, Aaron Parks,
Brad Mehldau, Mingus, City & Colour, Coldplay, Crack the Sky, Eliott Smith,
Eminem, my friends False Puppet (PLEASE LOOK THEM UP!!!!), Foster the People,
Foy Vance, Gorillaz, Hans Zimmer, Herbie Hancock, Jimi Hendrix, Kate Nash, Lily
Allen, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Meekos & Me, Daft Punk, Outliar, Pink Floyd,
Porcupine Tree, Radiohead, Sigur Rós, Sufjan Stevens . . . to name a few. </span>It
could go on and on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.859375px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thanks so much, Ben, I wish you a happy summer, with a lot of gigs and continuing with your success. And you, dreamers, take a note of the following gigs, you don't have to miss them!</span></b></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Ben Babylon Band Concerts 2013</span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fusion Music festival June 22</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Malibu Art Festival July 28</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Canyon Club, opening for Kenny Cetera August 9</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Whiskey -Go-Go August 17</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Elton John Expo, Vegas, Oct. 5 & 6</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Opening for Leon Russell, Canyon Club Oct.18</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Opening for Blood, Sweat & Tears, Dec. 13</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">More info on <a href="http://www.babylonmusic.biz/">http://www.babylonmusic.biz/</a></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Pictures courtesy of Ben Babylon Music</i></span></div>
Jackrabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997846029131010337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125649557652694993.post-53080502343813370622012-12-25T03:00:00.000-08:002013-07-06T15:11:42.372-07:00Ben Babylon Band (I): Alex Andrews, drummer<br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>To play with a genious like Ben, you need to be so good, almost to reach his level. And Alex does. His passion on music started long time ago: </i></b><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>"Since I was young, I've always loved to play drums. I started playing when I was 2, and I got my first drumset when I was 3. Throughout the year, I have enjoyed it more and more, and this is definitely what I want to do with my life". He has it clear. I like that guy, he's a very good drummer. </i></b><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>"I love playing drums and I will always work at being a famous drummer when I grow up". Sure! Let's know a little bit more Alex and his job in the Ben Babylon's Band.</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Which are your influences, Alex?</b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When i was young i was
influenced by jazz fusion, Jazz, Rock and Roll, and Funk. At 10 years old, i
started to enjoy more hard rock music. Finally to this day (which started at 12),
i really enjoy progressive rock, progressive metal, Progressive jazz metal,
jazz, pop, and ADORE short ambient pieces of music that just make you want to
go into another world. I love very quiet music, and very loud music. Depends on
my emotions at the time. </span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>How's Ben as an artist and his best abilities?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ben has so many ideas, and
so many interesting things that he has shown us. His best abilities are his
piano, because he just absolutely kills at it. He has played possibly the best
piano solos I've ever heard in a long time. His vocals add to the experience that
he creates in his music. He is an amazing musician. Ben is extremely talented
and I'd definitely call him an artist</span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /><b>Completely agree! I coudn't say it better! And which song of the set you're playing do you like most to play?</b></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I think Dorky Loves
Doughnuts and Different Meanings are two amazing songs that will go far.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8pt;"> </span></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Great! Finally, some words to Ben for Xmas:</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Hey Ben! Have a great christmas,
hope you get lots of presents, hope to see you gain sometime, MERRY XMAS!</span></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Thanks so much, Alex, and Happy Xmas for you both, guys!</b></div>
Jackrabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997846029131010337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125649557652694993.post-83985506709448978862012-12-24T16:38:00.000-08:002013-10-02T15:13:20.040-07:00Xmas Time With Ben Babylon<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJg-7DngLFQozHOwY33qDF96TIMl1ZkWSigR_SMOFtnPu8yW0zaChaVgc735xq0sPjYkERR3C03XTEmqP2a79pFs1XdH-dQpfhUy6vq3bSsoDqkk51ScLlg-ilAUefl-LU_10ItUlgJTt/s1600/Ben+Live+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcJg-7DngLFQozHOwY33qDF96TIMl1ZkWSigR_SMOFtnPu8yW0zaChaVgc735xq0sPjYkERR3C03XTEmqP2a79pFs1XdH-dQpfhUy6vq3bSsoDqkk51ScLlg-ilAUefl-LU_10ItUlgJTt/s320/Ben+Live+2.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<i>Hello Babylonists, hello dreamers. This is Christmas time and it's the start of a series of articles related to Ben. 2012 has been a very wonderful year for Ben, he played very important venues and he ran his band. Christmas seems a very special ocasion to surprises. And Ben agreed to answer a little questionaire just a way to learn more from him. Obviously with only a few questions it's not possible to learn everything about him, but yes a little bit. And I give him a try and he accepted. Questions are running from A to Z, talking about very different matters. </i><br />
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<i>Join us on his Xmas time because </i><b>This Is Ben Babylon, from A to Z.</b><br />
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One animal?<br />
Any kind of zebroid — a hybrid of a zebra and any other equine. They are so cool! Look them up!<br />
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One book?<br />
For fiction I would have to say “The Mysterious Benedict Society” and for non-fiction I would have to say the Steve Jobs biography by Walter Isaacson.<br />
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One cartoon?<br />
Cyanide And Happiness.<br />
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One dream for sale?<br />
A man with a bird’s head in the desert searching for a teenage god.<br />
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One entertainment?<br />
Life.<br />
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One food?<br />
A burrito from chipotle.<br />
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One girl?<br />
Norah Jones.<br />
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One historical character?<br />
Either President Theodore Roosevelt or President Andrew Jackson.<br />
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One idol?<br />
Definitely Steve Jobs.<br />
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One joke?<br />
The word “joke.”<br />
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One knowledge of life?<br />
Knowledge of life? I just turned 15.<br />
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One language to learn?<br />
Spanish is what I am learning currently.<br />
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One movie?<br />
The Prestige.<br />
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One nightmare?<br />
I don’t believe in nightmares.<br />
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One only slogan?<br />
"Why join the navy if you can become a pirate?" -Steve Jobs<br />
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One place to visit?<br />
Barcelona!<br />
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One quote on Guy Babylon?<br />
Are there words to describe such a person? He was an amazing person, and I’ll leave it at that.<br />
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One restaurant?<br />
Yamato in Agoura Hills.<br />
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One song?<br />
Bohemian Rhapsody<br />
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One team?<br />
Lakers! Even though they are pissing me off . . .<br />
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One university?<br />
I don’t know, can’t pick.<br />
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One venue to play in future?<br />
The Wiltern.<br />
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One word?<br />
Splendiferous.<br />
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One Xmas wish?<br />
I have no wish.<br />
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One youtube video?<br />
Either “Drinking Outta Cups” or “Can I Have Your Number.”<br />
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One zodiacal sign?<br />
Libra.
Jackrabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997846029131010337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125649557652694993.post-12284442043426819672012-11-19T12:44:00.000-08:002012-11-22T14:51:11.109-08:00Ben at the Red Carpet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>On Thursday 15 November, Ben Babylon attended one of the biggest events in the Hollywood scene: the Hollywood Media Awards ceremony. The event, at Hollywood's historic Fonda Theater, is showcasing some of the brightest and best in musical creation for media and it's a great opportunity to share experiences with people and to meet rellevant people of the scene, like spanish Jesús Calderon, who won the best song/score - special feature award, or Shele Sondheim, cousin of famous musical theatre composer, Stephen Sondheim, to name a few.</b>
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Days before, Ben returned at the renowned Canyon Club, in Agoura Hills, CA, opening for The Little River Band, considered to be one of Australia's most significant bands. Between 1976 and 1983, chart success in America included: "It's a Long Way There", "Help Is on Its Way", "Reminiscing", "Cool Change", "Lonesome Loser", "Take It Easy On Me", "Man On Your Mind", "We Two", and "The Other Guy". "One my favorite songs of theirs is 'Reminiscing.', explained Ben Babylon, "their song structures are simple but powerful, with amazing melodies". The band, who debuted a new bass player, has become increasingly popular on the Southern California festival and concert scene since 2011. Among those in attendance at the concert were television producer/director Charlie Bowyer and long-time record producer and audio engineer Ken Scott, whose book “Abbey Road to Ziggy Stardust” recounts his work with some of the most famous rock artists in history, including Elton.<br />
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<i>Special thanks to Fred Anderson</i>
Jackrabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997846029131010337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125649557652694993.post-49490879384090997582012-08-27T13:27:00.001-07:002013-07-06T15:12:20.421-07:00Ben Babylon Band On The Road: The Way To Succeed<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5-ZU7kWA2siCdyrcwg7i1XGJJePo8Lbk49OnFZMOBuoUiM2dkD88J9iOczf6BYOlBHbvR8wEBpaieA_qbL3Od6mYqi0zijqfnwi3SYIEvP1erSiwiydQyMBGEASc85jTpUdfwxeVKy-L/s1600/Ben+opening+for+Air+Supply.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5-ZU7kWA2siCdyrcwg7i1XGJJePo8Lbk49OnFZMOBuoUiM2dkD88J9iOczf6BYOlBHbvR8wEBpaieA_qbL3Od6mYqi0zijqfnwi3SYIEvP1erSiwiydQyMBGEASc85jTpUdfwxeVKy-L/s320/Ben+opening+for+Air+Supply.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<span 14px="14px" 21px="21px" arial="arial" color:="color:" elvetica="elvetica" font-family:="font-family:" font-size:="font-size:" helvetica="helvetica" line-height:="line-height:" neue="neue" sans-serif="sans-serif" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>With the first album on production, Ben Babylon takes his well-worked band and hits the road. If it first were The House of Blues (on April, 7), The Canyon Club (opening for Jazzmatics, April, 22), The Renaissance Hotel, Hollywood (twice May, 3 and July, 5), The Santa Barbara Fair and Expo (April, 26), The Conejo Valley Days Carnival (May, 5), Skaters Point, Santa Barbara (July, 6), Battle of Bands (July, 21), the Venice Beach Summerfest (July, 28) and Fiesta Festival, Santa Barbara (August, 2), the returning to Canyon Club, back in August, 3, opening for Air Supply was by far their most prestigious opportunity to date. The popular Australian classic rock band, formed in 1975 by guitarist and singer-songwriter Graham Russell and lead vocalist Russell Hitchcock, with worldwide hits like "Sweet Dreams", "Here I Am" or "All Out Of Love", left Ben on the air to "decide what I'm more excited about, opening for them or seeing them play live". As the concert was superb and the songs sounded consistent and fresh, I was wondering how do they pick up the songs to the regular set list and how many of them could become part of the new album. So I just asked Ben...</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i>Congrats Ben for your succesful show! It's so nice to see how you're growing more and more everyday.</i></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 21px;">It was amazing! It was very surreal watching the huge crowd react to my music. And November 10th, I get to do it all again with the Little River Band!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i>Wow! Thank you. Which songs do you usually play live, from your set?</i></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 21px;">I could give you a basic set list. The first song I play is "You Won't Lose". It is a good starter because it starts with the drums alone, and then adds the bass, and then the guitar, and then the piano. It is a good way to let the audience take it all in. It's also a great starter because it introduces the band one by one.</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i>The Ben Babylon Band on the rock! It's not the first time I say I like that band, they fit very well with Ben and complement him. Despite their youth, they're all great musicians: Alex Naylor, a solid bass player; the brilliant Alex Andrews on drums and finally the genious Brian Schwartz on the guitar.</i></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 21px;">The next song is a very bluesy song called "This Song Won't Be Finished". "You Won't Lose" and "This Song Won't Be Finished" are both upbeat songs, so it gets the audience in a good mood. And the next song is a fairly well known cover song, called "Ain't No Rest For The Wicked" by Cage The Elephant. It is a good break from songs they don't know, because now they get to hear a song that they do know of.</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i>Cage The Elephant, the Kentuky's rock band formed in 2006, know for their high-energy performances.</i></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 21px;">After that, is "Contradiction". It is the song on iTunes currently, and it really features our guitarist, Brian Schwartz. It also has a great drum solo, by Jagger Krusen. The next song we play is a fairly new song that I wrote on the guitar, called "We Have No Souls". It is a clean guitar based song, with some light piano and great harmonies. And the next song is a song called "Cage", which is always a really fun song to play because people always sing along, since it is a catchy, simple melody. It also has a classical/jazzy-type intro, which is always fun to play. We call the intro "Before Cage".</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 21px;"><b>Hahaha And then, my favourite of all, a winner song, a must to be a classical song.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 21px;">The next song is "Dreams For Sale". It is sort of the first real slow song... so it gives the audience a break from all the energy. It is a very beatiful song, mostly based upon piano and bass, with light percussion. The guitar then comes at the end, bringing back the energy. And after that song, I play an old-fashioned tupe song called "Laughing Louder". No band on this song, so it is sort of quiet, but it really makes the audience listen. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i>"Laughing Lauder" is a cute little old-fashioned song really.</i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="line-height: 21px;">The next song we play is a funny song, called "Dorky Loved Doughnuts", which is about a dog that loves doughnuts, but eventually he eats too many and dies. But at the end of the song, the band and I go on this awesome jam! It is probably the most fun song to play for the whole band. The next song is called "Different Meanings", a great add on to Dorky, since it is such a funky song (like Dorky). And the final song we play is a very well know hit song called "We Are Young" by Fun. Everybody knows it, and everybody sings a long, and there's a lot of energy, so it is a great song to end with.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 21px;"><b><i>Sure! You said you are a fan of Ben Folds, so, do you play any song of him, live?</i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="line-height: 21px;">I used to play "Fred Jones", but nobody knows any Ben Folds songs, so usually not.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span>
<b style="line-height: 21px;"><i>Well, Ben, thanks again for your kindness. And you, "Dreamers", if you wanted to see how Ben Babylon's band play live, just pay attention when next concerts will be announced. By now, enjoy this video from their last performance, the most famous dog in the world:</i></b>
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Jackrabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997846029131010337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125649557652694993.post-17656087800766604462012-06-23T16:08:00.003-07:002012-06-23T16:36:17.829-07:00Meeting Ben Babylon: Jack Rabbit in LA<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4-4hT8OMhBxVILUl-zIc6QAb9WbggpVHaZ_9qRnqHUuA01AOl7JbnEX_vXTg9gWT7qjyNdPQ9YlAoFb8-E3wW2LQfiJ5qpbVyLNWiZvucJroM0dTaJIXDCyBRk0F7GJYLUJoeb9xKLbz/s1600/Ben+&+Rabbit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4-4hT8OMhBxVILUl-zIc6QAb9WbggpVHaZ_9qRnqHUuA01AOl7JbnEX_vXTg9gWT7qjyNdPQ9YlAoFb8-E3wW2LQfiJ5qpbVyLNWiZvucJroM0dTaJIXDCyBRk0F7GJYLUJoeb9xKLbz/s200/Ben+&+Rabbit.jpg" width="200" /></a><i><span lang="EN-GB">It had been a week since I’d met Ben
Babylon. First reminds of that experience, are in Fred Anderson’s car, going
back to the hotel. A tear round on my face and fell in my knees. It was sad
someway to leave. What I had lived that day was an experience hard to explain
in a few words, mostly because it was very emotional. I have to go to Miquel’s
notebook in order to relate his feelings about that big date. He usually writes
down his experience while travelling, pages and more pages explaining his
memories about what he’s living. So, let’s start from there.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">11:00<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Along with Fred Anderson and my wife,
Elisabet, we take the road to somewhere behind the hills. The Beatles are on
the radio airwaves. Just arrived, one door opens and a smiling Kathy Babylon
welcome us. It is very nice to meet her. We exchange mails several times and it
seems I knew her someway, although in fact I really don’t. It’s strange how
internet approach people who are a thousand miles away from each other. Some
kind of magic made the dream come true and we are there. Awesome!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">12:00</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK3DCMdUTrJtioxevecC10NGsyajcDPI0hf5loJTvrRs-UkR4VYDZRyMLEx7wAFpfdKXv9xUT-SBNPRyOu9rZdeGxlGiHaUM11xZg9GC2vqevnbjRcz9W4vzQRUgCGDKO8w3X-OFnRjsXG/s1600/IMG_1419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK3DCMdUTrJtioxevecC10NGsyajcDPI0hf5loJTvrRs-UkR4VYDZRyMLEx7wAFpfdKXv9xUT-SBNPRyOu9rZdeGxlGiHaUM11xZg9GC2vqevnbjRcz9W4vzQRUgCGDKO8w3X-OFnRjsXG/s320/IMG_1419.jpg" width="320" /></a><span lang="EN-GB">Ben’s rehearsing with
his band. The first reaction is to hold him. It’s really beautiful to be there.
