Benjamin Croft

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Keyboardist, Producer and Composer

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Benjamin Croft

Benjamin Croft is a British keyboardist, music producer and songwriter.

From a very young age, Benjamin developed a strong interest for music. His next-door neighbour was a professional trumpet player and pianist. As a toddler, he used to sit in the corner of his music room and watch him perform. He promised young Benjamin to teach him music when he would be old enough to sit still and concentrate. At the age of 7, Benjamin began piano and trumpet lessons.

“Around age 17, my life was forever changed after hearing the album 'Close to the Edge' by the band Yes. I quickly developed a love for progressive rock. Keyboard players such as Rick Wakeman and Keith Emerson inspired me to practice for up to 8 hours a day.“ says Croft.

At 19, he won a scholarship at Leeds College of Music, where he spent 4 years studying piano, trumpet and composition.

After graduating, he completed several contracts on international cruise lines, travelling and performing. He lived and played in the US, and toured the world twice, working with artists as diverse as Belinda Carlisle, Leslie Garrett, The Temptations and The Platters.

"One night I was playing country, the next musical theatre and then jazz or rock."

Benjamin relocated to London (UK) in 2012 and quickly began to make a name for himself performing in some of the city's most notorious jazz clubs such as Ronnie Scott’s, and the Vortex among others . He played in the West End Show ’ Straight From the Heart’, and became a rehearsal pianist for 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 worked as a session musician, composer and arranger for various singers and instrumentalists.

While keeping up with a busy schedule performing and recording, Benjamin started composing his own music and released his first album ‘10 Reasons To...’ on 33Jazz Records in March 2019. 12 original compositions blending jazz fusion, classical and progressive rock.

"The musicians who collaborated on my first project were friends I had met performing at Ronnie Scott's.These included trumpet player Andy Davies and violinist Benet Mclean."

His second album, "Far and Distant Things", was recorded throughout 2020 and released in the summer of 2021 on Ubuntu Music. It features some prestigious guests musicians such as Randy Brecker, Allen Vizzutti, Frank Gambale, Barry Finnerty, Mike Miller, and Chad Wackerman.

Both albums have been critically acclaimed in the UK, US and Europe.

Benjamin spent the last 2 years making his latest album, “We Are Here To Help,”.

“It has been a great honour to record with legendary musicians including Simon Phillips, Marco Minnemann, Billy Sheehan, Stu Hamm, Jeff Scott Soto, Greg Howe, Mike Stern and Frank Gambale.”

“We Are Here To Help “ is an epic project with a heavier blend of progressive rock and *metal**, pushing further the boundaries of creativity, musical mastery and sonic excellence. The album also marks the launch of his record label* "Galactic Receiver". It is due for release on May,3rd 2024.