Reader Spotlight: Benjamin Williams
Meet Benjamin Williams, who goes bass B.E.N (bass every night). Benjamin is an active bassist around Atlanta and on tour and seems to have a superhuman pinky as well. Here’s his story…
Bio:
My name is Benjamin Ryan Williams or B.E.N (bass every night). I’m a Texas-born, Atlanta-bred bassist who has toured with a slew of acts (Indigo Girls, Conner Youngblood) and recorded with some of Atlanta’s best hip hop producers (Pi’erre Bourne, DJ Burn One, DJ Toomp). I make solo abstract avant-garde music with sounds entirely from the bass guitar. My music has been featured on Spotify Fresh Finds Ambient and Birp! playlist many times.
Location:
Atlanta/GA/USA
Years experience:
15 years
Why I play the bass:
I kind of remember having no choice; the instrument had an immediate power of me! And I was fortunate enough to get hooked up with the most amazing teacher who had a profound influence on the bassist and man I am today.
Gear:
I play a Fender Jazz bass with nylon strings going into Line 6 DL4, Electro-Harmonix Freeze, and various assortments of pedals.
My Influences:
Preston Crump, Pino Palladino, Bill Frisell, and Stevie Wonder’s left hand.
My bass superpower/claim to fame:
My pinkie is a total Mr. Universe; I’m grateful for how beastly it is when it comes to the strings. I think its stronger than my arms.
More on the web:
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