New Review of "Before the Birds" - Mutant Space

This is Glover’s second album working with the producer Neilson Hubbard and it’s the most personal record he has made. This is what happens when a damn fine producer creates a trusting environment that allows the artist to throw out ideas and try new things. And it has been most successful here on this record. It’s easy to see how the trusting relationship afforded Ben the space to explore and make quiet possibly the best record of his career. Well worth the listen, and after one listen it just grows on you and becomes an old friend. A stunning album.

Trick of the Light

Ben has teamed up with Good Seed PR (Duran Duran, Suzanne Vega, Marilyn Manson, Eleanor McEvoy) to release "Before the Birds" in the Republic of Ireland. "I've always respected Linda Coogan Byrneand the team at Good Seed PR and I'm excited about the opportunity to work with them," says Ben. "They have such a passion for the music they represent and I'm honored to be included in their roster of great bands."  The single "Trick of the Light" is being shipped to radio this week. The official add date for the single is Aug. 26 and release for the album is Sept. 9th. To listen to the single, follow this link!  soundcloud.com/goodseedpr/trick-of-the-light-by-ben

Back in the studio

Ben is heading back to the studio with Neilson next week to cut a remix version of "I Am With    You"  and is also record a new song called, "Whatever Happens Will". "I love being in the studio and I'm looking forward to getting in there and laying down these new ideas. The songs seem to come to me faster than I can get in the studio," says Ben. "I'm especially excited about " Whatever Happens Will."  I tried that out on the road for the past few months and the response was really overwhelming.

Congrats and special thanks!

Congrats to Ben and big thanks to Belfast's Downtown Radio for the 5th week on Downtown Radio's playlist with "You Are The Same As The Tide."

Maverick Magazine gives "Before The Birds" 4 stars

“Probably his truest and most honest album to date"

With two quality albums already under his belt, Ben Glover has decided to strip the sound right back, putting the reliance firmly on his vocals and the value of the songs. Produced again by Neilson Hubbard who was at the helm on THROUGH THE NOISE, THROUGH THE NIGHT this album has Ben Glover evolving into a very accomplished artist. Tracks such as the peaceful Song Of A Caged Bird Singing with its gorgeous lyrics and the more beat-driven You Are The Same As The Tide show the quality of both Ben’s singing and his songwriting. Radio 2 needs to be aware of this album as tracks such as the tender and expressive Trick Of The Light could be a hit with the listeners, especially on the Bob Harris and Alex Lester Shows. This is a good strong Americana album from a fine singer-songwriter.” 
- David Knowles

Radio Appearances

Ben will be appearing live on a number of Northern Ireland radio programmes over the next week. He will be talking about his upcoming Irish gigs (The Black Box, Belfast on 10th June & Flowerfield, Portstewart on 11th June) as well as playing new music from "Before The Birds." Tune in and catch Ben on the following -
Monday 6th June: BBC Radio Ulster - The Late Show With Stuart Bailie @ 10pm
Tuesday 7th June: Downtown Radio - The Caroline Fleck Show @ 12pm
Wednesday 9th June: U105 - The Johnny Hero Show @ 4pm
Friday 10th June: BBC Radio Ulster - Arts Extra @ 6.30pm

"Before the Birds" - Album of the Month

Before The Birds is Glover's follow up to the hugely impressive Through The Noise, Through The Night which was our album of the month for May 2010, so it was always going to be a hard task to match its quality. Glover again went to Nashville to record with producer Nelson Hubbard. This is obviously a fruitful relationship that the pair posses as Before The Birds is simply stunning.

The overall vibe of the album is laid back and atmospheric with Glover's voice having developed a slight husky growl that gives his vocals an endearing world weariness. The opening track Trick Of The Light sets the tone for the whole album. The whole approach seems to be that less is more from the sparse instrumentation to the retrained production. The songs are allowed the space to envelope the listener and have a soothing, almost cathartic effect. I Am With You and To Believe, like Trick Of The Light, make nods to Dylan (Bob) in their structure and approach but Glover's voice is far more appealing than his Bobness's nasal tones.