He kindly agrees to take a picture together. Two pictures, maybe three or four,
it doesn’t matter. I sit on a chair and just listen. Ben Babylon’s band was
first to be a trio band, as Elton did on his Tumbleweed Connection days, comprising
a bass player, a drummer and a keyboardist. You must remember those names: Alex
Naylor, bassist, Alex Andrews, drummer, and Ben Babylon, on keyboards. But if
that wasn’t enough, they added a guitarrist, and if Elton’s had Davey Johnstone
on Honky Chateau, Ben has Brian Schwartz. Despite their youth, between 15 and
20 years old, they have so much potential and putting all together, they’re a
consistent band. It seems they have been playing together for a long time but
that’s not so. The list of songs they’re rehearsing are from the album, on
process but with a long list of fantastic songs to choose. It’s great to see
how much energy they have, and specially, how much they enjoy playing together.
It’s happily surprising to see how Ben looks like his father, the unforgettable
Guy Babylon, while playing: same gestures, same professionality, same passion.
And more than this, what pleasantly surprised me most is how Ben’s growing on
stage. The songs from the album are incredibly good, and I have my favourites
of course. The first single, “Contradiction” is a winner for sure. But it was
unbelievable to see when I suggested to do one song, “No Goodbyes On The Road”
to him. Fred Anderson asked if it was possible to play that song for me,
althought it had never been rehearsed with the band. He inmediatily said “yes”
and taught the band the chords and the keys of the song. And within three or
four minutes they play it. “He’s a leader” I think.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">13:00<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Band rehearsing is finished and band mates
leave. More pictures all together. I only have to congratulate that good team, they
are absolutely fantastic and nicely complement to Ben. Lunch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">17:00<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Well, I now know the meaning of hiking. I
didn’t know what does it meant until I was climbing up rocks and mountains in
order to find a great view of landscape. And I enjoy it so much although I end
up tired. A pina colada in the Malibu Beach recovers anything.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">After dinner, one could be a priviledged
person when you have Ben Babylon solo at the piano, for the most thrilling jam
session one could expect. He explained me how much Elton and Ben Folds
influenced him as a musician. And that’s really is. He starts with his own
songs, before paying an amazing rendition of “Rocket Man” and “Take Me To The
Pilot” on the piano. If Elton’s had his quote, Ben Folds too, when he goes to
“Fred Jones”, the touching story about a man’s retiring of his job. He kindly
agree to perform a superb medley between “Dreams For Sale” and “No Goodbyes On
The Road”. Both songs, specially the title track, have potential enough to make
a big thing. I remember it was the time when this words came to mind: “He’s
special, he will do it, he has it all for success”. It was a sensation, but
seeing this kid to play piano and the way he does it, you have all the feelings
that it could be a possible reality. I had the same feelings as when I saw
Elton on piano solo for first time: with the Band I love it, but solo, sitting
on an old piano, is when the artist explodes and explores the best of his
being. It’s exciting to see how much Ben loves music. Music is a part of his
world. He lives for music, and music embraces him to gives his best. It’s a
divine partnership, a force of the nature. And Ben has the talent enough to
give music his best creations, while music could keep a place for him among his
top star musicians.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">22:00<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">The final of the jam session. I would say
that it is time for goodbyes but as one of the lyrics says: there’s no goodbyes
on the road”. Fred Anderson kindly returns to the hotel, not before stopping at
Troubadour Club, when Elton performed for first time long years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-GB">As I said in the beginning, I was sad
for leaving that people behind, but I was plenty happy to see that a new star
is ready to conquer the world. Sad and happy? Is that a “Contradiction”? “Big
Waves Crashing Down, Shaking the Ground”. You will see, I said one day, the
Number One has just arrived: Ben Babylon to reach the stardom. Give time to
the artist, not in a hurry, and fasten your seat belts: the journey has begun.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>Jackrabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997846029131010337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125649557652694993.post-84357582540112737912011-10-24T12:38:00.000-07:002011-10-24T12:59:38.261-07:00"Contradiction", First Single Out Today<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTm4ehJhLjAN21y3WQbz85YA9cqc14rNEEoEUfF7tJ4u5-dEzDcTUwBpuXAuJkubUktUiPyRGTxvnpak-IMD_PNilxj09wjfCvWYTPewXgkqThsLLEeIl-HzXTYbTX_cfo0PeXAcCVa0j5/s1600/Single+Contradiction.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTm4ehJhLjAN21y3WQbz85YA9cqc14rNEEoEUfF7tJ4u5-dEzDcTUwBpuXAuJkubUktUiPyRGTxvnpak-IMD_PNilxj09wjfCvWYTPewXgkqThsLLEeIl-HzXTYbTX_cfo0PeXAcCVa0j5/s200/Single+Contradiction.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665667815052937810" /></a><em> <strong>"Contradiction"</strong>, 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. <br /><br /><strong>Elton John says, "You better watch out for this kid! He can really play!".</strong> <br /><br />He does!!!</em><br /><br /><strong>CONTRADICTION</strong><br />by Ben Babylon<br /><br />"It’s Hard When You Don’t Know What To Do<br />And the World Is Piling Up On You<br />... What Your Looking For Is Nowhere<br />And What You Never Wanted is now There<br />Big Waves Crashing Down<br />Shaking the Ground<br /><br />Heaven and Hell sit Side by Side<br />Good and Bad Can’t Make up Their Minds<br />Right and Wrong Can’t Understand<br />That Peace and War Battle Again<br /><br />It’s Seems My Shadow Has Disappeared<br />It’s Not Comin’ Back, No, Not For Years<br />It Said Don’t Worry About Making Up Your Mind<br />For The Bad and Good They Will Decide<br />That Time Is Zooming By<br />It’s Time To Make Up Your Mind<br /><br />Heaven and Hell sit Side by Side<br />Good and Bad Have They Lost Their d**n Minds<br />Right and Wrong Can’t Understand<br />That Peace and War Battle Again<br />Battle Again<br /><br />I Can’t Understand<br />Something So Clear Makes No Sense<br />It’s Funny How War is used for Peace<br />It’s a Contradiction, I Agree<br /><br />Heaven and Hell sit by my Side<br />Good and Bad, Have They Lost Their Minds?