Show notes
Embracing the classic yet contemporary sound of Americana in the tradition of artists like Ryan Adams and Wilco, a new voice is rising: Ben Ripani. Traveling the road that winds from the towering buildings of the metropolis to the rolling hills of the farmlands, Ben's songs tell stories of hope and love, of being lost and found; his music speaks of and to life's challenges and rewards. The journey would begin after college, having realized music was the only path for him, the Chicago native, self taught singer songwriter moved to San Diego and formed the rock band "Down With Leo". With them he recorded a 3 song demo in 2004, a full length album called "The Shaking Ground" in 2006, and 5 song EP in 2007. During his time with Down With Leo, Ben found his songwriting voice, stated to "have perfected pace changes and sophisticated compositions to make every song interesting".Writing from a personal perspective about his life and his world, "Lyrically, each track tells a story and the narrative is revealed as the song builds".(San Diego Reader Review) Ben's desire for learning music would then take him from San Diego to Phoenix where he attended the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences. While at school Ben worked with producer Paul Ricahards and Bert Stone to record his debut solo album "Hope Street" which was released in December 2008. The album is diverse and honest, passionate "with rich instrumentation and soulful vocals. Some songs here are stripped to only the acoustic guitar to showcase Ripani's poetics, which certainly hold up." (Max Herman: Illinois Entertainer) Each track is " a cut that soothes but pulls at the borders of the heart, briefly mounting passionately in the refrains. Slowly, your dragged beneath in his understated gems, fascinated, realizing just how compelling Ripani's music is, how subtly it works its way into odd Angles and unruffled pleasure." (Folk and Acoustic Music Exchange by Mark S. Tucker) Upon Ben's return to Chicago he formed his new band the Ben Ripani Music Co. This 5 piece band is comprised of Patrick Benson (percussion, vocals), Dave Marshall (bass, vocals), Chris Nakielski (keyboards, vocals), and Chris Lambert (guitar). The style of the band is that of Indie/Folk/Alt.Country/Americana with lyric based songs, involved texture and sound. It is hard not to engage in the honesty, moments of vulnerability and truth that is laid on the stage during live shows. Ben Ripani Music Co. recorded a two song demo in October 2009 featuring "East Side Train" and "Open Mile", and is in the studio now recording a full length album with an expected release date of October 2010. The band will continue to tour, travel and is looking forward to playing in a city near you.
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