The wonderful Almost Home and Song Of A Caged Bird Singing are things of rare beauty, like the type of songs that Springsteen was capable of in the early 80's with Nebraska. The pop feel of Lockdown is toned down by the interaction of banjo and hammond but it is still perhaps the most radio friendly of all the tracks. My favourite track is also the albums final one. At The Car park is an intensely dark and mesmerising song which reminds me of The Blue Nile and this is perhaps the strength of both this album and Glover himself. His sound has a familiarity to it, like all the best bits of artists he loves, yet he has nailed a sound which is uniquely his.

At only 32 minutes long and 10 songs it is over all to quickly but hey, that is what repeat button is for. With each album release he is laying down a new benchmark for himself which is going to be harder and harder to better. The thing is though, you just know that he will better it, as hard as it is going to be.

www.musiccritic.co.uk

BBC Scotland Iain Anderson Songwriter of Week

Ben is excited to be named Songwriter of the Week by BBC Scotland's Iain Anderson. "I'm a big fan of Ian's show and have loved touring in Scotland the past year so it's a really special thing for "Before the Birds" to be recognized by Iain and to be named Songwriter of the Week," Ben says.   You can tune in to Iain's show here...www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0074hkv 

Lonesome Highway Review

Net Rhythms Review of Before The Birds

The Co Antrim songwriter's third album in as many years, like its predecessors it was recorded in Nashville and, like his sophomore release, finds Neilson Hubbard taking care of production duties as well as providing bass, piano, acoustic guitar and four co-writes. Having previously notched up comparisons to Earle, Forbert, Springsteen, Morrison and Gray, while faint traces remain here and there (along with a vague hint of Dylan) this time round he's very much his own voice.

Indeed two of the songs contain specific lines about following your own instincts. On the hushed and dusty slow sway Americana of Trick Of The Light he sings "there's no path to follow, we make our own road" while To Believe, a gently jogging folky number with muted gospel organ backing on the chorus, offers "loosen up your golden chain, follow where your road will lead."

The song itself is about relationships and how sometimes you can only hold on by letting go. And, just as he sings "and while you wander should you wonder just exactly what you need and your heart tells you it's me I hope you find a reason to believe, bring it back to me" so many of the songs here are about building solid relationships, the difficulties of making them work and of the distances that often open up even when the bonds remain connected.

On the jangling mid-tempo You Are The Same As The Tide, one of the many highlights, his lover's "rushing in and pulling away always out when I'm standing on the beach" while the opening line of the chords tumbling Any Other Way declares "you and me we're like a hammer and nail I guess we go together" as he again sings about being there when his lover's done 'flyin 'round'.

Accompanied by a melancholic plucked banjo, the slowly gathering Lockdown will strike a note with anyone who's found it impossible to break through another's self-defensive walls and of the hurt silence can cause. It's a song Tom Petty would have been proud to write.

Sketching pictures, Glover's lyrics are economical and direct, yet emotionally poetic. It's testament to his writing skills and the conviction of his heart that he can write something called Song Of A Caged Bird Singing with a line about a broken wing and soar above the inherent cliches.

Much of the album plays out with simple acoustic melodies, gathering the sadness around the guitar strings and Glover's whispery vocals, the songs suffused with longing, whether it be for home (the dreamy Almost Home with its keening pedal steel) or for contact and communication, beautifully captured in the soulful, flugelhorn-kissed At The Car Park where two souls and the whole word sit lonely in the dark.

Ultimately, though, he's a hopeful romantic. Backed by a Memphis soul late night Hammond organ, on the slow waltzing retro groove Sweet On You, co-written with backing singer Kaci Bolls, he whispers "I think of forever when I think of us.. Stay sweet on me, whatever you do, I'll always want to stay sweet on you."

Take a listen, because this is a musical love affair you'll want to be in for the long haul.

New Videos From The Road

New videos are up from Ben's performance at East Grinstead.

www.youtube.com/watch ("Too Late To Leave Her Alone")

www.youtube.com/watch ("Full Moon Child")

www.youtube.com/watch ("Mercy Now" Encore Performance with Mary Gauthier and Tania Elizabeth)

New Review of "Before the Birds" - Fan Realm

I’ve been enjoying this album for several days now. Ben Glover’s voice is as smooth as chocolate and Before the Birds is as warm and comfortable as your favorite fleece on Saturday morning.