<br />Right and Wrong Can’t Comprehend<br />Peace and War Battle Again<br />Battle Again<br />Battle Again"<br /><br /><strong>CONTRADICTION</strong><br />par Ben Babylon <br /><br />"<em>C'est difficile quand vous ne savez pas Que faire <br />Et le monde est s'accumulent sur vous <br />... Qu'est-ce que vous cherchez n'est nulle part <br />Et Que Tu n'as jamais voulu est maintenant là <br />Grosses vagues s'écraser<br />Trembler le sol <br /><br />Ciel et Enfer assis côte à côte <br />Bon et mauvais ne peuvent pas compenser leurs esprits <br />Vrai et faux ne peut pas comprendre <br />Cette bataille de la paix et de nouveau en guerre <br /><br />Il semble mon ombre a disparu <br />Il ne reviendra pas, Non, pas pour les années <br />Il a dit ne vous inquiétez pas de vous décider <br />Pour le bon et le mauvais ils décideront <br />Ce temps est de zoom en <br />Il est temps de faire votre esprit <br /><br />Ciel et Enfer assis côte à côte <br />Bon et mauvais ont-ils perdu leurs esprits<br />Vrai et faux ne peut pas comprendre <br />Cette bataille de la paix et de nouveau en guerre <br />Encore une fois la bataille <br /><br />Je ne comprends pas <br />Quelque chose de si clair n'a aucun sens <br />C'est drôle comment la guerre est utilisée pour la paix <br />C'est une contradiction, j'accepte <br /><br />Ciel et Enfer assis à mes côtés <br />Bonnes et mauvaises, ont-ils perdu leur esprit? <br />Vrai et faux ne peut pas comprendre <br />Bataille de paix et encore la guerre <br />Encore une fois la bataille <br />Encore une fois la bataille</em>"<br /><br /><strong>CONTRADICCIÓN</strong><br />por Ben Babylon <br /><br />"<em>Es dificil cuando no saber que tienes que hacer<br />Y el mundo se te va acumulando<br />... Cuando lo que buscas no lo encuentras<br />I lo que nunca querrias está ahora aquí<br />Grandes olas que se derrumban<br />Sacudiendo el suelo<br /><br />El cielo y el infierno sentados a tu lado<br />Lo bueno y lo malo no pueden decidirse<br />LO correcto y lo incorrecto no se entienden<br />Esa paz y esa guerra que luchan otra vez<br /><br />Parece que mi sombra haya desaparecido<br />No volverá, no en muchos años<br />Se dice que no tienes que preocuparte por no decidirte<br />Para lo bueno y lo malo ellos decidiran<br />El tiempo discurre<br />Es tiempo de decidirse<br /><br />El cielo y la tierra sentados de costado<br />Lo bueno y lo malo han perdido sus malditas mentes<br />Lo correcto e incorrecto no se entienden<br />Esa paz y esa guerra luchan de nuevo<br />Luchan de nuevo<br /><br />No lo puedo entender<br />Algo que era muy claro no tiene sentido<br />Es curioso como la guerra se utiliza para la paz<br />Es una contradicción, estoy de acuerdo<br /><br />Cielo e infierno sentados a mi lado<br />Lo bueno y lo malo, han perdido su razón?<br />Lo correcto e incorrecto son incomprensibles<br />Paz y guerra luchan otra vez<br />Luchan otra vez<br />Luchan otra vez</em>"<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/benbabylon1#"></a>Jackrabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997846029131010337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125649557652694993.post-26621898261561214502011-10-20T12:45:00.000-07:002011-10-20T10:41:55.811-07:00Happy Birthday, Ben Babylon!!!!<em>"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.!!!</em><br /><br /><strong>John Jorgenson</strong><br />Liverpool, UK<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIE_eAJ0R4wNdQb_yMWgNFY_X7UY-xzG6syBXyDNYbLgssEulNVStX3GDWIhFrgI022miGBmrDJmBgTXLAFW8SUsibDjjSw3AMAbx3GXTvUhkaLIWm28vjYenX8-kCRjiWBvLYKF7YfYmw/s1600/Here%2527s+a+shot+from+great+photographer+Marc+Piron.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 138px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIE_eAJ0R4wNdQb_yMWgNFY_X7UY-xzG6syBXyDNYbLgssEulNVStX3GDWIhFrgI022miGBmrDJmBgTXLAFW8SUsibDjjSw3AMAbx3GXTvUhkaLIWm28vjYenX8-kCRjiWBvLYKF7YfYmw/s200/Here%2527s+a+shot+from+great+photographer+Marc+Piron.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665297517257030562" /></a> <strong><em>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.</em></strong><br /><br />"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!"<br /><br /><strong>Kiki Dee</strong><br />Derbyshire, UK<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQkwbT_Su6fPboaqKWUdU7vIGqtG3kkN2u01yXF7NvND85NRUFkaZTaFwWMrjKTbMkyUlUtZBlRmNyK0xdGe9-dQdxuDH6WkG44JG34Js-dYhMbtNB33816W7yHBCPKi9r_2jWQvPz1Gy/s1600/dvd_kikideeduet.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 159px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQkwbT_Su6fPboaqKWUdU7vIGqtG3kkN2u01yXF7NvND85NRUFkaZTaFwWMrjKTbMkyUlUtZBlRmNyK0xdGe9-dQdxuDH6WkG44JG34Js-dYhMbtNB33816W7yHBCPKi9r_2jWQvPz1Gy/s200/dvd_kikideeduet.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665322727569045890" /></a> <em><strong>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?</strong></em><br /><br />"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".<br /><br /><strong>Charlie Morgan</strong><br />Nashville, Tennessee<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQpq8c9Xkjfxr4l9ItS7aJ4L904RX_aVW1XjfxVogt_DDKg9ld-UJ4rv7sm4Z2A15EOMRkwd0QWUPJH_2ntL349AJt53bXcojuqyS8qiPYL_cGS-ehyphenhyphenMKNSzIlFghy9TuY33BV19GFkHI/s1600/CMRhythmsep20011.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQpq8c9Xkjfxr4l9ItS7aJ4L904RX_aVW1XjfxVogt_DDKg9ld-UJ4rv7sm4Z2A15EOMRkwd0QWUPJH_2ntL349AJt53bXcojuqyS8qiPYL_cGS-ehyphenhyphenMKNSzIlFghy9TuY33BV19GFkHI/s200/CMRhythmsep20011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665325073377239282" /></a> <em><strong>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.</strong></em><br /><br />"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!"<br /><br /><strong>Natalie Jackson aka Kudisan Kai</strong><br />Boston, Massachusets<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwyTz2X-Ev5IM7YBG_cm6ys-kgmbqBnhY-aKriAwjyhaOq256aBRL3kXnDzkVQrFOCjZ4mK-iOyA38OLimf0YHENJkX5AKPsiFcIAEFupY_xiPSqG91qJF5DdIQ9CRdw70nWVfTruUtUfZ/s1600/Kudisan+kai.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 170px; height: 127px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwyTz2X-Ev5IM7YBG_cm6ys-kgmbqBnhY-aKriAwjyhaOq256aBRL3kXnDzkVQrFOCjZ4mK-iOyA38OLimf0YHENJkX5AKPsiFcIAEFupY_xiPSqG91qJF5DdIQ9CRdw70nWVfTruUtUfZ/s200/Kudisan+kai.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665323773954254930" /></a> <em><strong>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.</strong></em><br /><br />"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".<br /><br /><strong>Kathryn Keats</strong><br />California<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP40W-EEHM6HWmjudyxBWolGboRm9IgxO-mwURQEAnTpmFCQCQ_H8z7S21bfMcrl_5XiMDqCU34a5YrRQXpdcN1motEdpEyiQKCtOp_gaiN9NeTSOAlUp5vdmcSodQ-cRAWA2FPsimsRE2/s1600/2135940KathrynKeats.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 188px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP40W-EEHM6HWmjudyxBWolGboRm9IgxO-mwURQEAnTpmFCQCQ_H8z7S21bfMcrl_5XiMDqCU34a5YrRQXpdcN1motEdpEyiQKCtOp_gaiN9NeTSOAlUp5vdmcSodQ-cRAWA2FPsimsRE2/s200/2135940KathrynKeats.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665327503402303858" /></a> <strong><em> 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.</em></strong> <br /><br />"I am so happy for Ben! His first CD is, no doubt, going to be amazing! What a brilliant light!"<br /><br /><strong>Ken Stacey</strong><br />Los Angeles, California<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHGGp-RtFJ9MilvkdYnT8qEREq2NkO7NDQ5FJwmN8XpjSF0NqwojLwNaT1NRgJkr6_I7S2HK8lXa6Z4oP0-Fq6LmZJP9Z6m67I6BoVs3x_zI_ZwWZXBKJ8wJVv4Ut8wDGau_K8JRpI_On/s1600/ken_stacey003003.