May, 3rd 2024
"We Are Here To Help” is out now and available to everyone in the galaxy!
I am immensely proud of this album and feel it's my most accomplished yet. It’s been a long road to completion, and many curries were devoured! I started writing this in 2020! The songs took a whole year to track and then further mixing and mastering the following year.
I would like to thank everyone involved who all brought their A game.
Get your copy here
Now to start writing the next one…!
"We Are Here To Help" Produced, written and arranged by Benjamin Croft, lyrics by Marsha Swanson
Benjamin Croft - Keyboards, Jeff Scott Soto - vocals, Lynsey Ward - vocals, Greg Howe - guitar, Mike Stern - guitar, Per Nilsson - guitar, Frank Gambale - guitar, Carter Arrington - guitar, Billy Sheehan - bass, Stu Hamm - bass, Dave Marks - bass, Flo Moore- bass, Simon Phillips-drums, Marco Minnemann - drums.
Recorded at: The Church Studios Engineer - Luke Pickering, Sleeper Sounds Engineer - Marcus Locock, Greystoke Studio Engineer - Andy Whitmore, Brighton Electric Studios Engineer- Jim Mortimore
Mixed by Stephen W Tayler at Millside, Real World Studios, Mastered by Barry Grint at AIR Studios, London
Art Direction, illustration and design by Hugh Syme, Photography Delphine Orliange, Music videos Sam Chegini
April 8th 2024
The interstellar music video for my latest single "We Are Here To Help " is now out!
Sam Chegini has accelerated to warp speed to create this new video!
April 1st 2024
GET READY TO ROCK !!!
My third single, and title track “We Are Here To Help” lands this Friday April 5th.
The lineup on this song is out of this world! I’m joined by Jeff Scott Soto - vocals, Carter Arrington - guitar, Billy Sheehan - bass and Marco Minnemann - drums!
Artwork by the legendary Hugh Syme.
pre-save the track here
March, 4th 2024
“Lower Moat Manor” music video, once again created by the amazing Sam Chegini, is out now!
The classic 1980 Anthology TV show “Hammer House Of Horror” was the inspiration for “Lower Moat Manor”. The title itself came from the episode “Rude Awakening”. This particular story depicted being trapped in a recurring nightmare.
Feb, 26th 2024
The second single from my forthcoming album “We Are Here To Help” drops this Friday! “Lower Moat Manor” will be available on all the major platforms on March 1st.
Along with myself on Keyboards, I’m joined by the world class talents of Frank Gambale - Guitar, Flo Moore - Bass and Simon Phillips - Drums.
Hugh Syme has once again designed the amazing artwork for this single.
Please click here to pre-save the track
Feb, 3rd 2024
Ladies and gentlemen,
The music video for my latest single “Wrestling With Plato” is now out! The video was created by award-winning director Sam Chegini.
Sam’s credits include videos for 2 of my favourite bands Jethro Tull and Gentle Giant.
Enjoy !
Jan,24th 2024
I’m really happy to announce that the first single from my forthcoming album "We Are Here To Help" will be released next month.
"Wrestling With Plato" will be available on all the usual platforms on February 2nd.
Along with myself on keyboards, the song features the immense talents of: Lynsey Ward - vocals, Per Nilsson - guitar, Dave Marks - bass guitar, additional guitars and percussion, and Marco Minnemann - drums.
There will be a special video directed by Sam Chegini to accompany the song. The incredible image was designed by Hugh Syme.
Please click here to pre-save the track
Jan, 9th 2024
Hi folks, here’s a short trailer for my forthcoming album ‘We Are Here To Help’.
You can hear a selection of the amazing guest stars appearing on the album including Jeff Scott Soto, Lynsey Ward, Greg Howe, Per Nilsson, Stu Hamm, Billy Sheehan, Marco Minnemann and Simon Phillips expertly mixed by Stephen W Tayler and mastered by Barry Grint.
