07 March 2007 (gig)
10 March 2007
A 6pm showcase at Ronnie Scott’s, what a delightful way to wind down the day. Other than the occasional whisper of approval from some self obsessed 'jazz-wankers’, I’d not really heard much about 25yr old Bristolian, Ben Westbeech.
If you’re a fan of The Brand New Heavies or early stuff from Jamiroquai, then you’re definitely going to like this guy. That being said, if you’re into LTJ Bukem or Roni Size, you need to be giving up some serious time to investigate this boy’s undoubted talent. There’s hip-hop, funk and jazz influences behind Ben’s music. But most importantly, there’s a massive amount of soul. Wandering on to stage like he’d just broken free from writing lines or being in detention, this fresh faced white-boy belted out number after number, showcasing vocal talents that belied his boyish appearance. From up-tempo numbers such as Pusher man, to the slower, Drum & Bass influenced, Taken Away From, Westbeech gave the crowd a 40 min tour of his repertoire, finishing up with the mind blowing Get Closer, a collaboration with DJ Die,I like it. I liked it a lot.
I walked away with a smile on my face and a need to hear a lot more from what I can only describe as a prodigious British talent.
Ben Westbeechs’ debut album, Welcome To The Best Years Of Your Life, is released by Gilles Peterson’s, Brownswood Recordings on March 26th.
Buy it. Download it. Do what you can to get hold of it,you won’t be sorry.