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 188px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHGGp-RtFJ9MilvkdYnT8qEREq2NkO7NDQ5FJwmN8XpjSF0NqwojLwNaT1NRgJkr6_I7S2HK8lXa6Z4oP0-Fq6LmZJP9Z6m67I6BoVs3x_zI_ZwWZXBKJ8wJVv4Ut8wDGau_K8JRpI_On/s200/ken_stacey003003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665324748504469826" /></a> <em><strong>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. </strong></em><br /><br />"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!"<br /><br /><strong>Bill Trudell</strong><br />Mar Vista, California<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVfp9x0pZ3YTNUzNhIcF04MzzmeII9oM4v68y8_2pB12y7WfIFq8qkGcqk4tjuEQd_CQRhyphenhyphenygMI1eA1W0SMGKEKhzgdeA_FUibdW1PC_VkWG6THE2gcxyn0Md40NRKfHuvAUQhsfZZCGF/s1600/6a011016820c9a860c0110185c8df6860f-150wi.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVfp9x0pZ3YTNUzNhIcF04MzzmeII9oM4v68y8_2pB12y7WfIFq8qkGcqk4tjuEQd_CQRhyphenhyphenygMI1eA1W0SMGKEKhzgdeA_FUibdW1PC_VkWG6THE2gcxyn0Md40NRKfHuvAUQhsfZZCGF/s200/6a011016820c9a860c0110185c8df6860f-150wi.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665327124946707490" /></a><em><strong> "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:</strong></em><br /><br />"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".<br /><br /><strong>Fred Anderson</strong><br />Los Angeles, California<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJS4WgswZIfGovhFOQD-nu6SwywTbZDG1ZDd414J2fyEDgbIYwYIS3McRgU22tIShPKH2SDrdGDwPsHO0VopegnzTR3IjSASWyKYDCAdxzLI9-m_tgZhVRTLl0NLCqy6XH_4288UFpNdy/s1600/Ben+Babylon%252C+Fred+Anderson%252C+Yoshi%2527s+Oakland%252C+7-8-10.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJS4WgswZIfGovhFOQD-nu6SwywTbZDG1ZDd414J2fyEDgbIYwYIS3McRgU22tIShPKH2SDrdGDwPsHO0VopegnzTR3IjSASWyKYDCAdxzLI9-m_tgZhVRTLl0NLCqy6XH_4288UFpNdy/s200/Ben+Babylon%252C+Fred+Anderson%252C+Yoshi%2527s+Oakland%252C+7-8-10.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665324041014973170" /></a> <em><strong>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?</strong></em> <br /><br />"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".<br /><br /><em><strong>"Contradiciton", the first single of the album, available on itunes for Ben's Birthday.</strong></em><br /><br />"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".<br /><br /><strong>Marlena Jeter</strong><br />Las Vegas, Nevada<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3nmLg2YEAtnT6WIkKMI6JoUZZil2OjuyfydxthQkbD6MeXpsBlHLjkx1l4FZQ9uAq8Hq72Jl2A8EunRqc1dv0Hi11fbkGTjnb6IFtDsC5VF6D-Ad_HHVe9lpw8RxgRgNAgaFtbcD_9hs/s1600/LENA.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 156px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3nmLg2YEAtnT6WIkKMI6JoUZZil2OjuyfydxthQkbD6MeXpsBlHLjkx1l4FZQ9uAq8Hq72Jl2A8EunRqc1dv0Hi11fbkGTjnb6IFtDsC5VF6D-Ad_HHVe9lpw8RxgRgNAgaFtbcD_9hs/s200/LENA.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665323628186754834" /></a> <em><strong>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.</strong></em> <br /><br />"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!"<br /><br /><strong>Davey Johnstone</strong><br />Las Vegas, Nevada<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVcaea8_GZNye0yVdpsov6eX2f18zzzVLpNUDk090YRhGh_hiZVeAzpaodNJijDHPRdEQhg-uT4Abg0Cp5CUiGBaga152CsmWiLLFZzFp6ePwnC-qkf7cRkYSB69oX82X-heF10Er174H/s1600/davey.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVcaea8_GZNye0yVdpsov6eX2f18zzzVLpNUDk090YRhGh_hiZVeAzpaodNJijDHPRdEQhg-uT4Abg0Cp5CUiGBaga152CsmWiLLFZzFp6ePwnC-qkf7cRkYSB69oX82X-heF10Er174H/s200/davey.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665322951390584258" /></a> <em><strong>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.</strong></em><br /><br />"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!"<br /><br /><strong>Nigel Olsson</strong><br />Las Vegas, Nevada<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08NPuLWrhh6AQqdI8DxOTBVXEdELuhOPZVvW1NdkSefBQgEiwYp6tnvIm_01opGuxDbf093jr0rW-PCqnBHzOavzC1j5J3yraf4IqqX4Mo0JX5L-JFtT92fzjt9dazRQR-PuJS1Hk_ni3/s1600/IMG_3868.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08NPuLWrhh6AQqdI8DxOTBVXEdELuhOPZVvW1NdkSefBQgEiwYp6tnvIm_01opGuxDbf093jr0rW-PCqnBHzOavzC1j5J3yraf4IqqX4Mo0JX5L-JFtT92fzjt9dazRQR-PuJS1Hk_ni3/s200/IMG_3868.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665323399261018434" /></a> <em><strong>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.</strong></em> <br /><br />"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"<br /><br /><strong>John Mahon</strong><br />Las Vegas, Nevada<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCi5YKdXLSspYEqHbaUX4r06We23M7L75ZLZo0Vo2yWdJia4U35h8f_Ysy-C2tNmGGlVl6IlERMi7VioyZuzMfS_0WdUgpILg6OWDxKTU9Mv7kCaoaedvUMSpH9Jf07hNvKXnJfeBjECd5/s1600/main_johnMahon.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCi5YKdXLSspYEqHbaUX4r06We23M7L75ZLZo0Vo2yWdJia4U35h8f_Ysy-C2tNmGGlVl6IlERMi7VioyZuzMfS_0WdUgpILg6OWDxKTU9Mv7kCaoaedvUMSpH9Jf07hNvKXnJfeBjECd5/s200/main_johnMahon.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665325595423538242" /></a> <em><strong>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?</strong></em><br /><br />"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".<br /><br /><em><strong>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?</strong></em><br /><br />"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".<br /><br /><em><strong>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. <br /><br />Me and them, we would like to tell you, Ben Babylon, <br /><br /> that WE LOVE YOU, <br /> we wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY,<br /><br />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?</strong></em>Jackrabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997846029131010337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125649557652694993.post-4186697319325910842011-10-17T13:54:00.000-07:002011-10-18T15:48:47.481-07:0020th October, the date<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgecAHMja27fphTYNlXmH8EGAJ1GeOXT-uYbPf6WB_0QcOcBqh6YkuDTyjptcK4COo5s8pSIjOWSER82i-_ijhlq5srnaskSjvM3ca71Bb3CT7CKVSG_GODgFhiGGE8fCAkVapcIWhUkur8/s1600/eml87y50kvsk5ykl.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 152px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgecAHMja27fphTYNlXmH8EGAJ1GeOXT-uYbPf6WB_0QcOcBqh6YkuDTyjptcK4COo5s8pSIjOWSER82i-_ijhlq5srnaskSjvM3ca71Bb3CT7CKVSG_GODgFhiGGE8fCAkVapcIWhUkur8/s200/eml87y50kvsk5ykl.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664964690881675714" /></a> <em>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.</em><br /><br /><em><strong>What happened in the music business on an October, the 20th?</strong></em><br /><br />1955, Elvis Presley and Bill Haley and his Comets both appeared at Brooklyn High School auditorium, Cleveland.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />1961, The Beatles played a lunchtime show at the Cavern Club, Liverpool and tonight they appeared at The Village Hall in Knotty Ash, Liverpool.<br /><br />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.'<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWNh4Qw5wDEpDtWJWh6tODgbwQ1PV9JKTI9bbTBWljSeRZqD4stPJ5eyu0TdEg7hQuIaPLJnb8fEXkiYXobXjUcCU7sg5_87YOLYGvm7pT34hglg4Wx3uHeY3v3YJ4xi6xv3ExmIed_oJP/s1600/1020_mid.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 153px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWNh4Qw5wDEpDtWJWh6tODgbwQ1PV9JKTI9bbTBWljSeRZqD4stPJ5eyu0TdEg7hQuIaPLJnb8fEXkiYXobXjUcCU7sg5_87YOLYGvm7pT34hglg4Wx3uHeY3v3YJ4xi6xv3ExmIed_oJP/s200/1020_mid.