BBC Radio 6 Music broadcast: 12th January 2018
American singer, songwriter and pianist Ben Folds discusses his musical milestones with Matt Everitt in a programme first broadcast in 2013.
Ben Folds has always been an unlikely alternative rock hero. His studious, slightly bookish image was certainly at odd with the other bands around when he formed his piano bass and drums trio Ben Folds Five in 1993. More to the point. there weren't really many indie piano bass and drums trios around at that time. And if there were, they didn't rock as hard as Ben Folds Five.
From the off the band was always different, but that's what made them great. They married the piano dynamics and melodies of early Elton John and Randy Newman, with smart lyrics that focused on American life and Ben's personal history. And their musicianship was simply staggering.
Ben talks about his musical heroes, the early days of Ben Folds Five and how he managed to carve a niche for the band, which found fame with their hit song Brick. He also discusses his work with author Nick Hornby, putting his past behind him to reform Ben Folds Five in 2011 and what it's like recording an album with William 'Captain Kirk' Shatner!
Ben Folds - Rockin' The Suburbs [Epic]
Peter, Paul & Mary - Puff, The Magic Dragon [Warner Bros]
Rick Dees & His Cast Of Idiots - Disco Duck [Kenwest]
Peter Frampton - Show Me The Way [Debutante]
Dr. Hook - Cover Of Rolling Stone [Capitol]
Talking Heads - Uh-Oh, Love Comes To Town [Rhino]
Elton John - Burn Down The Mission
Herbie Hancock - Maiden Voyage [Evangeline Recorded Works]
Ben Folds Five - Underground [Polygram TV]
Ben Folds Five - Brick [Epic]
William Shatner - Common People [Omnibus]
Ben Folds - From Above
The Divine Comedy - Bang Goes The Knighthood [Sony]
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