Ben’s soulful voice is reminiscent of the greatest Rhythm and Blues vocalists of the ‘50s and ‘60s. Inspired by artists such as Junior Walker, Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder and Clarence Carter, he will take you back to the days when vocals were the center point of music.
He is also a lot more than just a voice. His guitar playing covers a wide range of styles – pleasing blues and funk fans alike. From the moment he hits the stage, his contagious energy and charisma combine for a sound that is truly original. You’ll be tapping your feet within the first few notes.
The Band: LITTLE FRANKIE THIFFAULT – TENOR SAX
Considered as being one of the best blues sax players in Montreal, Little Frankie has won the Quebec Lys Blues Award for Musical Performance three times. Live is where he shines the most – from stages across North and South America to European festivals, his growling tones and energy are next to none. His unique and authentic sound is a tribute to sax legends J.T. Brown, Junior Walker, David “Fathead” Newman and King Curtis.
MAT “MOOSE” MOUSSEAU – BARITONE SAX
Moose has been a permanent member of the award-winning Kevin Mark Blues Band since 2004. With several albums and countless live performances both locally and abroad under his belt, he now brings his big, fat, greasy sound to the Ben Racine Band.
KEVIN MARK – ELECTRIC AND STRING BASS
Kevin Mark is one of the most decorated blues artists in eastern Canada – receiving over 20 awards and nominations since 1998. He’s headlined numerous festivals and has opened for such blues luminaries as Bryan Lee, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials, Toni Lynn Washington, Junior Watson, Lonnie Brooks, Big Jack Johnson and Jack de Keyzer. With The Ben Racine Band, he brings in decades of live experience along with his solid, grooving bass playing. His main influences are Willie Dixon, Ronnie James Weber, Kedar Roy, Larry Taylor, Aston “Family Man” Barrett and Duck Dunn.
NICKY ESTOR – DRUMS
A professional musician since the age of 16, Nicky has backed several international blues artists, notably: Nico Wayne Toussaint, Shawn Pittman, Preston Hubbard and Sonny Boy Terry. Influenced by old-school drummers Fred Below and Richard Innes, Nicky brings his ’50s-inspired blues and R&B drumming to the heart of the Ben Racine Band.
“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
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