Benjamin Croft
Ubuntu Music is delighted to announce the signing of the highly diverse composer and keys player, Benjamin Croft, for the release of the star-studded album, Far and Distant Things, on 6th August 2021.
Benjamin is a British pianist, keyboardist and composer who has recorded with Randy Brecker, Frank Gambale, Chad Wackerman, Allen Vizzutti, Barry Finnerty and Mike Miller. Known for his extensive knowledge and experience in a multitude of music genres, he is mostly associated with jazz.
At the age of seven, Benjamin began piano and trumpet lessons, later going on to study at Leeds College of Music. After graduating, he completed several contracts on international cruise lines and moved to the US. During this period, Benjamin toured the world twice, and worked with artists as diverse as Belinda Carlisle, Leslie Garrett, The Temptations and The Platters.
Benjamin relocated to London in 2012, where he became a regular performer at Ronnie Scott’s, the Jazz Café, Pizza Express Jazz Clubs, The Vortex and others, playing with the finest musicians on the scene. Benjamin also performed in the West End Show, Straight From the Heart, and worked on TV shows such as The Voice and Britain’s Got Talent. In 2018, he recorded for Beautiful South founder Dave Hemingway’s latest project, Sunbirds, and has been working as a session musician, composer and arranger on a number of projects over the years.
In 2019, Benjamin released his first album 10 Reasons To..., consisting of 12 original compositions reflecting his unique style and sound. His upcoming second album, Far and Distant Things, was recorded throughout 2020, an ambitious project featuring legendary musicians from the US.
Benjamin explains: “I initially contacted a selection of my favourite musicians in the UK to play on the tracks; Andy Davies (trumpet), Gareth Lockrane (flute), Henry Thomas and Flo Moore (bass), Tristan Mailliot and Laurie Lowe (drums). Helen Vollam, principal trombone of the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Carter Arrington (guitar) were also added to the roster around this period.
“The writing process continued and I envisioned the UK musicians augmented by a US guest star, or two. In the fall of 2019, I sent out messages to several legendary artists and lifelong inspirations. To my surprise, all showed interest. I now had an all-star line-up! Randy Brecker, Allen Vizzutti (trumpet), Frank Gambale, Barry Finnerty, Mike Miller (guitar), and Chad Wackerman (drums). Back in 2019, we had no idea what was just around the corner... The majority of the guest stars had tour schedules that lasted for the remainder of 2020. At the time, I was led to believe I only had a window of the first two weeks of January to record them.
“The compositions were recorded in London at Metropolis, Greystoke and The Church Studios. The studios were selected for their vast tracking space and unique selection of equipment. A huge arsenal of keyboards was used on this album. Among them, the Yamaha CS-80, Minimoog, Prophet 5 and Freddie Mercury's Fazioli grand piano!
“Eight of the compositions were tracked between January and early March. Then, disaster struck… March 24th 2020 was a day I will never forget… The 24th just happens to be my birthday. It also just happened to be the day I was scheduled to record my final three pieces. Sadly, this was not meant to be. The UK entered national lockdown and everything was cancelled. My time off was used wisely to refine the compositions and by late summer, we were allowed back in the studio. Tracking was completed at RAK studios in London.
“At the start of this project, I only had one person in mind to mix the tracks: Stephen W Tayler. His work can be heard on many albums that inspired my compositions. The album was mixed at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios.
“Production eventually wrapped up in early 2021. Barry Grint, whose previous clients include the likes of David Bowie, Madonna and Prince, mastered the tracks at Air Studios.
“The unique artwork for the album is provided by Juno Award Winner Hugh Syme. His works are firmly planted in the public conscience. He has designed for Rush, Dream Theater, Whitesnake and many others.
“I am immensely proud of this album. A true portrait of my musical mind. My love of jazz, rock and classical are all captured. The eleven compositions on this album represent my childhood dreams and fantasies. Utopian and dystopian, heroes and villains--all are depicted. Concepts I regarded as far and distant things.”
Concerning his new relationship with Ubuntu Music, Ben continues: “I am very happy and excited to join the Ubuntu music family. I have had a keen eye on the label over the last few years. The quality and diversity of each release has consistently impressed me. The future is bright for Martin (Hummel) and co and it's great that my music is a part of this.”
Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music, shared his thoughts: “Benjamin’s overall talent, his composition skills and the music itself impressed me immensely. He tirelessly worked his way through a crippling pandemic and boldly approached a select group of legendary US musicians to join him on his recording. The end result, ‘Far and Distant Things’, is a tribute to the talent and the tenacity of a passionate man on a musical mission. We are happy to have Benjamin join us.”
