Ben Crosland's All Star Band Play the Ray Davies Song Book

Ben Crosland's All Star Band: Theo Travis, saxophones; Steve Lodder, keyboards; John Etheridge, guitar; Ben Crosland, bass; Buster Birch, drums.

'... a lot of affection, a lot of respect for those unforgeable melodies and a whole lotta damn fine playing ... these well respected men have done Mr. Davies proud.' Jazzwise

A fan of the KInks since 'You Really Got Me' rocketed to chart success in 1964, Bob Draper of Jazz in Reading, fulfilled a long-held ambition when he eventually secured this appearance by Ben Crosland's All Star Band Play the Ray Davies Songbook for Jazz at Progress. The band has been in constant demand since it took the Marsden Jazz Festival of 2015 by storm, followed up by two highly acclaimed volumes of the Ray Davies Song Book. 

Ben, Steve Lodder and John Etheridge remain from the original line up for this appearance, the well-honed core, to which the talents of Theo Travis and Buster Birch have been added more recently. Together they form a truly All Star Band that never fails to hit the spot.

Ray Davies, songwriter supreme, sent this message to Ben after listening to one of the albums:

'I really enjoyed listening to it. I feel privileged to have you do renditions of my songs and appreciate your craftsmanship.

Best Wishes

Ray Davies (July 1st 2023) 

Ray Davies' songs are rooted in the blues, music hall, popular song, variety and musical theatre - the perfect vehicles for jazz interpretation! 

Please join us for another fine night of the music we love.

Check out Ben Crosland's projects on https://www.jazz-cat.com/projects