Ben Pagano Band

"The folk rocker Ben Pagano is a skilled multi-instrumentalist and singer who frequently accompanies artists in the downtown anti-folk scene. His solo compositions have a classic-rock vibe, propelled by a powerful tenor and fun, ironic lyrics." - The New Yorker

At The Deli, we define “Alt Rootsy” or "Alt Folk" those artists that have a basis in American roots music yet manage to somehow veer off its traditional ways - The Deli Magazine

Those looking for a little escape from the craze of the CMJ week will find an ideal refuge at the East Village's Sidewalk Cafe, where on Friday, we'll be showcasing seven local singer/songwriters and anti-folk outfits for a free evening of intimate performances and sharp-tongued poetry. We' ve got the funny, quirky ones like headliner Mal Blum, Luke Kelly & acolytes, a.k.a Kung Fu Crimewave, with their far-fetched stories, Crazy & The Brains, self-defined party-punk four-piece every bit as frantic as the name suggests, and Ben Pagano who touched at a true contemporary issue in one of his latest releases - yes, hipsters. We've got the emotional performances, courtesy of St. Lenox, and Bird to Prey who will be releasing her 'Saved By The Storm' album, and finally, we've got Go Love, eclectic collective of artists revolving around Ray Brown and whatever/whoever may tickle his fancy. Literally most everything we could file under 'Anti-Folk' - The Deli Magazine

Keyboard-soul prodigy and Mama Coco’s newcomer Ben Pagano’s “Robot Jazz” is a full-bore, funky track that’ll be sure to get the whole space family dancing. Evocative of freaky, smoke-stained legends of yore such as Sly Stone, George Clinton and Shuggie Otis, the track’s cracked-soul vocals and whacked out keyboards make a refreshing change of pace from the homogenized sounds dogging our ears today.

The tune begins with a build up, as the talented and tight band shifts into gear and Pagano goes through a series of funky warm ups. Soon the groove comes in, lined with chicken scratch guitar and tight drums, contrasted by smooth piano and warm bass. The instrumentals nicely compliment Pagano’s voice, which exudes a shocking amount of soul. Toward the end of the song Pagano busts out an extended experimental piano and organ solo that beautifully illuminates his chops, culminating in a howling crescendo.

For the recording of “Robot Jazz,” authentic period details were heavily attended to; only microphones that would have been available by 1975 were used on the track. With this single, Ben Pagano makes a bold entrance into the community adding to the diverse collection of musical acts in the Mama Coco’s scene.
-Steele Robertson Kratt - Mama Coco's Funky Kitchen

Ben Pagano is a soulful and eccentric songwriter with a beautiful, clarion voice and impressive piano chops. On his records he’s joined by a cast of talented and sympathetic musicians, including the virtuosic Ethan Meyer (also of MCFK alums Iced Ink) on drums. He’s been working on his debut record for a while now, and here is “Away,” the second advance single off it.

Where the first single “Robot Jazz” was a tongue-in-cheek yet sincere exercise in grimy 70s funk, “Away” is a soaringly beautiful ballad, touched with regret, nostalgia and hope. Pagano’s beautifully fluid melody rides firmly in the driver’s seat, but the other musicians’ contributions are indeed crucial. Jules Belmont’s ecstatic sighs on the electric guitar drip with haunting soul, and Meyer’s climactic drums are as impressive as ever.

The track unfolds thoughtfully and delicately, finally peaking in the last half minute with a brooding and psychedelic bridge that collapses into the final summit, as Pagano ascends into spine-tingly beautiful high grace notes that impress as much as they soothe. With the wide range of Pagano’s talents only hinted at by these two singles, the future of this record could not be brighter.

-EL PRESIDENTE, Oliver Ignatius - Mama Coco's Funky Kitchen

Ben Pagano's debut album was recorded at Mama Coco's Funky Kitchen in Brooklyn, NY and was released in June this year. It's a heady concoction of psychedelic rock soul, jazz and funk. Naturally I've picked out a track from the album that sounds a lot like none of the above: "Away" stops and starts, starts and stops, and just when you think it's all about the piano, a glorious guitar solo explodes all over it. "Away" is available as a free download from Bandcamp, where you will also find the full album. - Record Rewind Play

You heard Ben Pagano’s new digital single, “Robot Jazz,” from the album, Robot Jazz, about the subject, presumably, of Robot Jazz You can listen to it here. - Sidewalk Cafe Music Blog