Ben either wrote or co-wrote all the songs and each one is perfect for him. The more you listen to them the more you hear. These are songs about love rather than songs about being in love. You’ll be hooked on them right away. From A Trick of the Light to the atmospheric At The Car Park each one has a story to tell. If I had to pick a favorite it would be a tie between To Believe and You Are The Same As The Tide but I’m certain every listener will find several they connect with and love. This album will mellow out even the toughest commute. It’s is a must have.

www.fanrealm.com

New Review of "Before the Birds"

"Ben Glover is Northern Ireland's answer to Ryan Adams. He writes songs straight from the heart, and lays his soul in the music in a way that many a disillusioned and stagnant singer / songwriter can envy him.
 
The plan was that this album would be a part of my "pics from the album stack", but it is simply so good that it deserves to be reviewed on its own.
 
As previously mentioned, I get sent incredible amounts of lousy music to review. But is it the little gems that hide among these that make it worthwhile to rummage through the pile every week.
 
And this is a real treat.
 
I mentioned that Ben Glover is Northern Ireland, and this is his third album. And how he has managed to sneak away from my ears until now I do not understand, because on his previous record he's had help from profilic people like Buddy Miller and Vince Gill - and wrote a song together with a blog favorite Mary Gauthier. And Miss Gautiher is also a big fan of young Mr. Glover. He has been regular supportgig for her on her Foundling tour in the UK, and he has already had respectable success in England and the United States as an artist.
 
Glover has a lot of the same qualities as Ryan Adams. He puts heart and soul into his songs, he writes killer lyrics and he sings like a god. There is something in the phrasing in the way he sings in that reminds me of a early and acoustic Ryan Adams. He says it Bob Dylan album who made him take the direction he did - and although he trained as a lawyer he chose to pursue music as a careed. As inspiration, he namedrops all of the artists that we really likeM; Paul Simon, Neil Young, Hank Williams, Willie Nelson, Van Morrison, Johnny Cash ... and so on. He lives part-time in Nashville, and says he draws inspiration from the streets where his heroes have walked before him.
 
What raises Ben Glover above the common herd of Singer / Songwriters is of course the songs and his lyrics - but good lyrics does not help if they are delivered in a  meaningless way. And this is where Glover is exeptional. All the time you can HEAR how he means what he sings, and we believe in Glover as a singer, as a storyteller, as an artist.
 
The female voice we hear in many of the songs belong Kaci Bolls, who is also a brilliant artist in the process of establishing herself in Nashville.
 
My favourites on the album are actually the entire album. It stands solid as ALBUM, and none of the songs strike me as weaker than the others. A relatively rare occurrence today. 
 
I can not help but recommend "Before The Birds". "- Rune Letrud (http://www.musikkbloggen.no/)

Catch Ben on Ralph McLean's Programme

Be sure to catch Ben (with John McCollough and Colum McLean) on Ralph McLean's programme this week. It is available online until April 29th. Click on the link for the broadcast. http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/radioulster/ralphmclean/

Belfast Show Sold Out

Ben's show with Mary Gauthier in Belfast is sold out. For those who were unable to get tickets be sure to catch Ben's return June 10 at the Black Box.  Also check out this preview for the show in East Grinstead at Chequer Mead Arts Centre on April 28th.

...Support for the show is Ben Glover, an Irish singer-songwriter based mainly in Nashville, whose debut 2009 album was our 'best of the year' (and his latest in heading for a similar accolade). We've been trying to book a gig with Ben for 3 years, so finally we get to see him play, alongside an artist who he has worked with in the last year, including co-writing songs.

Many thanks to the BBC

Ben wishes to extend his thanks to everyone at the BBC for the support of his new record "Before the Birds". Songs from the record have been fetaured on programmes from Ralph Mclean, Stuart Bailie, Gerry Anderson and Cherie McIlwaine on BBC Radio Ulster and Iain Anderson and Ricky Ross on BBC Scotland.

