Tag Archives: Matt Muir

Album Review: Ben Arnold – ‘Simplify’

Ben Arnold-Simplify Ben Arnold
Simplify
(B.O.S. Music, 2010)

Track list:
1. Depend on Love
2. Simplify
3. Slow Learner
4. Baby, Let the Tears Roll Down
5. Love Don’t Lie
6. Fishin’
7. O’ Holy Ghost
8. Breakfast for Dinner
9. Woman’s Intuition
10. Upstate New York White Out
11. Watching the Wheels

Ben Arnold’s newest album, ‘Simplify’, is a solid, filling and enjoyable album from start to finish.  On this album Arnold blends an eclectic mix of styles and delivers them all with respect and the utmost songwriting and musicianship possible.  Oh my, listening to ‘Simplify’ by Ben Arnold makes my ears smile and my feet want to dance.

“Depend on Love” is a very welcoming, positive and motivating opening track.  It’s followed by the title track with a great message – “SIMPLIFY”.  A simple, sincere message intertwined with a nice full, layered sound and you’re got a perfect song.  Arnold slows the tempo down on “Fishin’”, “Slow Learner”, and “O’ Holy Ghost” making these songs have  a more personal feel.  “Baby, Let the Tears Roll Down” is my favorite song on the album for the appeal of being effortlessly created, backed with such a beautiful melody (it will haunt you), and cathartic lyrics.  “Breakfast For Dinner” – I’m a huge fan of the idea and this song makes me hungry.  Wow, what better way to end an album than with a great cover of a John Lennon song, “Watching the Wheels”.  MAN, nice touch!

One thing I love about Ben Arnold’s voice is it’s raspy enough to give it a unique tone, yet still remains easy on the ears.  On this album Ben Arnold is accompanied by: Matt Muir, Zach Djanikian, Adam Flicker, and Jason Loughlin with additional musical help from Jim Boggia, Mia Johnson, Barrie Maguire and many more.  So, if you’re shopping for some new music you can’t go wrong with picking up a copy of Ben Arnold’s new album, ‘Simplify’.

[LISTEN] Here’s the title track from ‘Simplify’ by Ben Arnold:

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Ben Arnold: website | Myspace

Ben Arnold: Tuesday Night Residency @ The Grape Room – June + July 2010

Ben Arnold (photo credit: Lisa Schaffer)

Ben Arnold (photo credit: Lisa Schaffer)

Tuesday nights have been fairly lackluster since The Philly Folk Parade residency at The Fire (Philadelphia, PA) wrapped up at the end of May.  Well, Tuesday nights are fun again now that Ben Arnold has a residency at The Grape Room (Philadelphia, PA).  I missed the first night of Arnold’s residency on June 8th with Huffamoose (a reunion show) but I was there for the second night of the residency this past Tuesday, June 15th.  On that bill was, of course, Ben Arnold with Citizens Band Radio, and Chris Grunwald.  Chris Grunwald preformed a good solo set of music and I really liked what I heard.  Ben Arnold (and band: Zach Djanikian, Adam Flicker, Matt Muir, and Eric S.) played the penultimate set which I really enjoyed.  Now, I don’t have much history with Arnold’s music and I would consider myself a somewhat new fan but based on that performance, a representation of the new material on Simplify (upcoming release), I’m excited to hear the new album.  Wow, Ben Arnold is such a great singer/songwriter and hearing him with a band is a fantastic musical experience.  Citizens Band Radio finished out the night with some powerful Americana, country rock tunes that I enjoyed a lot more than I had anticipated.  Overall, it was an excellent night thanks to Ben Arnold, Blinkin Lincoln Productions, The Grape Room and all the other artists that played.  Yep, there’s a good chance I’ll be there several more Tuesday nights during this residency.

Here’s how Ben Arnold’s residency at The Grape Room looks thus far:
6/08 – Ben Arnold w/ Huffamoose (reunion)
6/15 – Ben Arnold w/ Citizens Band Radio, and Chris Grunwald
6/22 – Ben Arnold w/ Late Night Drifters, and Reed Kendall
6/29 – Ben Arnold w/ Zach Djanikian Band, and Andrew Lipke
7/06 – Ben Arnold w/ Josh Komorowski Band, and Ben Carroll
7/13 – Ben Arnold w/ Julius Curcio Band, and Frank Brown
7/20 – Ben Arnold w/ Cowmuddy, and Lee Morgan

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