Line-up
Ben Somers – Tenor Saxophone & Vocals
Ron Updegraff – Guitar
Steve Watts – Double Bass
Tim Giles – Drums
About
Saxophonist, double bassist, singer & composer Ben Somers, was basically ‘born in the dressing room’, his father, Steve was and still is an active musician, predominantly in the world of Folk and Country Music.
Ben’s style has its roots in both the jazz & folk realm, his unique sound (described by Steve Holley in Essentially Pop 2018 – “It pulls the various strands of a diverse career together to one refined point”) and the unexpected influences utilised in his compositions (in which avant grade and traditional elements often collide unpredictably) make for a music that defies easy categorisation. Over the years, Somers has garnered significant respect from peers and fans across the genres with his dedication to a broad spectrum of music.
He has released several albums of original material and has acted as collaborator and sideman to many others. Releases in 2021 include ‘Two Cities EP’ with collaborators Phil Robson/Christine Tobin/Josephine Davies,’Dysfunction’ with long time cohorts Rob Updegraff & Wesley Gibbens, ‘The Last Seven Months’ a collection of original compositions featuring The BS Quartet in 2020, 2015’s New Orlean’s inspired album Brass Hysteria, two albums made with his Father under The Steve & Ben Somers Country Band in 2016 & 2019 and last year he released Live At De Melkbus – a live bluegrass album & ‘Poor Stuart’ recorded with his string band.
Photo copyright: Bernadette Baksa