WARREN BENBOW’S CREATIVE UNKNOWN!
WARREN BENBOW is a New York-based drummer who has worked and recorded with Nina Simone, Weldon Irvine, Jr., Larry Willis just to name a few. In addition to his jazz work, he has also worked as an actor and musician in Broadway musical productions. He has performed on television, in the studio, and in clubs or concert halls around the world with such artists as Whitney Houston, Gwen Guthrie, LL Cool J, Nancy Wilson and many more… As he says so well:
‘Music changes as the world changes. In fact, music can help in change and should have a role in creating peace with one another. As a drummer it’s not as easy but there is a way to create an energy and a pulse that can help change. Music can help in making people feel happy, to fall in love, to create fond memories, to fulfill our purposes in life. Music makes people feel better; to dance, to sing can stir emotions that can transform lives.
I was born in New York City and I’ve been a musician ever since I knew there was such a thing called music.
I started at an early age and I’ve studied, known and performed with some of the best musicians in my generation.
I am an artist.
My canvas is music.
My brush – sticks, and mallets.
I create in a place of unknowing, to hopefully provide growth and healing for the listener and for myself.
The way I see it, to create music, to play music, is to be in a place of greatness.
We are all here for a reason.
It’s no accident that I’m a musician… Ha!’
Warren, welcome and thank you so much for participating in this project. You are a man of few words but words well chosen full of wisdom… let us begin.
No.1) What is music to and for you? (personally and generally).
Music is one way I can communicate my inner feelings to the outer world. To connect to others in a non- verbal language.
No. 2) What inspires you?
My children, and my Mother and Father. And just the fact that music is my gift.
No. 3) When you are playing, creating, where does it take you? Where does your mind travel?
When I play music sometimes I am praying. I go inside my soul to everywhere I’ve been on my path. And in a musical performance I travel along with my fellow musicians wherever there minds are taking them.
No. 4) Do you feel music, visual art and health are related and if so, how?
I think that we all paint pictures as human beings and as musicians, we try to share our art to try and give the listener a pleasurable experience. Maybe to help them feel good for that moment or the moments ahead. I think that we all paint pictures in whatever craft we are gifted in. In my case, I am a musician, and I hope to give the listener of my music a pleasurable experience in the moment.
No. 5) How do you feel when you are playing for yourself, not performing?
Every time I touch a musical instrument, whether it’s when I’m alone or in front of an audience I feel that there must be a reason for me doing this. Hopefully to uplift and inspire others.
No. 6) When do you do your best work? (under what circumstances or conditions)
When I’m relaxed and comfortable. That’s when I’m excited, and the music flows.
No. 7) Do you identify with your music and if so, on what level?
I am a musician, pure and simple. I was born to walk and talk in rhythms.
I do what I love and love what I do…
No. 8) Do you find playing music helps you connect with your “Higher Self” whatever that is for you?
Yes,
When I play I’m silent. In my own place of solitude.
Yes, I feel connected.
I go beyond the limits of my body.
No. 9) Many people feel the school systems tend to kill creativity. How do you feel about that?
No. I don’t feel that way. The artist will always find the way to create. It’s their gift and no ‘so-called’ system can take that away.
No. 10) What is jazz to you?
Sometimes I wish I knew… Ha!
Thank you so much for sharing with us and for bringing joy through music to the world. Until we work together again, keep well and be blessed!
TO THE READER :
We hope you’ve enjoyed this encounter with a great musician and you are invited to visit the links below to hear more of Warren’s sound. ENJOY!
Your comments are always appreciated. Thank you.
http://www.myspace.com/warrenbenbow
Title track song “L. A. Odyssey” from CD of the same name
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUWSUuLBPis&feature=youtube_gdata
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fD_Go5RuiH4&feature=youtube_gdata
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Comments
Warren is music. It is in his smile and his walk and his being. Schools can’t kill who a person is and a person has choice to let anything limit themselves.Every person has a talent, what ever it may be, and it is the search to find, grow, and perfect that talent that gives life meaning.
Keep up the brilliant beat!
I agree with Warren on everything. When you speak from your heart, be it instrument, dance, voice, the human condition is revealed. We all have our mission in life; Warren’s is to give us music. He is Magic!
Warren is an Awesome drummer. I love what you’re saying, in the spirit of what you’re saying. For all that is music cannot be put into words! And your spirit is high. Keep kicking it Warren. You are one of the best!
Warren, Wow! your music, your energy, and your love of music is awe inspiring. It is always great to hear a spirit connected to it’s source energy reveal to the world that we all have choices in life. You clearly choose music. And, because of your connection to your amazing source energy, nothing can take your love of the arts, music and life away from you. Keep the beats coming. I love your spirit, and I love your MUZIK!!! Stay blessed and connected!
What a cool interview Warren! I hear your heart beat in the music and what a gift you bring to the world. Just beautiful! You are an awesome drummer. I love that you sometimes pray as you play and desire to be used to bring healing and growth to the listener. Music moves the whole being… body, soul and spirit. You inspire creativity! God bless you Warren 🙂
Very Cool! It is great when people can read about what an artist says that’s from the Heart.You are an example of what it means to find one’s passion and explore to soar!! Continued Success and Blessings.
Warren,It simply tells who you are and what your ((passion)music means to you!! WONDERFUL!! AMEN!!!
WHAT A GREAT INTERVIEW!
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