The first single will be out next month…
Dec, 18th 2023
I am excited to share some of the amazing artwork for my forthcoming album ‘We Are Here To Help’.
The album will also mark the launch of my own record label ‘Galactic Receiver’.
The designs for the album and record label were created by award winning graphic artist Hugh Syme.
Hugh is most famous for his designs for the band Rush. His CV also includes artwork for Dream Theater, Whitesnake, Iron Maiden and many others.
The first single will be out early next year!
Nov, 4th 2023
I am proud to introduce the amazing guests featuring on my forthcoming album. It has been a real honor to work with such incredible people and talents.
I spent my Wednesday afternoon at AIR Studios!
It was great to see my friend Barry Grint again. Barry is currently mastering my new album.
Look out for ‘Bazza’ etched on the runout grooves of your vinyl to know you have a Barry Grint cut!
March, 25th 2023
Thank you to everyone that wished me happy birthday yesterday!
I had a wonderful day at Real World Studios, situated in the tiny village of Box!
I spent the afternoon finalising the mix of my latest project with the legendary Stephen W Tayler.
Each track features a superstar lineup of some of the worlds greatest musicians!
Full details will be announced in the near future!
Dec, 20th 2022
I was back in the studio again a couple of times over the last few weeks.
The first session turned out to be 5 years to the day that I first recorded at Greystoke Studio !
It's always a pleasure to work with Andy Whitmore at his studio.
All my parts to my latest project are just about complete.
Looking forward to getting this all mixed.hopefully early next year...
The new music will feature 2 drummers, 4 bassists, 5 guitarists, 2 vocalists and myself on keyboards!
July, 4th 2022
A great day at Sleeper Sounds Studio last week!
I was joined by Flo Moore for part of the day to track her parts for a composition featuring a legendary drummer and guitarist!
I am just over halfway with this latest project...
May, 3rd 2022
I had another very productive day at Greystoke Studio. I have worked with studio owner Andy Whitmore on 3 of my albums and always get great results!
3 Tracks nearly complete, 6 to go!!!
A galaxy of legendary musicians have already contributed to these tracks!!!
More news on that later...
Why am I wearing a towel?...Douglas Adams said it's a dangerous Universe so you should always know where your towel is!!!
Mar, 14th 2022
Back in one of my favourite studios this weekend!
I spent most of Saturday working on the first 3 tracks of my latest project in the Neve Room at The Church Studios .
Luke Pickering did an amazing job engineering the session!
Aug, 6th 2021 ‘‘FAR AND DISTANT THINGS’’ IS OUT TODAY!
Order your copy on digital, CD or Vinyl format
Prog Magazine "Far And Distant Things puts a contemporary spin on the genre and sounds terrific with a crisp, revealing production."
Matt Derraugh ’‘shining example of sonic craftsmanship’’ RATING: 5/5
Progressive Rock Central ‘‘Far And Distant Things is clearly one of my top progressive albums of 2021.’’
At The Barrier ‘This is without doubt, a must own album for 2021, that pushes forward the creative possibilities of jazz fusion.’’
Gary “Uncle G” Brown ‘‘I strongly recommend having it in one’s own personal music collection, “Uncle G” rates Benjamin Croft – Far And Distant Things…5 stars!!!
Progarchy "The music is exceptionally well-written and equally well-performed"
Sea Of Tranquility:"Benjamin Croft is a force to be reckoned with, and I can't wait to hear what he comes up with next. Do not miss Far and Distant Things folks!". Watch Pete Pardo‘s video review on YouTube
Bebop Spoken Here: “There’s only two types of music, good and bad.' Far and Distant Things is amongst the good stuff."
Jazz Views "an epically scaled, all guns blazing affair"
Jazzwise: "fast moving, highly virtuosic set"
Jazz Journal: ‘‘Original and clever’’ 4.5 stars
Sound Magnet ‘‘An absolute recommendation to all fans of the genre, a 9/10 from me’’
UK Vibe: ‘‘This album is a must-listen’’
ProgLoop: ‘‘an album that stands out amongst new releases.’’
