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Growing up in Detroit, Michigan, bass virtuoso Ben Jones began to learn the ways of the musical world as a very young man. He started out as a drummer & he was playing with many local bands even before being of age to be in live music venues. He tried his hand at many instruments within his late fathers music store and, after experiencing Stanley Clarke's 'I wanna play for you' live record, he finally settled in on bass guitar. "I was listening to the guitarist (Ray Gomez) and I just couldn't get that bass sound out of my head...I just HAD to do that!!!". He then sank his summer's savings into his first bass (bought from none other than gospel ledgend Fred Hammond) and was on his way! Playing in the high school jazz band and with various jazz, r&b and top 40 bands in and around the Detroit area, Ben built a reputation as the 'go to guy' in town and, in 1989, made his way to the Pacific Northwest. Washington is now his home and he has effectively established himself as the quintessential bassist/vocalist for such top acts as jazz keyboardists/mega producers Jeff Lorber & Tom Grant, vocalists Phyllis Hyman, Frankie Lee, Kevyn Lettau, and Delbert Mc Clinton, as well as blues legends Robert Cray, Chris Cain, Bernard Allison, Walter 'Wolfman' Washington, B.B. King, and the Northwest's own Lloyd Jones (with whom he recorded the Blind Pig CD entitled 'Love Gotcha'). Speaking of the Pacific Northwest, Ben's tasteful bass work can also be heard on Linda Hornbuckle with No DeLay's 1996 recording entitled 'Soul Diva meets the Blues Monsters'(Criminal Records).
Ben's current projects include holding down the bottom for the New Orleans legends 'The Neville Brothers' as well as his home based band, ''Dv8'.' "We are a true variety band", says Jones, "crossing alot of genres including rock (classic and modern), blues, funk, soul/motown and even country. This allows us to appeal to a much wider audience".
Ben has just recently hit another milestone...he is now a recording studio owner and is finishing up tracking/production on a long awaited solo CD. "With over 25 years of sideman experience behind me, I feel it's time to let the world hear what has become MY voice" says Jones..."You know, the things I have to say!". He notes, "This is not another bass chop record...Instead, I want it to be my take on some songs, both originals as well as a few covers, that mean something to me and also showcase the talent of some wonderful musicians I've had the pleasure of working with over the years". Ben is also a proud endorser of Warwick basses, Gallien-Krueger amplification & DR handmade strings.Regardless of what this bassist, vocalist, composer is doing, his drive, profesionalism, dedication, and enthusiam for everything he does definately makes Ben Jones a force to be reckond with...and one NOT to be missed!
