With the release of his debut six track, full band, studio album, twenty three year old Massachusetts native Ben Willmott is impressing listeners throughout New England. Willmott is noted as being a unique piano pop-rock artist who encompasses elements of Billy Joel, Ben Folds, James Taylor, and Bach, mixing the pop, rock, folk, and classical music styles that he grew up listening to and studying.
Following his graduation from Ithaca College in New York, where his performances have been dubbed "flawless" (The Ithacan), Willmott has returned to his home state to perform as often as possible in anticipation of the release of Nowhere To Go But Up. The six-track all original album features Ben on piano, organ, and vocals; local musician Scott Manley on drums; and Nate Christy of CNC Music Productions on bass, electric, and acoustic guitars. Christy also co-produced the songs with Willmott.
The Bentley College Vanguard says that “when these songs start playing thousands of times a day on the radio, you'll want to be the one to tell your friends you knew him first.” ADDReviews.com proclaims that Willmott’s release is filled with “Tasty piano driven rock reminiscent of Elton John or Ben Folds. This is an excellent debut effort.” While music journalist, Kelly O’Neil states, “Though still under the radar, Willmott has amazing potential as the next American troubadour."
Raised in the rural town of Sherborn, Massachusetts, Willmott would return home every day from high school to practice piano for three hours in addition to taking informal lessons from local teachers. When it came time to go to college though, he was determined to attend a top-notch music school. After auditioning and being accepted to the Ithaca College School of Music, Willmott declared a double major in music and business. There, he studied classical music and the marketing skills that could help take his music career to the next level.
Based in Somerville, Massachusetts since September of 2005, Willmott has made remarkable progress for a young musician in such a competitive environment; performing in highly respected venues around the area including Johnny D's, Club Passim, The Burren, and The Lizard Lounge.
Now armed with a six track album full of "strong melodies, great storytelling and expressive playing," Ben Willmott is not an artist that you want to miss out on.