More articles and interviews here
July, 9th 2021
The third and final single from my forthcoming album is out today!
'Brock' features the amazing Gareth Lockrane on a selection of flutes and piccolo!
The track was mostly recorded at the Church Studios in London back in January 2020.
You can also hear a superb bass solo from Flo Moore and some great drumming from Tristan Mailliot.
The stunning mix is once again provided by Stephen W Tayler
Listen/download ‘‘ Brock’’
June, 11th 2021
The second single from my new album is out today!
'S&R Video' is a track featuring multi-Grammy winning jazz legend Randy Brecker on trumpet!
This was mostly tracked in Metropolis Studios and was their first session of 2020! 'S&R Video' also features Henry Thomas on bass and Tristan Mailliot on drums.
The track was mixed by Stephen W Tayler and mastered by Barry Grint.
Listen/ download 'S&R Video'
May, 14th 2021
Ladies and Gentlemen...the first single from my new album is out today!!!
'Far and Distant Things' is the title track from the album, featuring legendary jazz fusion guitarist Frank Gambale.
The music was mostly tracked back in January 2020 at Metropolis Studios in London and also features Flo Moore on bass and Tristan Mailliot on drums.
The incredible mix for this track was by Stephen W Tayler at Real World Studios.
This spectacular music video is by Goat Noise Photography.
Listen/ watch/ download " Far and Distant Things"
May, 7th 2021 FAR AND DISTANT THINGS (TRAILER) FEATURING FRANK GAMBALE
On May 14th, I will be releasing the first single from my upcoming album!
The track features fusion guitar legend Frank Gambale
Here is a sneak peak of the amazing video created by Goat Noise Photography.
April, 21st 2021
Far And Distant Things - Trailer
On this video you can hear some of the many great guest stars appearing on my album including Randy Brecker, Frank Gambale and Chad Wackerman.
I will be releasing my first single next month with an exciting video. Watch this space!
March, 31st 2021
Very happy to announce that I will be releasing my forthcoming album "Far and Distant Things" with Ubuntu Music on August 6th!
“Benjamin’s overall talent, his composition skills and the music itself impressed me immensely. He tirelessly worked his way through a crippling pandemic and boldly approached a select group of legendary US musicians to join him on his recording. The end result, ‘Far and Distant Things’, is a tribute to the talent and the tenacity of a passionate man on a musical mission. We are happy to have Benjamin join us.” Martin Hummel, Director of Ubuntu Music
Read more
The artwork was designed by the amazing Hugh Syme.
Hugh is famous for his iconic design work with the band Rush. Some of his other credits include Whitesnake, Aerosmith, Iron Maiden and most recently Dream Theater.
He also played keyboards on several tracks for Rush!
March, 18th 2021
Half speed mastering and disc cutting was completed a few days ago by the amazing Barry Grint of Alchemy Mastering at AIR studios.
Barry “Bazza” Grint’s credits include projects for Eric Clapton, Madonna, Prince, Van Halen and many more!
Barry knew exactly what was right for my tracks and I can’t wait to share them with you later this year!
Dec, 11th 2020
I recently announced the great musicians I have been working with over the past year on my latest album project. Tracking for the album wrapped up in July, and then, a couple of months later, I visited Real World Studios for the album mixing sessions.
It's not just about great playing and composition etc that make an album. A mix can often make or break an album.
I have always been interested in the whole production side of recorded music and the imagination of James Farber, Eddy Offord, Ken Scott, Hugh Padgham and especially Stephen W Tayler has inspired me.
I am very happy to say I have been working with Stephen W Tayler on the mixing of the tracks. Stephen has worked with many of my heroes and influences over the years: Kate Bush, Peter Gabriel, Rush, Tina Turner, Howard Jones.... His credits are too long to list here!
