Happy B-Day, Ben Babylon!!!

"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)

Thanks JonJon for your help

Boopies Wishes

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 (Keith Hayward, UK)

Ben I wish you a wonderful birthday! Let love follow your footsteps everywhere you go. Be happy!!! (Rosemary Fernandes, Brazil)

Happy Birthday, Ben! Have lots of fun on your special day! (Jean M. Goman, US)

Dear Ben, Wishing you a wonderful and happy birthday with much happiness and much continued success! All the best. (Brian Gold, US)

Happy BDay to our golden boy. He deserves all the best in his life. 
(Vera Rio, Brazil)

(Leila Avelar Santiago, Brazil)

Wishing a very happy birthday wish to a very special, talented young man. Happy Birthday, Ben! (Michele Gordon Cohen, US)

Happy Birthday Ben Have a great day (Jeff Teasdale, UK)

Happy Birthday Ben! (JonJon)

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! (Abby Goldstein Feilich, US)

(Kimberlee Kemble, US)

Second Episode of The Day: Your Fan's Wishes

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. (Ashley Jones, US)

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. (Billy Trudel, Singer/Songwriter, US)

Just wish him a wonderful, happy birthday with much continued success (Brian Gold, US)

Happy Birthday Ben! from Debbie Piemonte LATW Boston Style and everyone from LATW. Best wishes on all your musicial endevears. Rock on (Debbie Piemonte, US)

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. (Electra Barakos, singer/songwriter, US)

♫♪♫ Well, he was just seventeen

You know what I mean

And the way he sang was way beyond compare

So how could I listen to another (Ooh)

When I heard him singing there. ♫♪♫

HAPPY BD, BB! (Fred Anderson, publicist (with apology to The Beatles))

"Happy birthday, Ben! Meeting you at Berklee and hanging out with you everyday made my summer amazing. Have an amazing day!" (Gillian Redstone, US)

"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 (Gracie Fisher, US)

 

"Happy Birthday, Ben! We will never forget the time we performed together in LA!"

(Jetset Getset, Band, US)

"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!" (Kaitlyn Baker, singer/songwriter, US)

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, (Kathryn Keats, singer/songwriter, US)

Happy birthday Ben!! Best of luck with all your new projects!! (Kim Bullard, EJ Band, US)

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! (Isabel Gonzalez, US)

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! (Leila Avelar Santiago, Brazil)


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!!! (Manny Sousa, US)

'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!' (Paul Purcell, Ireland)

A very, very happy birthday to Ben. Have a wonderful day (Ros Dinsdale, US)

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! (Vera Rio, Brazil)

Special thanks to Fred Anderson for always being there. You are the best.

Pictures courtesy of Fred Anderson, Kathryn Keats and The Babylon family
Ben Babylon's card by Leila Avelar Santiago

To Ben

"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

"Hello Big Ben, Happy birthday to you, huge hug to your amazing family. Have a nice time. Thank you so much for yout amazing music." Tišiks (Yes, they are still with Ben in their minds)

"Hello young man, 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".
"Hi, thank you so much for your music, Enjoy your day." Markéta Kuliskova, CZ

"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."

"Hyvää syntymäpäivää! Happy birthday! all the best, good health and much success. Thank you so much for your awesome music. We love it." Hakanens, Finland
"Všechno nejlepší k narozeninám! Happy birthday! Have a nice time! Huge hugs." Katya, CZ/FI

"Alles Gute zum Geburtstag! Happy birthday! Thank you so much for your music, we love it." Sebastian and Bella, GER/GB

Courtesy of Mikael Makinen-May // Picture made by Koko, from Finland

Special thanks to Ben Babylon CZ Fan Club // To the memory of Ben Tisik and Robert Eduard Hirvonen

Ben Babylon Band (I): Alex Andrews, drummer

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: "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 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.

Which are your influences, Alex?

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. 

How's Ben as an artist and his best abilities?

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

Completely agree! I coudn't say it better! And which song of the set you're playing do you like most to play?

I think Dorky Loves Doughnuts and Different Meanings are two amazing songs that will go far. 

Great! Finally, some words to Ben for Xmas:

Hey Ben! Have a great christmas, hope you get lots of presents, hope to see you gain sometime, MERRY XMAS!

Thanks so much, Alex, and Happy Xmas for you both, guys!

Happy Birthday, Ben Babylon!!!!