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664967228217300834" /></a> <em>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.</em><br /><br /><em><strong>Other musicians born on a 20th October:</strong></em><br /><br />1939, Born on this day, Jay Siegel, The Tokens, (1961 US No.1 & UK No.11 single 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight').<br /><br />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').<br /><br />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).<br /><br />1964, Born on this day, David Ryan, drummer, The Lemonheads, (1993 UK No.14 singles 'Into Your Arms').<br /><br />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'.<br /><br />1971, Born on this day, Dannii Minogue, Australian singer, (1991 UK No.8 single 'Love And Kisses' plus 10 other UK Top 40 singles).<br /><br />1978, Born on this day, Paul Wilson, bass, Snow Patrol, (2006 UK No.1 album ‘Eyes Open’, 2006 UK No.6 single ‘Chasing Cars’).<br /><br /><em><strong>What about the charts on that date, when Ben Babylon was born?</strong></em><br /><br />October 1997<br />UK ~ Top Singles<br />Positions / Title / Artist<br />01. Candle In The Wind 1997 - Elton John<br />02. Sunchyme - Dario G<br />03. As Long As You Love Me - Backstreet Boys<br />04. Tubthumping - Chumbawamba<br />05. Stand By Me - Oasis<br />06. Angel Of Mine - Eternal<br />07. Stay - Sash! ft. La Trec<br />08. Got Til It's Gone - Janet ft.Q-Tip & Joni Mitchell<br />09. Arms Around The World - Louise<br />10. Spice Up Your Life - Spice Girls<br /><br />USA ~ Top Singles<br />Positions / Title / Artist<br />01. Candle In The Wind 1997 - Elton John<br />02. 4 Seasons Of Loneliness - Boyz 11 Men<br />03. You Make Me Wanna - Usher<br />04. How Do I Live - LeAnn Rimes<br />05. Honey - Maria Carey<br />06. Quit Playing Games (With My Heart) - Backstreet Boys<br />07. Semi Charmed Life - Third Eye Blind<br />08. All Cried Out - Allure/112<br />09. Mo Money Mo Problems - The Notorious B.I.G/Puff Daddy<br />10. Foolish Games /You Were Meant For Me - Jewel<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoUdRWX0Jfy_WKWYB69x7dP5ssCsvsoZHGubU2CdBp5_NjZ5dcHJQoGxitfTyLgbKhPEeJJaD4Gr7zBLGkcNhZs8D9xqSE80ZstqQNq6mLRYTXDClDCn3CUHC1EovZb4XBy2SvHVUH_G9/s1600/10_20_97_205x273.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoUdRWX0Jfy_WKWYB69x7dP5ssCsvsoZHGubU2CdBp5_NjZ5dcHJQoGxitfTyLgbKhPEeJJaD4Gr7zBLGkcNhZs8D9xqSE80ZstqQNq6mLRYTXDClDCn3CUHC1EovZb4XBy2SvHVUH_G9/s200/10_20_97_205x273.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664967540310268370" /></a> <em>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.</em>Jackrabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997846029131010337noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125649557652694993.post-49686454030067092552011-10-13T12:30:00.000-07:002011-10-13T13:51:06.156-07:00Preparing The Debut: First steps<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSShTU77O__3KIvyESKWvl-s1grj713akJaJ6vQWWVQ8_WxwRCrecuTcXep-T_wVg7Vl5lu6S6V0dp6XR3_hWJ2N62e7hDb9yphMDTPi17mPmOWOnDGe8E7kF3hfS5-mmnFrP0fFG9YvZ/s1600/Ben+Live.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSShTU77O__3KIvyESKWvl-s1grj713akJaJ6vQWWVQ8_WxwRCrecuTcXep-T_wVg7Vl5lu6S6V0dp6XR3_hWJ2N62e7hDb9yphMDTPi17mPmOWOnDGe8E7kF3hfS5-mmnFrP0fFG9YvZ/s320/Ben+Live.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663081622785222658" /></a> <em>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!!!</em><br /><br /><em><strong>Hi, Ben, thank so much for your acceptation and welcome again to the site. How do you feel now, Ben?</strong></em><br /><br />Hey! Thank you! Right now I am just thankful for you and all my fans for supporting me for this! Thanks!<br /><br /><em><strong>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?</strong></em><br /><br />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.<br /><br /><em><strong>Also you said: “I don't think much of my future, I just hope it will be good”. Feel the same?</strong></em><br /><br />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. <br /><br /><em><strong>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.</strong></em> <br /><br />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. <br /><br /><em><strong>What is the album about? Did you have a concept or theme for this album when you started out? </strong></em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnRA-Rv-AhV-ybJsrgp-SHJaDU7sRWZIe4NFHxQ8HswhMkSFvBeQxzvpuVc7DPv7bSvEMhatlUPaU5mcBB9SndreR_m8cacyZ2CTRKM6vz4X3UeVry3jVBN9y4kScEtJWrZnhItdryVA2/s1600/62862_150577121647718_100000862933524_236484_5263116_n.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnRA-Rv-AhV-ybJsrgp-SHJaDU7sRWZIe4NFHxQ8HswhMkSFvBeQxzvpuVc7DPv7bSvEMhatlUPaU5mcBB9SndreR_m8cacyZ2CTRKM6vz4X3UeVry3jVBN9y4kScEtJWrZnhItdryVA2/s200/62862_150577121647718_100000862933524_236484_5263116_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663071720305113554" /></a> 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.<br /><br />So yeah!<br /><br /><em><strong>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?</strong></em><br /><br />I don’t know. It just comes.<br /><br /><em><strong>“Contradiction” is the first single, out very soon. Do you have the date of the release? </strong></em><br /><br />I hope that this song will come out this month. <br /><br /><em><strong>Will it be a just a downloading album or also a physical one? </strong></em><br /><br />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!<br /><br /><em><strong>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?</strong></em><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKYGxm9wcvGy8ShsCcWmaQG8Ttk3XLNSRToKDbEP-gDpTb-655wyTiVeNVeG3hyphenhyphend50DNaWVf8VFQ-NwkQlJIJWurEnvwt1JET9esvjbNA-pHkkkDm23TCC7eX303wK5VTxu7o-Cogmjxl/s1600/benband.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKYGxm9wcvGy8ShsCcWmaQG8Ttk3XLNSRToKDbEP-gDpTb-655wyTiVeNVeG3hyphenhyphend50DNaWVf8VFQ-NwkQlJIJWurEnvwt1JET9esvjbNA-pHkkkDm23TCC7eX303wK5VTxu7o-Cogmjxl/s200/benband.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663069289858514514" /></a> 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.<br /><br /><em><strong>Finally, a message to your fans?</strong></em><br /><br />Just...thanks! I can’t believe I even have fans!!!! It’s unreal. Thanks.<br /><br /><strong><em>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.</em></strong>Jackrabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997846029131010337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125649557652694993.post-65008890801983463442011-10-07T09:15:00.000-07:002011-10-07T11:05:59.937-07:00Buying Dreams<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcffPmzDE9iikHt1odDg0g4TyEGGrlwJZdLlsCkgbaxxKt9ELSE1DwyKOks0SlNp06wEkmSWRO_fF_ljODnTMzMKErtWnDNXqGwMmbkEgLhXKYpa_-4_nmEozd0OTRCKCuHNkaEYcyCI6U/s1600/ben.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcffPmzDE9iikHt1odDg0g4TyEGGrlwJZdLlsCkgbaxxKt9ELSE1DwyKOks0SlNp06wEkmSWRO_fF_ljODnTMzMKErtWnDNXqGwMmbkEgLhXKYpa_-4_nmEozd0OTRCKCuHNkaEYcyCI6U/s200/ben.