Stephen instinctively understood what was perfect for the music in his mixes, and I am more than happy with the results.
I am certainly looking forward to working with Stephen more in the future!
The album will be mastered in January.
More news on that and the album release coming soon!
August, 4th 2020
Announcing the legendary guest stars on my next album release!
Randy Brecker
Frank Gambale
Allen Vizzutti
Chad Wackerman
Barry Finnerty
Mike Miller
July, 23rd 2020
Recording Session Day 6 - RAK, Studio 3
A few days ago, I was back at RAK Studios with Flo Moore and Tristan Mailliot to finally finish tracking my latest project which I started back in January. The tracks were engineered by the amazing Isabel Gracefield.
This was a great day for me because I was finally able to record with a fully functioning Yamaha CS-80. Anyone that has seen the movie Bladerunner will be familiar with its sound. This synth is extremely rare.They usually sell for around 20k, ,and that is if you can even find one!
It's now time to plan for the mixing phase of the project…
July, 8th 2020
Recording Session Day 5 - RAK, studio 1
After a long break, I was finally able to get back into the studio and record in RAK studio 1 for the final 3 pieces of my next album.
Amazing playing from Carter Arrington, Flo Moore, Henry Thomas and Laurie Lowe.
The Tracks were engineered by the extremely talented Isabel Gracefield.
June, 25th 2020
2020 remix part II - The Legend of Bray (Drum n Bass)
Equipment : Prophet 5, Oberheim OB-Xa, Arp Odyssey MKII,Nord Stage 2. Drum Programming -Logic Pro X
June, 12th 2020
Whilst my new project is on hold, I have revisited some of the compositions from my first album "10 Reasons To...".
Here is the 2020 remix of one of "100 Years At Sea "
Equipment : Prophet 5, Oberheim OB-Xa, Arp Odyssey MKII,Nord Stage 2. Drum Programming -Logic Pro X
Mar, 20th 2020
Recording Session Day 4 - Greystoke Studio
Despite all my gigs being cancelled, I'm still trying to remain productive.
Yesterday I was back at Greystoke Studio working on another track.I love the Rhodes that I'm playing on in this photo!
This particular track features another world class US musician...
Thanks again to Andy Whitmore for doing an amazing job engineering this track
March, 8th 2020
My first album, "10 Reasons To..." was released a year ago today!
I would like to thank you all for your support, as well as Benet McLean, Andy Davies, Tristan Mailliot, Henry Thomas, Flo Moore, Gareth Lockrane, Mike Outram, Henry Spencer for playing my compositions to the highest level throughout the year, the legendary Andrew Skilleter for his amazing artwork, Jazzwise, Prog Magazine, Hi-Fi news, Bebop Spoken Here, Jazz Journal, Jazz Views, All About Jazz, London Jazz News, for their great reviews, and Jazz FM, London Jazz Radio and BBC Radio 3 for playing tracks from my album.
Feb, 16th 2020
Recording Session Day 3 - Greystoke Studio.
A few days ago I spent a half day at Greystoke recording more parts for my new album project .
I highly recommend this studio for all your keyboard needs.
Studio owner Andy Whitmore keeps his vast selection of vintage and new equipment in great working order!
Jan, 29th 2020
Recording Session Day 2 completed a week ago at The Church Studios
We had an amazing time a few days ago tracking some more of my compositions.
These tracks featured the talents of Gareth Lockrane, Andy Davies ,Flo Moore and Tristan Mailliot who all played superbly!
Still a few more sessions to go…
Jan, 7th 2020
Two days ago, I completed the first session for my latest album, at Metropolis Studios, Studio A. This project will be recorded over the next few months.
The tracks recorded this day feature the talents of Flo Moore, Tristan Mailliot and Henry Thomas.
I was also excited to have Helen Vollam on trombone. Helen is the principal of the BBC Symphony Orchestra.
