Born in London and raised in the deep south of the United States, Ben’s musical style reflects these experiences. His guitar playing is an intoxicating mix, combining the raw delta blues of Robert Johnson, the Piedmont style of Reverend Gary Davis and the infectious bounce of Big Bill Broonzy.

With this as a foundation Ben also makes use of his years playing rock music, New Orleans jazz, and classical guitar, resulting in powerful lyrical soundscapes and an original songwrting style that reflects the bredth of genres. This combined with a soulful voice and commanding stage presence completes the picture of an innovative artist.

Among Ben’s many achievements was his band ‘The Spikedrivers’, an act that established itself as a very popular touring attraction across the UK and Europe. This was a group he founded in 1992 as a project to emcompass his love of early blues and roots music and as a vehical for his own song-wrting and multiple guitar styles. Over their 33years they released 10 CDs featuring many of Ben’s original compositions.

Ben also performs as a duo with Guy Tortora, who he has collaborated with for many years. Other projects include ‘Blues & Other Colours’ with Roger Askew and often featuring Olly Blanchflower & Michele Drees, ‘Saints & Sinners’ a blues and gospel group featuring his Spikedrivers band mates along with Fran McGillivray, Mike Burke and Roger Nunn. Other artists Ben has performed with include: Brooks Williams, Mike Dowling, Steve Morrison, Martin McNeill, Lee Sankey, Tim Aves ‘Wolfpack’ as well as being a featured artist with, The Boogaloo Blues All-Stars and with The Royal Shakespeare Company.

For more on the Spikedrivers: www.spikedrivers.net

All photos by Katie Dahlstrom
katiedahlstrom.com

UK Blues Federation
‘Traditional Blues Artist’
Nominee 2026

UK Blues Federation
‘Album Of The Year’ ‘Blues To The River’
Nominee 2026