Ben Sidran piano, vocals · Leo Sidran batería, vocals · Tom Warburton doublebass · Bill McHenry sax
Ben Sidran’s group first played at the Jamboree in November 1999. This concert is a celebration of more than 25 years performing at this legendary venue. With a career spanning over fifty years and thirty-five albums, Ben Sidran has established himself as a philosopher-poet. Renowned for both his sharp, inquisitive writing style and his improvised jazz raps, he has carved out a truly unique artistic space. He is one of a kind.
“There are artists whose very existence justifies a deep dive into the language of Shakespeare: Dylan, of course, with his Nobel in hand; but also Ray Davies, Stuart Murdoch, Donald Fagen, Joni Mitchell, Morrissey, and many others. Pianist, singer, composer, producer, writer, and music critic Ben Sidran—an admirable and astonishing “philosopher-poet”—must certainly be included on that list. At age 80, he continues to deliver razor-sharp lucidity in each verse, softened by that addictive “hipster jazz” vocal style that captivates listeners from the first note. Rainmaker, his 35th solo album, confirms this with its instantly charming and beautifully constructed compositions. For Sidran, it may be just another page in his extensive life’s work, but we cannot see as ordinary what is, once again, quite extraordinary.” – Fernando Neira, Un Disco Al Día