The tracks were engineered by Grammy winner Paul Norris and additionally feature international jazz legends, who will remain secret for the time being!!!
Sept, 10th 2019 10 REASONS TO… live a Oliver’s
clips from a very enjoyable gig at Oliver’s last Friday with Mike Outram on guitar, Flo Moore on bass and Tristan Mailliot on drums.; great vibes and a very appreciative audience.
More videos on YouTube channel
June, 2nd 2019 10 REASONS TO… live at The Crypt
A few clips from the gig at the Crypt on May 24th, featuring Mike Outram on guitar, Flo Moore on bass and Tristan Mailliot on drums.
May,18th 2019 10 REASONS TO… live at Karamel
Clips from last Thursday’s gig at Karamel, featuring Gareth Lockrane on flutes, Henry Thomas on bass and Tristan Mailliot on drums.
Apr, 25th 2019 10 REASONS TO… reviewed
The Jazz Mann ✰✰✰✰ ‘‘ An impressive solo debut ’’
All About Jazz ✰✰✰✰
Jazz Views ‘‘ unusual, engaging and highly accomplished release ‘‘
Prog Magazine ‘‘Sparkling debut album by the British keyboard player and composer’’
Beebop Spoken Here ‘‘The musicianship is superb from all quarters ‘‘
Jazzwise ‘‘an almost infinite variety of invention’’
Jazz Journal ‘‘a great listen from start to finish ‘‘
April, 2nd 2019
‘10 REASONS TO…’ reviewed in PROG!
March, 28th 2019
‘‘10 REASONS TO… ‘‘ LIVE!
May, 5th 2019 THE VORTEX (London) Book now
May, 16th 2019 KARAMEL (London) Book now
May, 24th 2019 THE CRYPT (London)
Sept 6th 2019 OLIVER’S JAZZ BAR (London)
more dates coming soon…
March, 24trh 2019
‘‘10 Reasons To…’’ is now also available to download on Apple Music and Amazon!
- Download on Amazon
- Download on ITunes
- Order the CD
March, 8th 2019
ALBUM RELEASE
My album, ‘‘10 Reasons to…’’ is now out on 33jazz Records and available online and in stores!
ORDER NOW
March, 1st 2019
New music video! Live recording of The Sycophant.
BENJAMIN CROFT'S TRIPLE ECHO
Benjamin Croft Composer/Piano/Keyboards
Benet Mclean Violin
Henry Thomas Bass
Tristan Mailliot Drums
Tomas Moreno Engineering/Mastering
Studio version appearing on the Album 10 Reasons to... , available on March, 8th, on 33jazz Records.
Pre order here
Subscribe to my YouTube channel Benjamin Croft Music.
Feb, 27th 2019 ALBUM REVIEW
Thanks to Roger Farbey for his 4 star review at allboutjazz.com
Read the full review here
feb, 26th 2019 About 10 seconds to look forward to 10 REASONS TO....
For Future Past - In memory of Peter Miles who passed away a year ago today…
This short clip is the last in the teaser series from 10 Reasons to...
Peter's voice can be heard on two tracks on the album,"100 Years at Sea", and this final track, "For Future Past". I believe this was Peters final work before he passed so it really makes these two tracks special.....
The Musicians :
Benjamin Croft - piano keyboards , Andy Davies - trumpet, Henry Thomas - bass , Saleem Raman - drums, Peter Miles - narration
Artwork Andrew Skilleter
Feb, 22nd 2019 A few clips filmed during the album launch at the Pheasantry (19/02/2019)
Feb, 13th 2019 About 10 seconds to look forward to 10 REASONS TO....
Bad Reputations
Part 9 in a series of 10 teaser tracks from 10 Reasons to...
Musicians featured on this track: Benjamin Croft - Piano, Rhodes, Mini-Moog, Prophet 5, Juno 60, Benet Mclean - Violin, Henry Thomas - Bass, Tristan Mailliot - Drums
Jan, 13th 2019 About 10 seconds to look forward to 10 REASONS TO....