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660787580567802114" /></a> Hello Babylonists: what had to happen, finally happens: the highly expected <strong>Ben Babylon</strong>'s debut album is ready to be released. Scheduled for early 2012, first single "Contradiction" is coming out this month. <br /><br />“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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />To this end, we pray, remain very attentive to events and get on board: the month of Ben Babylon has just begun.Jackrabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997846029131010337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125649557652694993.post-88380469283263456372011-10-02T13:33:00.000-07:002011-10-07T13:09:12.129-07:00Comprando Sus Sueños<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh35FpK_aH2EU2FvJFsxjqhT8Q1f97iFdPtRMwbCu-bZTMmGHxQzLvOCAWsFr1TIjDvj7yUI0XPEbL-1u24PAkU_Xd9BfrwD8usaF-q9WyUbO196W-_Nu_wQyWTv6t7sPBsCyTMCaozJSl/s1600/ben.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh35FpK_aH2EU2FvJFsxjqhT8Q1f97iFdPtRMwbCu-bZTMmGHxQzLvOCAWsFr1TIjDvj7yUI0XPEbL-1u24PAkU_Xd9BfrwD8usaF-q9WyUbO196W-_Nu_wQyWTv6t7sPBsCyTMCaozJSl/s200/ben.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660840844992556290" /></a> Hola babylonistas: lo que tenia que suceder, al fin pasa: el más que esperado debut album de <strong>Ben Babylon</strong> 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. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.Jackrabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997846029131010337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125649557652694993.post-44354133381549674682010-10-19T11:59:00.000-07:002010-10-20T05:07:43.485-07:00Tsssst tsssst tssssst!!!! Wake Up, Ben!!!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30KwsRpKf8Fo2wuqjjNfFPWyjnS_osH98UC4TfV2YoXv_D-pNhti4vMXcjyTFLJjH-FUtzyigfwAMOOBltjkx7W92S8Nc-sfkJM8omY_8T44BQlxmu1CcFLFODS8V8Dz4wm81jTGZwi8k/s1600/Jack+Rabbit+8%24+shoes.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529836554829821554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 151px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj30KwsRpKf8Fo2wuqjjNfFPWyjnS_osH98UC4TfV2YoXv_D-pNhti4vMXcjyTFLJjH-FUtzyigfwAMOOBltjkx7W92S8Nc-sfkJM8omY_8T44BQlxmu1CcFLFODS8V8Dz4wm81jTGZwi8k/s200/Jack+Rabbit+8%24+shoes.jpg" border="0" /></a> Ben!!!! This is Jack Rabbit, please weak up!!! Yes, Jack Rabbit, Jack Rabbit!!!!! From Spain!!! Remember me? Are you sleeping, do you, right? Wake up!!! Do you know what's today??? Turn On the Radio, Turn On the Radio!!!!! But on 1400 KKZZ not other, eh?<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzjruQooLzFaQDxiFHnM1wyJw0WFPLQpwP6eL0vXFRkMfqLSspm5vKxddtZ_hl0s7JiCMXXY-u76QMWzzYprQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />Ahhhhhh!!!!! <strong>Happy Birthday, Ben!!!!</strong> That incredible and great <strong>Freeman Michaels</strong> always ready to be on your side, today too!!! That's a nice person!!!! You couldn't imagine Freeman would wake you up today, hey? He made a pause on his succesful radio programme "Freeman Michaels Show", "the inspirational radio for life-long learners" he says. Wow!!!! That's great!!!! <br /><br />Oh, it's earlier in the morning but we have so much things to do!!! Just listen this old Rabbit!!!! You know it's your Birthday, right?<br /><br />You know how much we love you, true? So don't make noise, just follow me, we are invited to a party, to some parties? whatever!!!!! Just believe in me, dress up fast, take everything needed and follow me!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://benbabylonnumber1.blogspot.com/2010/10/first-stop-japanese-b-day-party.html"></a>Jackrabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997846029131010337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125649557652694993.post-54042739381552955492010-10-19T11:57:00.002-07:002010-10-20T04:45:16.447-07:00First Stop: Japanese B-Day Party<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4kq9wA8cIbGi2LesjxJAOZmhfCLMQ_eVEtZxmrFbE4FwsWCkBEoXg3kzZoNfUicAIAbVXh84OVGjyGr2IdYklQZmw9q7RVJ3ol6UkLUgCGs1QMyzhiX9NWrIApNHxRHQEoQ-NNz42-YhP/s1600/jp.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4kq9wA8cIbGi2LesjxJAOZmhfCLMQ_eVEtZxmrFbE4FwsWCkBEoXg3kzZoNfUicAIAbVXh84OVGjyGr2IdYklQZmw9q7RVJ3ol6UkLUgCGs1QMyzhiX9NWrIApNHxRHQEoQ-NNz42-YhP/s200/jp.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529885853447891538" /></a> Well, we arrive to the first station of our journey. Japan. Precisely, surrounding Kyoto, we have a friend waiting. Please, knock on the door: “Hello!!!!!!!!!!!!!” That’s <strong>Noriko Sakabe</strong>, how are you? Noriko likes reading, writing, gardening and, specially, talking with Japanese Elton fans and with her daughter. Yes, Noriko?<br /><br />“<em>Happy Birthday Ben Babylon!!<br /><br />You make me encourage to choose to have positive attitude every day.<br />With love for you and your music!!”</em><br /><br />Oh, Noriko, thanks so much. “<em>It was a wonderful experience for me to see the Elton John band members in person every time. Specially I loved Guy Babylon on stage. I used to turn to look into the left side of Elton’s position. Guy !” </em><br /><br />(silence)<br /><br />And what do you recommend from Japan to see? If traditional culture is your thing, you can spend weeks in cities such as Kyoto and Nara, gorging yourself on temples, shrines, kabuki, ō (stylised dance-drama), tea ceremonies and museums packed with treasures from Japan's rich artistic heritage. If modern culture and technology is your thing, Japan's cities are an absolute wonderland. Oh, thanks so much, Noriko, you’ve been so kind with us. <br /><br />What time is it? It’s late here, you have to sleep. Maybe we should continue our travelling plan, we have to go to other country. Bye!!!!Jackrabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997846029131010337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125649557652694993.post-54075190956628912832010-10-19T11:57:00.001-07:002010-10-22T07:05:31.480-07:00Next Stop: Polish B-Day Party<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKSQvbHP79DNTxi6gAijIglJf38_nvbbiqxKZh2lOXhx-7olE2pGJhZvR2fi_BniFWM6GA9l4D9YtMr82oBjTNJYe-qsMBVEg4-GM0pbfXLFAbh_mPiGa3asBf_uTX6v7vXALae5ElKUp/s1600/pl.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqKSQvbHP79DNTxi6gAijIglJf38_nvbbiqxKZh2lOXhx-7olE2pGJhZvR2fi_BniFWM6GA9l4D9YtMr82oBjTNJYe-qsMBVEg4-GM0pbfXLFAbh_mPiGa3asBf_uTX6v7vXALae5ElKUp/s200/pl.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529886387840950306" /></a> “Hello!!!!!!!!!!!, anyone there????” The greatest <strong>Dagmara Lakomi</strong>.<br /><br />“<em>Best wishes Ben! I wish You luck in Your musical life!!! Enjoy playing with Elton ;)</em> “<br /><br />Oh, thank you, Dagmara. She’s one of the most passionate fans of Elton, “<em>It was on September 2nd 2oo6. He was performing a concert in Sopot. My mum encouraged me to watch that event on TV. I didn't know about him at all then, and I did.</em>” Always is great to remind Elton’s first experience. She’s also so supportive to the Babylonist cause, so it’s great to be here. <br /><br />“<em>I love sport and animals</em>”, as you Ben, “Ben plays soccer, a good mid-field player, eh, Ben?”. And your country? Krakow is the perfect introduction for the first time visitor to Poland. The city was left unscarred by the Second World War and today stands as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Warsaw is a city with a point to prove. Overlooked by many tourists for the more obvious delights of Krakow, Warsaw has more than enough sights to cater for the "city break" tourist. Right, Dagmara? "Warsaw isn't the prettiest city in Poland. You should visit Bielsko-Biała ;);)Zakopane and Sopot because there is a beautiful habitat. I like nature more than monuments personally ;)but if You want to see buildings You may come to Warsaw and Kraków or Gdańsk and of course B-B;)". Oh, great then!!!!