Stuart Bailie Blog/Playlist

"In the second hour, I put out an interview with Ben Glover, recorded in Nashville a few weeks ago. The guy is currently in excellent form and third album 'Before The Birds' is full of skill and heart and illumination. If 'I Am With You' doesn't blossom into classic status, then the world is terribly wrong. " - Stuart Bailie BBC

For the full playlist and link to interview click www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/stuartbailie/2011/04/playlist_040411.sh

New Review of "Before the Birds"

Ben Glover Before the Birds (Independently released CD, Pop)

Whether or not he ever becomes a major celebrity, it won't be because Ben Glover doesn't have the songs or the voice. Originally from Belfast, Ireland, Glover now resides in Nashville, Tennessee. Considering the sound of the tunes on Before the Birds we can't help but think that Nashville is a more appropriate place for Ben's music. This is his third album...and it's chock full of the kind of hummable organic Americana-style mid-tempo pop that folks in the United States crave. The songs are somewhat reminiscent of artists like Leonard Cohen, David Gray, and Bob Dylan. Ben writes songs that are instantly warm and hummable...and he has a great understated way of singing that is particularly inviting. Produced by Neilson Hubbard (this guy's name is all over the place these days), Before the Birds is a super satisfying collection of oughta-be hits. Our favorite tracks include "Trick of the Light," "You Are the Same as The Tide," and "At the Car Park."

New Record Out Today

Ben's third studio release "Before the Birds" becomes available for purchase today! The album features 10 songs written or co-written by Ben and includes the highly anticipated "I Am With You." "Before the Birds was recorded in Nashville with Neilson Hubbard and can be purchased here on the website (US only) and through I Tunes, CD BABY and Amazon. com.

FLOWERFIELD SHOW SOLD OUT

SOLD OUT - One-off music spectacular as BBC Radio Ulster hosts a live outside broadcast

FLOWERFIELD Arts Centre plays host to a music spectacular on Thursday March 31st, when the venue hosts an outside broadcast from BBC Radio Ulster’s Ralph McLean, featuring some of Northern Ireland’s leading songwriting talent.

Featured in this unique event will be Henry McCullough, Eilidh Patterson, Ben Glover, Anthony Toner, Clive Culbertson and Allie Bradley. In addition to performing solo, many of the performers will be accompanied on some songs by the ‘house band’: Anthony, Clive and pianist John McCullough.

Ralph’s Thursday night 8pm to 10pm show will be broadcast live from Flowerfield on the night. Ralph is one of BBC Radio Ulster’s finest broadcasters. He hosts a number of shows on Radio Ulster, and is famed for his huge knowledge and love of all genres of music.



 

Early Review of "Before the Birds"

Our first artist today is Northern Ireland's Ben Glover.  Glover had just finished his law degree in Belfast when he decided to become a troubadour instead of a barrister. Still relatively new to the scene, Glover has already recorded or played with the likes of Vince Gill, Jim Lauderdale, Buddy Miller, and Mary Gauthier.  Gauthier especially has taken an interest in Glover, naming him as the support act for her upcoming tour of Ireland & the United Kingdom this spring.  Glover's third record, Before the Birds, is comprised of ten mellow mid-to-slow tempo tunes with heartfelt lyrics and a pleasing delivery.  Highly recommended.

RIYL: Ellis Paul (A Fifty Cent Lighter and a Whiskey Buzz)

Ben and Stuart Bailie Visit Manuel

From Stuart's Blog...

Manuel Arturo José Cuevas Martinez makes bespoke clothing for Jack White, Kid Rock, the Killers and Bob Dylan. His style is western extrovert, adorned with magical motifs and startling colours. Back in the day he worked for the famous Nudie Cohn, but he has clearly developed his own legend, working into his senior years and name-checking Keith Richards, the Grateful Dead and the old greats like Porter Wagoner.

He has still heaps of that Mexican charm and his studio in Nashville is adorned with letters from Ronald Regan and images of his old work with Gram Parsons - the legendary suit worn on 'The Gilded Palace Of Sin'. He smiles when you mentioned the ruckus it caused and you feel that the guy's astonishing energy will be stitched into many more ensembles.

Here's a picture of himself, myself and Ben Glover. The latter you may know as a talented Antrim boy now working in Nashville and who was set to buy an impressive black suit until the price tag almost caused a fainting fit. Some day fella, you will wear those duds with pride.

 

New Song Featured on MMXINI Double Album for SXSW

Northern Ireland has produced an extraordinary amount of internationally renowned artists across the years:

• Van Morrison’s reputation as a songwriter and performer is second to none.
• David Holmes continues to produce and compose some of Hollywood’s most captivating movie soundtracks.
• The Undertones released some of the most infectious punk pop records of all time.
• Snow Patrol have proved to be one of the 21st Century’s hottest international acts. Now 2 Door Cinema Club are following closely on their heels.