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

John Jorgenson
Liverpool, UK

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

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

Kiki Dee
Derbyshire, UK

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

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

Charlie Morgan
Nashville, Tennessee

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

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

Natalie Jackson aka Kudisan Kai
Boston, Massachusets

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

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

Kathryn Keats
California

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

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

Ken Stacey
Los Angeles, California

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

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

Bill Trudell
Mar Vista, California

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

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

Fred Anderson
Los Angeles, California

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

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

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

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

Marlena Jeter
Las Vegas, Nevada

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

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

Davey Johnstone
Las Vegas, Nevada

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

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

Nigel Olsson
Las Vegas, Nevada

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

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

John Mahon
Las Vegas, Nevada

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ben: Guy Babylon Is So Proud Of You

Dear Ben: On the week, we had an article every day. With "Unforgettable People", I tried to pay my particular homage to Guy Babylon, someone very important in Elton's career, who played everything on the keyboards, a symphony man as I said. With Ben's article, "The New Keyboard Wizard", I tried to learn more from you. The Story Behind "Goodbye Superman" is just a rendition of one of the most touching renditions I've ever heard, well arranged and it's really a masterpiece. The poll about you, where people could vote, is clear that we are all sure Guy Babylon's is so proud of you. Most of the people think that you've got "a brilliant future" in front of you, that you should "collaborate with Elton" (wow!!!) and encourage you "to go ahead with your music career". Almost most of the people who voted, are agreed that they love your "Goodbye Superman" track, that they want "an album by you", that you're "the most talented kid (they've) ever seen", they want to "see you playing live" and they "check out your (fantastic) website". Also, they wish you all the best, think that you're "a fantastic guy" and without question, "love you so much".

On the week, you kindly accepted to make an interview with Jack Rabbit, and he was so proud to see that fantastic people like Jesse Johnstone (who recorded every instrument on your single), Electra Barakos (a great and powerful musician, and teacher) and Jonathan Birch (friend, son of Bob Birch) wanted to be with him, sending his words for you. That's a great honour for Jack Rabbit. And the comittee of experts of the website, from 12 countries of the world, "reunited" for, this time, speaking about you and your music. Ben Tisik, a great friend of both, was the guest on "The Eltonite's Day", with a question related to you.

Just one thing remains to close the week, wishing you had a great time, you enjoyed and found amazing the whole thing. Obviously I knew you didn't need any promo from me, because everybody knows how great musician you are, but I did it with the only pretention to make you smile. Before closing, then, just I invited some people, related to Elton, to encourage you in your brilliant future. They are a fantastic people, great and succesful musicians, and wanted to be here just for you. So, the surprise of the surprises is send it to you by heart:

Paul Buckmaster, Elton's arranger:



"I first met and got to work with Guy on Elton’s Made in England album, for a period of about two-three months, February-April 1994. Although it was a brief association, and being in intense work-mode (which did not allow for much hangin’ out), nevertheless it was a pleasure and fun to work with him, and get to know him a little.

It is a great pleasure to see his young son Ben already displaying such talent and creativity; I wish him well and hope he will continue to develop himself as a musician and song-writer".

Pb

Marlena Jeter, former background vocalist:



"Ben performed "Goodbye Superman" at Guy's memorial service and I remember thinking what an incredible song it was. I also had thoughts of contacting Davey Johnstone to inquire as to whether or not Elton had any plans to record it and perhaps do it as a tribute to Guy in his show. However, it looks as though it's all happening just as it should!

It makes me feel good to know that others will have the pleasure of hearing the song. I also hope that it ends up on the airways so that many, many more ears can hear and get a taste of the magic created by Ben Babylon.

He certainly seems to be his Father's son... musically speaking, that is.

Marlena"

Tam Johnstone, former studio session vocalist:



"The first time I heard Ben play keyboards was at rehearsals for the Canyon Club gig last year. He was playing The Who's "Baba O' Reily", a song famous for having - possibly - one of the first sequencer parts...except Ben played it without using a sequencer! Cue Tam's mind being blown. Ben, you are an amazing talent. Keep up the great work!

Tam"

John Jorgenson, former guitar, sax and vocals:



"I know that your father is so proud of you, and you honor his legacy with your talent. He was as kind as he was gifted, and I feel so fortunate to have known and worked with him. I'm sure you miss him terribly, and obviously his spirit lives on within you. I can't wait to see how your music and artistry develops over the next few years.

With love and empathy,

John Jorgenson"

John Mahon, current band's percussionist and vocals:



"Ben,

Good luck with your music. I think you might have a promising music career someday - or maybe even decide to become a marine biologist - which you would be great at too! Whatever you do - have fun!

John Mahon
Health & Happiness to you..."

Ken Stacey, former background vocals and guitar:



"Ben, your father is so proud of you! Keep following your dreams...that is what a truly fulfilling life comes from. I look forward to seeing where it all takes you...much love...

Ken"