Ben Bowen (musician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ben Bowen
|
|
|---|---|
Ben Bowen in studio, 2011
|
|
| Background information | |
| Born | 5 June 1976 |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) |
|
| Years active | 2001–present |
Ben Bowen was born in England on June 5, 1976. He is a talented Canadian trumpet player and a popular musician who creates music for children. Ben lives in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He studied jazz trumpet at York University and Humber College. Ben is also a session musician, which means he plays instruments for many other bands when they record their songs. By 2024, he had played on over 40 studio albums!
Contents
Making Music for Kids
In December 2011, Ben started making his own music. He released his first collection of five traditional children's songs. It was called The Bumblebee EP. One reviewer said it was "wonderfully gentle and soothing." On this recording, Ben sings and plays the guitar. His sister, Anna Bowen, plays the accordion and sings. His brother-in-law, Ben, plays the mandolin and sings too. The songs were recorded by Nick Zubeck at Cardinal Song studios in Guelph. You can find The Bumblebee EP on iTunes.
Awards and Recognition
Ben Bowen has received some special awards for his music.
Canadian Folk Music Award
In 2024, Ben was nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award. This nomination was for Children's Album of the Year. It was part of the 19th Canadian Folk Music Awards.
City of Hamilton Arts Award
In June 2024, Ben won a City of Hamilton Arts Award. He won in the "Creator Awards" category. What's cool is that he won this award on his birthday!
Ben's Albums
Here are some of the albums Ben Bowen has released:
- The Bumblebee EP (2012)
- Let's Sing a Song, Vol. 1 (2017)
- Beautiful Day (2017)
- Let's Sing a Song, Vol. 2 (2017)
- O Watch the Stars (2018)
- Sleep Now – Lullabies (2019)
- Here Comes the Train (2023)
Playing for Other Artists
Since 2003, Ben Bowen has worked as a session musician on many albums. A session musician is someone who is hired to play instruments for recordings or live performances. They often play for different bands and artists. Ben has played and recorded with many well-known Canadian artists. Some of them include Lily Frost, Great Aunt Ida, Junetile, A Northern Chorus, Valery Gore, Nick Zubeck, Brian MacMillan, Bellewoods, and Old World Vulture.
Here are a few examples of albums he played on:
- Danny Medakovic − Jolley Cut (2014)
- Old World Vulture − Trophy Lovers (2012)
- Great Aunt Ida − Nuclearize Me (2012)
- Valery Gore − Avalanche to Wandering Bear (2008); he played trumpet on the songs "Scared" and "Great Lakes and Sparrow"
- A Northern Chorus − The Millions Too Many (2007); he played brass instruments on "The Millions Too Many", "No Stations", and "Canadian Shield and Ethic of the Pioneer"
