SEEKING
Band to Join, Vocalist, Vocalist - Bass, Vocalist - Baritone, Vocalist - Tenor, Vocalist - Soprano, Rhythm Guitar, Lead Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drums, Other Percussion, Violin, Trumpet, Saxophone, Keyboard, Piano, Background Singer, Harmonica, Flute, Other, Banjo, Mandolin, Fiddle, Dobro, Vocalist - Alto, Trombone, Bagpipes, Steel guitar, Upright bass, Cello, Accordion, Ukulele, DJ, Electronic Music, Clarinet, Harp.ABOUT
Benjamin Kemp is a folk singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in Olympia Washington. Over the years, Ben has played in a veritable plethora of bands, with material ranging from funky originals to classic covers to blues to pop. He has recently been writing a slew of new songs, in the country/folk/bluegrass vein, and performing solo in various clubs and restaurants in the Olympia area. His self-released 2006 EP, “Mostly February” continues to sell well at these performances and new songs such as the unabashedly poppy (and soon to be released) “I’ll Find You” always seems to get a great response. People also frequently comment on the quirky yet accessible selection of covers, everything from Taj Mahal and Tom Waits to Hank Williams, Johnny Cash and Gillian Welch. But mostly, it’s about his songs and his voice. Conjuring images of a lonely old hobo on the road, a hundred year old silo in a thunderstorm, or a steam train barreling through a narrow gorge, his songs are like paintings that unfold in time and, while evoking a simpler past, are still wholly rooted in the present. The arrangements are spare, the melodies haunting. His voice is a pleasant mix of gravel and honey, sweet and harsh in just the right proportions. When he gets behind a song, really gets the feel, then that song lives and breathes, and that moment takes on a life of its own. It is something to see. Benjamin lives to sing.
Benjamin Kemp Booking and info:
/benjaminkemp or bentface
- Screen name:
- bentface
- Member since:
- Apr 21 2007
- Active over 1 month ago
- Level of commitment:
- Very Committed
- Years playing music:
- 30
- Gigs played:
- Over 100
- Tend to practice:
- More than 3 times per week
- Available to gig:
- 4-5 nights a week
- Most available:
- Mornings
Instrument experience:
- Vocalist:
- Moderate
- Rhythm Guitar:
- Moderate
- Acoustic Guitar:
- Moderate
- Bass Guitar:
- Moderate
- Drums:
- Moderate
- Other Percussion:
- Moderate
- Harmonica:
- Moderate
- Banjo:
- Moderate