<br /><br />We must go, Dagmara, so sorry. A pleasure to have seen you. Bye!!!!Jackrabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997846029131010337noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125649557652694993.post-56683232279513014952010-10-19T11:55:00.000-07:002010-10-20T04:53:40.710-07:00Next Stop: Chzechian B-Day Party<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnhTMPcdTfAobQS0k_DWuFtewTW3OgKWL3FnlXEVxb_l5Ezk0g0xa6-lsDkk7wPOpHJ3TT6ZK9yYnH7uphFgHC8xhxJtIFvfJ7PtMS1utKiQHuL2A6Gr-LJxLlywPiSoyTk3q-mb8qWeP/s1600/cz.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnhTMPcdTfAobQS0k_DWuFtewTW3OgKWL3FnlXEVxb_l5Ezk0g0xa6-lsDkk7wPOpHJ3TT6ZK9yYnH7uphFgHC8xhxJtIFvfJ7PtMS1utKiQHuL2A6Gr-LJxLlywPiSoyTk3q-mb8qWeP/s200/cz.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529886709088498962" /></a> Hello!!!!!!!! What’s happening here???? Oh, the Tišik’s family!!!!!! Hello you all!!!! Hi, <strong>Ben Tišik</strong>, nice to see you too!!!<br /><br />“<em>My mom Chiara is a italian nurse, my Uncle Robert Eduard Vecchio is a storyteller and poet. We are a large family. We live in a small village near the woods. We are Eltonites! All!</em>”. Right Ben!!!! But what’s all of this? Oh, great!!! Look Ben, some presents for you.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nwTihkFVrnuz7Ou_92xbRPBQpuXWtSifFsu-EGMI-8YzjJkInj7kLMeQ3ye3iJEJM0VOChc5iG2hNGfWw7PT3jWaACSTPHOOgUsyMJAOQ671SEqt8hbSh3c1ZQinUEVGo1zAuD5fo2w-/s1600/Chiara+Canino-Tisik+for+Ben.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 152px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nwTihkFVrnuz7Ou_92xbRPBQpuXWtSifFsu-EGMI-8YzjJkInj7kLMeQ3ye3iJEJM0VOChc5iG2hNGfWw7PT3jWaACSTPHOOgUsyMJAOQ671SEqt8hbSh3c1ZQinUEVGo1zAuD5fo2w-/s200/Chiara+Canino-Tisik+for+Ben.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529888098095470114" /></a> <strong>Chiara Canino-Tisik</strong> is a talented artist, I will add. Look at the beatiful postcard she did. Wow, that’s chocolate? Jack Rabbit’s crazy with the chocolate. Stand up, Rabbit!!! “<em>I am a nurse / health visitor for the blind and physically handicapped persons and sometimes I play in a band as a drummer</em>” Really???? Wow, didn’t knew that. Oh, that’s great!!!! You’re very popular in facebook for your very beatiful postcards, I have one, it’s on my eltonites blogsite, you were so nice to send me that wonderful card.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEireVLCFfCGLkxb4a8PGFnviLvtmpeI71TYqe5XgEIX7hTpXn4NeVME2mbEVXnFdJ2heS1561jnnlKpvqWA-uMxmUkHqKph5hYFmVXvrmVqsQGDspUUMrG7CnCjEjXlLCVbdn4B2iS1No4V/s1600/Robert+Eduard+Vecchio+for+Ben.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 168px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEireVLCFfCGLkxb4a8PGFnviLvtmpeI71TYqe5XgEIX7hTpXn4NeVME2mbEVXnFdJ2heS1561jnnlKpvqWA-uMxmUkHqKph5hYFmVXvrmVqsQGDspUUMrG7CnCjEjXlLCVbdn4B2iS1No4V/s200/Robert+Eduard+Vecchio+for+Ben.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529887707627240018" /></a> Hi <strong>Robert Eduard Vecchio</strong>, another artist of the family. What a beatiful card too, Rob! “<em>I'm a writer, poet, charity volunteer, percussionist and keyboardist. disability pensioner</em>” oh, now I understand why the fan of John Mahon Czechian Club is... you!!!! A percussionist like you. Wow!!! “<em>And since August 2010 I was the director of the Elton John fan club "Nikita.CZ</em>". I am a fan of those websites, really. Love it so much. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUY-cb8Djb7trZTrdOYJ-mjBnTVzKThD_sva9xtHO3ruF6ZEg4RCT3IAHYsHdCZl9lbfqxJqhCev64_MLAddVi3qL1WtP9reNtWdYMcLLsFHJKvLlpoRtZ6SJQvX7B1VJewfVqpIjBMcNE/s1600/Samuel+J.+Tisik+for+Ben.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 154px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUY-cb8Djb7trZTrdOYJ-mjBnTVzKThD_sva9xtHO3ruF6ZEg4RCT3IAHYsHdCZl9lbfqxJqhCev64_MLAddVi3qL1WtP9reNtWdYMcLLsFHJKvLlpoRtZ6SJQvX7B1VJewfVqpIjBMcNE/s200/Samuel+J.+Tisik+for+Ben.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529888260134389106" /></a> Hi <strong>Samuel J. Tisik</strong>, the sound engineer and teacher of the family “<em>and caring for horses and nanny</em>”: Oh, you’re very busy, really. I love your postcard for Ben, too!!! That’s wonderful!! Someone said me that you’re a trekkie. Ahhhhhh, and an eltonite I suppose!!! Right!!! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigL9yrdb9ugdqTeHd5UMB6UltcFPBA_MuUZO1TPPy2bWFXrPolg2cvDXgGvbs9icjY3w7UlIK2CXnN7kqlItGeuCDW8alnvIrbKRQJQf1mGfpaAgUhgcz8vkH7Z5dcdnYXH1UAaBT0gbI1/s1600/Mia+Rachel+for+Ben.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 186px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigL9yrdb9ugdqTeHd5UMB6UltcFPBA_MuUZO1TPPy2bWFXrPolg2cvDXgGvbs9icjY3w7UlIK2CXnN7kqlItGeuCDW8alnvIrbKRQJQf1mGfpaAgUhgcz8vkH7Z5dcdnYXH1UAaBT0gbI1/s200/Mia+Rachel+for+Ben.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529887939221074498" /></a> And <strong>Mia Rachel</strong>? How are you, dear friend? That’s really a very beatiful postcard!!! The cake!!! Couldn’t forget the cake!!! “<em>I love talking to people</em>.” Oh,so what do you recommend about your country, then? Prague is a great town for walking, as the historic district is compact, interesting and full of fun things to see and do. In addition, Prague's history has been well preserved and Praga has become of tourist favorite for a day or two stay. Oh, beatiful city to live. Ben, we could come here other time, with more time, and not have to rush around.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSTi1UYIPdhXxdfBF95tTRp71u16Fb9knYccA56-73qtrGUAPox2X9ur5h8QkHHGBr9_Y2YxkAYJoiS5f5KfaUcZz-lod9CCFZvOo0lNfLdIInI6kegxVOJGT8rEk311y1mRU-3R6PGGj/s1600/Ben+Tisik+for+Ben.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 144px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqSTi1UYIPdhXxdfBF95tTRp71u16Fb9knYccA56-73qtrGUAPox2X9ur5h8QkHHGBr9_Y2YxkAYJoiS5f5KfaUcZz-lod9CCFZvOo0lNfLdIInI6kegxVOJGT8rEk311y1mRU-3R6PGGj/s200/Ben+Tisik+for+Ben.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529887467354651730" /></a> Finally, the treasure of the family, and a really good friend of both. That’s a wonderful present for Ben Babylon, boy. Open hands, a nice friendship sign, a piano on a glass ball, so enjoyable!!! I am sure you boys have a lot of things to speak, really, but I am afraid it’s time. We have to goodbye, sorry.<br /><br />“<em>Continue in what you do! Write music! Because your music is wonderful, great, fantastic! We love it!</em>” Ben to Ben. “<em>He is an amazing man! Wonderful musician! I can never find the right words when I talk about you. But thank God for that, Ben knows. </em>“ <br /><br />Yes, you know Ben. That’s a very beatiful friendship. Oh, Ben, Tišik, this time, why don’t you join us on the travelling plan and come with us? I am sure Chiara would love it, right? Trust in Jack Rabbit, Chiara.<br /><br />“There’s No Goodbyes On The Road”, Chiara, I love that quote to and really appropiated now. Thanks for all, having a good time here too. Bye!!!!Jackrabbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04997846029131010337noreply@blogger.com0