Biography
john condron & the benefit have just finished recording a brand new 12 song collection to be released on the em-press label in the later part of this year. the band will continue to tour as they have in the past headlining clubs & opening shows for more established acts. some notable performances include opening slots for hammel on trial, duncan sheik,kenny wayne sheppard, the lovin' spoonful, viggo mortensen, poet reggie gibson, & others. the band has appeared multiple times on WGN's morning television show, the 10 year anniversary of the release of jeff buckley's "grace" album @ uncommon ground & been a featured performer multiple times @ chicago's famed "green mill". the trio hits the road & the stage with the triple threat of energy, professionalism & great material!
2007 press release
the chicago based trio john condron & the benefit have finished the follow up ep to 2005's full length cd “down to dorsey”, & are planning a full release in early 2007 (the cd will be available for limited release in december 2006). the new offering entitled “loud as silence” finds the band in top form & is the first time that drummer & chicago scene veteran barret harvey has joined john & bassist jeff bella on a recording as a member of the benefit. This change in dynamic coupled with the new material has brought the excitement & energy of the band's live performances into the studio & subsequently has helped to produce their finest work to date. from the “big” tracks that grab the listener by the throat to soft & subtle soul stirrers the band displays a cohesiveness & conviction that set them apart. with production help from chicago “staples” dave lill (stylus) & luke farran (air this side of caution), “loud as silence” is a true powerhouse of a record that deserves to be heard...again & again!
2007 Bio
With sonically thrilling live performances, a high energy stage show, and unforgettably infectious material, rock n’ roll hasn’t been this refreshingly “working class” for far too long! From the unique vocals and “cutting” guitar stylings of their front man to the unbelievably melodic and “sticky” bass lines of Jeff Bella to the virtual “rhythm cannon” of drummer Barret Harvey, john condron & the benefit capture all the excitement and work ethic of a truly great power trio.
The Chicago based trio initially came about as a performance vehicle for the material on the cd “my own device”, which Philadelphia transplant John Condron had recorded using friends and session players in the absence of an actual working band. This “vehicle” soon blossomed into much more, and the first seeds of what was to become the benefit were planted. The line up is now set in stone with one of the most formidable rhythm sections around and is currently playing material from the first three records as well as the songs off of their forthcoming LP to enthusiastic and growing audiences whenever they appear.
Instrumentation
john condron/guitar/vox
jeff bella/bass guitar
barret harvey/drums
jeff julian/guitar
Discography
Eleventh Hour Grace (new LP) set for release end of 2009
loud as silence (ep) january 2007
down to dorsey (LP)2004
my own device(LP)2001
cd's have recieved some airplay in the midwest region (both AAA & college radio)
Links
| http://www.johncondron.com |