See You in Another Lifetime
Part 8 in a series of 10 teaser tracks from 10 Reasons to... Musicians featured on this track: Benjamin Croft - Piano, Rhodes, Mini-Moog, Prophet 5, Juno 60 Henry Thomas - Bass Saleem Raman - Drums
Dec,28th 2018 About 10 seconds to look forward to 10 REASONS TO....
The Whispering Knight
Part 7 in a series of 10 teaser tracks from 10 Reasons to... Musicians featured on this track: Benjamin Croft Rhodes Andy Davies Trumpet, Saleem Raman Drums, Mario Castronari Bass.
Dec, 12th 2019 - ALBUM LAUNCH CONCERT - Save the date!!!
The launch concert for my upcoming album ‘10 reasons to…’ will be on February, 19th 2019 at The Pheasantry in Chelsea (London)
The band:
Benjamin Croft (piano/keyboards - including Moog Synthesizer!), Benet Mclean (violin),Andy Davies (trumpet), Henry Thomas (bass) ,Tristan Mailliot (drums)
More information and tickets here
Dec, 3rd 2018
‘One Million Years at Sea’- live teaser
A live teaser special, played on Mini-moog and Prophet 5.
Dec, 1st 2018 About 10 seconds to look forward to 10 REASONS TO....
One Million Years at Sea
Part 6 in a series of 10 teaser tracks from 10 Reasons to...
Musicians featured on this track: Benjamin Croft Mini Moog, Prophet 5, Juno 60 , Tristan Mailliot Drums
Nov, 25th 2018 First look at Robert Hammond's amazing design work for my album, 10 reasons to.....
Artwork by Andrew Skilleter.
Nov,,15th 2018: About 10 seconds to look forward to 10 REASONS TO....
T. T. E.
Part 5 in a series of 10 teaser tracks from 10 Reasons to...
Musicians featured on this track: Benjamin Croft Piano Andy Davies Flugelhorn Mario Castronari Bass Saleem Ramen Drums
Nov,, 1st 2018: About 10 seconds to look forward to 10 REASONS TO....
Inside Immortality
Part 4 in a series of 10 teaser tracks from 10 Reasons to...
Musicians featured on this track: Benjamin Croft Rhodes Mk 1, Mini Moog, Prophet 5 , Tristan Mailliot Cymbals
Oct, 19th 2018 About 10 seconds to look forward to 10 REASONS TO....
The Legend Of Bray
Part 3 in a series of 10 teaser tracks from 10 Reasons to...
Musicians featured on this track: Benjamin Croft Rhodes Benet Mclean Violin Henry Thomas Bass Tristan Mailliot Drums.
Oct, 2nd 2018 About 10 seconds to look forward to 10 REASONS TO....
No Oil For Sale Here (Dedicated to Gustav Mahler)
Part 2 in a series of 10 teaser tracks from 10 Reasons to...
Musicians featured on this track: Benjamin Croft Keys, Andy Davies Trumpet, Saleem Raman Drums, Mario Castronari Bass.
Sept, 18th 2018 About 10 seconds to look forward to 10 REASONS TO....
100 Years At Sea
Part 1 in a series of 10 teaser tracks from 10 Reasons to...
Musicians featured on this track: Benjamin Croft Rhodes Benet Mclean Violin Henry Thomas Bass Tristan Mailliot Drums.
Sept, 13th 2018
New music video ! Live Recording of Bad Reputations
BENJAMIN CROFT'S TRIPLE ECHO
Benjamin Croft Composer/Piano/Keyboards
Benet Mclean Violin
Henry Thomas Bass
Tristan Mailliot Drums
Tomas Moreno Engineering/Mastering
Studio version appearing on the Album 10 Reasons to... , available early 2019 on 33jazz Records.
More videos to come on my YouTube channel Benjamin Croft Music. Subscribe and stay tuned!
