The dulcet tones of Ben Howard & his beguiling guitar

[Gretchen]

Having VERY eclectic tastes in music and highly sensitive ears/hearing, I rarely post in here. But after last night I wanted to share. 

I've been following the delightful sounds of Ben Howard for a while and back at the beginning of summer decided to finally invest all of £27 in a couple of tickets to see him live inviting Johnny to accompany me. 

Having just returned from his gig at Scala in Kings Cross, an intimate venue most suitable for the almost folk festival feel Ben evokes, my investment was well worth it. A priceless performance by Ben and his band members India and Chris with their Cellos, Drums and Bass Guitar 



Ben is both talented in singing and songwriting and seems quite self effacing with it. Almost embarrassed at the cheers and applause he received, questioning whether indeed he deserved it. 

His unique style of guitar playing is refreshing, playing the acoustic instrument in drum like fashion, changing guitar for almost every song, strumming furiously during 'The Wolves', beating drum like for 'Under The Same Sun'. Each song played as passionately and heartfelt as the last. 

Taking lots of influence from nature and love, Ben's dulcet tones are both pleasant on the ear and warming in the heart. 

If you haven't heard him yet, seek him out. His debut album Every Kingdom was released at the beginning of October 

http://www.myspace.com/benhoward

Lots of clips on YouTube too.

A few short clips taken with my iPhone last night, just to prove how astonishingly good he is live 

The Wolves

Keep Your Head Up

Bones

[SkinnyBoy]

Love this album, got it on repeat in the car at the moment. Can't wait for him to make it down under.

[Gretchen]

I'm still loving Ben Howard. 

Listening to him in the car this morning, even my kids love his music. And my 18 year old seems to now be a huge convert too.

Took my nine and ten year old boys to see him live at the beginning of the year. It was their first proper gig and they both loved it.

Have tickets to see him several times later this year again. He'll be sick of me soon. 

Radio One Live Lounge cover of Call Me Maybe was great 


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPU8V-nvUEk&fea...


Lots of his tracks being used in adverts and trailers on TV at the moment. 

And I'm loving the Roni Size remix of Only Love too. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09-FmMAJq1E&fea...


Can't wait for another album. Great stuff. 

[roogi]

I will be getting his album after hearing The Wolves on one of Danny Macaskill's videos (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShbC5yVqOdI)

I never thought this would happen to me, but as I'm getting older I'm starting to prefer more mellow genres than the rock, punk and drum and bass that I used to listen to.

I've always liked a bit Jazz as well and I'm enjoying it more and more, but there is so much I don't really know where to start.

[Crackie]

First time I heard Ben Howard was a couple of weeks ago singing on Later and I haven't listen to much else since.......... the emotion in all these performances is rare; Black Flies at the BBC is mesmerising

The Wolves

Old Pine

BBC sessions inc Black Flies

Only Love ( Flashmob )

Call me Maybe ~ cover on Live Lounge

Album on order

Edited by Crackie on Friday 15th June 16:38

[roogi]

Not as folkey, but also amazing guitar/singing combo...

Lianne La Havas - Age