We celebrate this wonderful heritage and work with those who will follow in their footsteps – the new musicians, writers, performers and music entrepreneurs who will capture the world’s imagination.

About this CD

This double album has been compiled to highlight the extraordinary creativity, confidence and individuality of the current crop of music makers from Northern Ireland.

The White Album

The White album showcases bands and artists who above all are master songwriters – mostly genre defying but displaying pop craft and lyrical sharpness, often with ‘more than a nod’ to folk and roots influences.

It should come as no surprise that many of the artists have had previous recordings and compositions synchronised in international film, television and advertisements – and we would anticipate multi media placements for many of the tracks on this album. 

"You Are The Same as the Tide" from the upcoming release "Before the Birds" is featured on the "White" album.


 

"Before the Birds" set to be released April 4

"Before the Birds" - Release date set April 4, 2011

Ben is excited to announce that his new album, "Before the Birds" will be released on April 4. The album, produced by Neilson Hubbard, features 10 new songs written or co-written by Ben and includes the highly anticipated "I Am With You."

"I feel as if it's taken three albums for me to finally step into my own shoes; to finally create a sound, which I feel wholly represents me. It's not as if my first two albums were very heavily produced, but by sound has naturally become more stripped back, less layered. I was very intent on making my vocal and the essence of the song be the focal point of "Before the Birds." This was my second album working with Neilson Hubbard and it's the most personal record I've made. Neilson creates such a trusting enviornment that allows for us both to throw out ideas and try new things. That relationship afforded me the space to explore and make the truest record of my career."

In support of this release, Ben will join Mary Gauthier for 12 dates throughout Europe starting April 28.

"Before the Birds" will be available through this official website, and online retailers such as CD BABY, Amazon, and I Tunes.

Back on the Road with Mary Gauthier

Ben is preparing to hit the road once again with Mary Gauthier for her tour of the UK and Ireland this Spring. "I am so grateful for the opportunity to support Mary on tour. She is one of the finest artists and people that I know," says Ben. "We had such a great time on tour last November and I'm looking forward to another successful run of shows." The first date kicks off  at Chequer Mead in East Grinstead, England  on April 28. For a full listing of dates, please click Live.

BEN SIGNS WITH GREEN ROOM ARTIST RELATIONS

Ben is proudly teaming up with Sara Griggs and Green Room Artist Relations. Green Room Artist Relations is a fully-integrated LA-based division specializing in creative release strategies, image and relationship management, and brand development for new and established artists and is headed up by industry vet Sara Griggs. Griggs started her music career at Mercury Records where she learned the ropes working on CD launches and tour support for a large roster of artists that included Vanessa Williams, Michelle Shocked, Robert Cray, Bon Jovi, James, Tears For Fears, Texas and Catherine Wheel. She went on to Roland Corp as PR & Artist Relations Specialist and was Marketing Manager at Music Player Network (Guitar Player, Bass Player, EQ & Keyboard). She launched Sara Griggs Media in 2002 and Green Room Artist Relations in 2011.
"It's a privilege to get the opportunity to work with Green Room and Sara. She has such enthusiasm, knowledge and creativity," says Ben.  I'm very excited about our plans and am really looking forward to what we are going to accomplish together."
For more information, contact Sara at sara@greenroomartist.com

"A Little Less Blue" makes Best of 2010 list

Ben's song, "A Little Less Blue," from his album "Through the Noise, Through The  Night" was recently included on Americana Podcast "The Miller Tells Her Tale" best of 2010 programme. You can listen to the entire podcast by clicking here www.themillertellshertale.co.uk/

TASCAM ENDORSEMENT

 

Ben is excited to announce that he is teaming up with Tascam, the world leader in recording products, to endorse their highly regarding equipment. "I'm honored to have been asked to endorse Tascam. I've been using their gear for a while now and have always been amazed at how cutting edge they are." For more than 30 years, TASCAM has developed products for every segment of the sound and music industry. From the high-end audio professional in a major post-production studio to the novice or hobbyist at home, TASCAM is everywhere. They are a company committed to providing customers audio/video solutions that enable breakthroughs by using sound in ways that are as exciting as they are accessible.

