Ben Waters (UK) – Thursday, 2nd of March 2023:
“Key shattering boogie-woogie” – The Guardian UK
Ben Waters, the piano king of boogie-woogie, is returning to Australia in March to bring his own unique brand of barnstorming rock and blues, accompanied by his amazing band, including fellow UK virtuosos Ian Jennings on bass and Clive Ashley on saxophone, with an additional line-up to be announced.
Joining him at Port Fairy Folk Festival and Bird’s Basement in Melbourne will be local legends Ashley Davies on drums and Sweet Felicia on bass and vocals.
Touted by Jools Holland as being one of his all-time favourite pianists, Waters is renowned for rocking the house at every gig with an eclectic mix from his heroes Fats Domino, Huey “Piano” Smith, Albert Ammons, Ian Stewart, Jerry Lee Lewis, Amos Milburn, and Chuck Berry as well as his own foot stomping material, and he is promising Australian audiences all of this.
Waters says, “It’s been almost four years since I’ve rocked into Australia, and I can’t wait to get you all up on your feet, boogie-ing your butts off to all my favourite tunes, including … if I say so myself … my own originals.”
Having performed many times with the very recently departed legend, Jeff Beck, he has and continues to play alongside superstars such as The Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ray Davies, Jeff Beck, Jools Holland, PJ Harvey, Shakin’ Stevens and many more.
For some years, Waters along with the late, great Charlie Watts, Axel Swingenberger, and Dave Green performed live and recorded as the “A,B,C & D of Boogie Woogie”. In 2019, he came together with Ronnie Wood to form “Ronnie Wood & the Mad Lads”, performing the hits of their idol, Chuck Berry. They performed three major shows before the pandemic forced them to abandon the concept. However, they are now looking to reprise in 2023.
Another project Waters is in the process of re-launching is an update of his Boogie4Stu album, his tribute to The Rolling Stones founding member and road manager, Ian Stewart. Originally released in 2011, the new cut features additional tracks, with contributions so far from none other than longtime friend Keith Richards and others to be announced.
As a headliner, he has sold out thousands of shows around the world, from Ronnie Scott’s to the Sydney Opera House to The Royal Albert Hall and every kind of venue imaginable.
If you’re looking to get on your feet and boogie your socks off, Ben Waters is not to be missed.
