Ben Craven

Prog Head

Member
‘Great & Terrible Potions’ is the labour of love of one great-talented person, Australian singer-songwriter BEN CRAVEN, who wrote, arranged, produced and played everything. All the songs on this CD are very atmospheric. The influences come from the melodic side of the progressive sphere, namely legends such like Pink Floyd and Camel, whilst also containing other references. For example, Spock’s Beard is comparator, particularly in the way that ‘Ready to Love’ build - meandering around a theme, adding layers in a fluid manner. The Beatles hint sounds much more distant (audible on ‘The Conjurer’). ‘Solace’ is a delicate acoustic piece with echoes of ex-Genesis guitarist, Steve Hackett. The instrumental ‘Diabolique’ would feel at home on the soundtrack of the Hollywood’s detective film. There is even an intriguing snippet of Arabian nights (‘No Specific Harm’). The title-track features a-la David Gilmour guitar playing plus a creditable keyboard performance. The singing complements the music quite lovely. The production on this album is superb – clear, both deep and bright. It is worth giving a quick mention with regard to the excellent accompanying CD booklet (artwork is by Roger Dean). :cool:


I kind of hope that Ben Craven will spend more time on his creation in the near future. It’s interesting to know what this versatile man can achieve if the next release follows the trajectory he’s established with this excellent work of art. ;)

http://bencraven.com/

Meanwhile, you can listen to ‘Great & Terrible Potions’, in its entirety (legally) at the link:

http://www.progstreaming.com/2011/08/17/ben-craven-great-terrible-potions/




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Prog Head

Member
2011-10 – Classic Rock Society (Review by David Pearson)

Originally published in the journal of the Classic Rock Society, Issue 186 (Nov-Dec 2011).

"Australian Ben Craven is a talented multi-instrumentalist blessed with excellent writing ability. Keyboard-led opener ‘Diabolique’ segues into the jaunty Floyd meets John Barry ‘Nobody Dies Forever’ (part 1) followed by the languid ‘Aquamarine’ with classic gutsy Gilmour guitar sound. The ‘Ready to Lose’ groove has some juicy blues guitar over tasteful organ and ‘The Conjurer’s piano and gorgeous slide evokes ‘Moon’ era Floyd in a quite delightfully uplifting instrumental number which Craven juxtaposes with the initially moody, grandiose and ultimately cinematic epic ‘No Specific Harm’. Acoustic guitar gives way to uplifting melody and inexorable rise on ‘Solace’, whilst the brief ‘Nobody Dies Forever’ (part 2) and closer ‘Great & Terrible Potions’ are two solid slabs of symphonic prog akin to Rocket Scientists. With a cover by Roger Dean (almost a close up of Yes’ ‘Union’ scene), this cracking virtuoso performance by an absurdly talented individual will appeal to Norlander fans"...
 
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