This weeks Music Monday feature has been put together by Ben Sommers. Ben is a unique artist, whose debut album, Avocado Chip was recently released to critical acclaim. Ben’s music veers from twisted folk to confessional balladry, with an Orwellian undercurrent to his material, which, whilst not overtly political, is at it’s core, a barometer of modern life.
I saw Mott The Hoople play one of their reunion shows at the Hammersmith Apollo a couple of years ago, and to hear those songs played live was one of the most thrilling experiences I have had. I grew up on their music and as they broke up before I was born, I thought I would never have the chance to see them. “All The Way From Memphis” is one of my favourite songs by them and it still sounds so fresh today. In my opinion, Ian Hunter has one of the best rock voices of all.
I first heard Jack in Water in late 2010 while I was round a friend’s house. I loved their music straight away. This song is called “Modest Preacher” and it’s taken from their second EP For All Her Work (available from iTunes). The track fuses elements of folk and drum and bass with soaring vocals from front man Will Clapson. They recently won the Abbey Road Studios Anthem Competition, where they recorded their song “Made of Ghosts” with the London Symphony Orchestra and Choir.