Studio Webisode Blog

Check out brief glimpse of Ben's first week in the studio... Click  here!  www.youtube.com/watch We've uploaded another one featuring Kris Donegan, Neilson Hubbard, Dan Mitchell, Kenny Hutson and Evan Hutchings tracking songs in Mr. Lemons for Ben's new record. Check out Webisode 2 here! www.youtube.com/watch

Catching Up

Ben landed in Nashville on Saturday night and by mid day Monday the process of creating the new album had begun. Ben has once again teamed up with Neilson Hubbard and they are currently holed up in Mr. Lemons Studio laying down tracks for the follow up to "Through the Noise, Through the Night.' The song selection is complete and they are currently laying down bass and drum tracks. The recording process will go until Christmas and they head back in after the new year to finish up. While in the States Ben will be hitting the road and performing in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky so for all of you in the Southern States, I hope you get a chance to catch a show.  He is excited to be playing new songs off the album, which is tentatively set for an April release.

Ben is blogging daily to keep everyone in the loop on the process. Be sure to check out the blog page here on the site as well as visiting his video blog page to see a few funny clips from the road

New Video Footage/Photos from Gauthier Tour

Ben is briefly back in N. Ireland after a great two week run with Mary Gauthier and Tania Elizabeth. There's not much time to unpack as he heads to Nashville on December 4th to begin recording the follow up to "Through the Noise, Through the Night" with producer Neilson Hubbard. Be sure to check out photos from the tour in the Pics section of the site. Also check out the following youtube links to video footage of Ben's performance in Manchester. www.youtube.com/watch.

Glasgow Americana Show Review

Keeper of the Americana flame in Glasgow  - Kevin Morris of The Fallen Angels Club has just delivered 5 days worth of Americana music to the city of Glasgow as part of the 4^th Glasgow Americana Festival.

I only managed to make it along to a few shows but enjoyed them all. One of which was that of Northern Irish songwriter now based in Nashville - Ben Glover, who had jetted in to open for Tift Merritt. Ben gave a storming performance of songs from his album Through The Noise, Through The Night with a brilliant version of Atlantic City thrown in to the mix for the CCA crowd. His cd is hot property in my household  - I love the lyric ‘she’s got the same last name as a well known whisky’ from the track Full Moon Child  - I’m convinced the surname in question is Grouse. - John Alexander
 

Concert Review - Glee Club, Nottingham 16 Nov '10

"That fine Louisiana singer and guitarist Mary Gauthier christened the classy new music room at the Glee Club with an act that touched all the emotions.

Adoption's a more emotive subject than most, and Gauthier distils painful attempts to contact her long-lost natural mother in her latest album The Foundling. If we'd come feeling good, she remarked, we'd leave feeling grateful. But an impish grin accompanied the comment.

Indeed, Gauthier became a top songwriter because she doesn't wallow in self-pity. She observes herself and others with shrewd understanding. Every life is a story worth telling: Gauthier tells it in words that are crisp and music that makes it all bearable.

Her narrative of the hobo king illustrated both the sympathy and the humour.

Gauthier's voice, low and expressive, was partnered by the gorgeous 5-stringed fiddle and ardent harmony singing of Canadian musician Tania Elizabeth. An instrumental solo nearly brought the house down.

Of several requests gladly accorded, Mercy Now served as the memorable finale, Drag Queens in Limousines providing a spirited encore.

Ben Glover, who wrote Full Moon Child with Gauthier, paved the way for her set. From Northern Ireland but now working in Nashville, Glover has been called the Irish Bruce Springsteen, and the tag is not undeserved.

The evening's one technical hitch was Elizabeth's misbehaving mic stand, quickly sorted. The Glee Club promises to be a paradise for songwriters – and a very agreeable rendezvous for their fans."
(This Is Nottingham.co.uk)

Gig Review - St Bonaventure's, Bristol 15 Nov '10

Gig review from St. Bonaventure's in Bristol - Mary Gauthier

...The New Orleans-born, Nashville-based singer-songwriter had brought along Ben Glover to open the show.

Although from Northern Ireland he seems to have made a lot of friends in America where he now spends much of his time. And that is not surprising for he has a great voice and is a fine songwriter of edgy almost pop songs.

From the rapt attention of everyone in this packed venue you might have thought he was a headliner rather than the support act but it probably won’t be long before he is getting star billing. - Keith Clark (Crackerjack - crackerjack.co.uk)

Tour Blogging

Ben is busy blogging, keeping us up to speed on his UK tour with Mary Gauthier. So far he's covered Brighton, London and Brussels. Be sure to check out his news from the road in the "Blog" section of the site. New ones will be posted throughout the tour.

Ben kicks of Mary Gauther tour on November 10

Final preparations are being done before Ben flies out to begin his support tour with Americana great, Mary Gauthier. There is already talk of Ben being a "must see" on this tour. Mike Davies (Birmingham 101 Gig Guide - Midlands) says "Support comes Co Antrim singer-songwriter  Ben Glover whose sophomore release, Through The Noise, Through The Night (Mr Jones) conjures thoughts of Steve Forbert in his phrasing, vocal kinship and easy rolling melodies while among the co-writers is one Ms Gauthier, their Full Moon Child a bittersweet story of a motel bartender living on cheap cigarettes and unfulfilled dreams. A classic in the making, it's worth the price alone, but there’s more where that came from.   At some point, he’s going to become stellar, and you’ll kick yourself if you weren’t there at the start." Check the Live Page for dates and locations. Don't miss it!

Free Download Exclusive - Melodies of Midnight

Be sure to visit the music page for a free download of "Melodies of Midnight." This version, was recorded at Amberville Studio in 2006. Also available for free download on the music page are unreleased versions of "Do What You Do," and "Things Haven't Started Happening Yet," as well as full album paid downloads of "The Ballad of Carla Boone (EP)," "The Week the Clocks Changed," and "Through the Noise, Through the Night."

Ben joins Atlantic Sessions as featured performer

Ben will be performing 29 October in the Senior Common Rooms at Colraine University as part of The Atlantic Sessions on the North Coast. The Atlantic Sessions features a series of contemporary and traditional folk music performances in participating bars and restaurants throughout Portrush and Portstewart from Thursday 28th October until Sunday, 31st October.

The FREE Music Trail in Portrush and Portstewart and extending to The University of Ulster Campus, Coleraine presents established favourites such Here Comes The Landed, Gentry and Pure Blarney as well as James O’Connor and Gentry Morris.

NYC Wrap Up

Ben just wrapped up seven days of performances in New York City's world famous Grand Central Station. Ben and Anthony Toner represented Belfast's singer/songwriters by performing 17 shows to enthusiastic crowds in Vanderbilt Hall. While in NY Ben had the chance to visit some of NY's biggest tourist attractions including the Empire State Building, Central Park, the Museum of Modern Art as well as making a pilgrimage to pay homage to John Lennon at the site where the legendary Beatle was gunned down at the Dakota Apartments, by a crazed fan. Ben almost became an expert on the NY subway system and got miles and miles of sidewalk pavement under his red Converse. Be sure to check the new feature "Video Blogs" on the site. There you will see "episodes" from Ben and Anthony's trip to the Big Apple. Also check out the video section of the site for footage of performances taped while in NY, including a recording of new song "I Am With You," that is slated to be on Ben's upcoming new record.

Free Download Exclusive

 
Download a free and exclusive version of "Things Haven't Started Happening Yet" (from "The Week The Clocks Changed") by visiting the "Music" page here on the site. This acoustic version was recorded by Ben and Colm McClean in Amberville Studios, N. Ireland, April 2008.

Grand Central Station, New York City...

Be sure to catch Ben and fellow singer-songwriter Anthony Toner in New York City, Sept. 24-30. Tourism Ireland chose Ben and Anthony to represent the N. Ireland music scene with daily acoustic sets at Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Station. The acoustic sets are part of a week long event being run by Tourism Ireland that also includes performances by celebrated actors, and exhibits by acclaimed local artists as well as a spectacular "Titanic" exhibition. For more info go to 
http://www.discoverireland.com/us/campaigns/experiencenorthernireland

Ben and Anthony will be performing at the following times:

Friday September 24^th, shows at 12noon, 1pm and 3pm
Saturday September 25^th, shows at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm
Sunday September 26^th,  Anthony solo show at 11am, Ben solo show at 12noon, together at 1pm
Monday September 27^th, shows at 4pm, 5pm and 6.30pm
Tuesday September 28^th – 6.15pm appearance at a gala invitation event
Wednesday September 29^th – shows at 5pm and 6pm
Thursday September 30^th – shows at 10am and 11am