Music
Press
"Juxtaposed, in one word, Phenomenal! Hailing from a region full of musical and family heritage, Ben Gilmer has tapped into the soul of Appalachia. Southwest Virginia is the birthplace of country music and of course, the resurgence of Americana flows through the veins of these hills without abandonment. When listening to Juxtaposed the spirit of these hills and the hardship and struggles that accompany life in Appalachia are brilliantly composed into an album that will enlighten your senses and provide a deeper understanding of those that choose to live in this beautiful mountain region. Juxtaposed is full of intelligent country, folk, and blues as if Ben tapped into the spirit of Robert Johnson and substituted the cotton fields of the south for the mining region of Appalachia. For fans of Darrell Scott, Guy Clark & Townes Van Zandt, you will find the same story-telling excellence & musical composition with Ben Gilmer's Juxtaposed."
-Bill Wright, WUVT Americana Director - WUVT Americana Director
Discography
Ben's debut album, "Juxtaposed," (2008) was recorded with the wonderful Mark Hodges at Mountain Fever Studios in Floyd County, Virginia. Juxtaposed is a collection of 12 original songs that truly capture the essence of Ben’s songwriting and diverse musical background. Juxtaposed firmly rests at the confluence of country, folk, rock, and roots music – genuine, rootsy Americana music with the same grit and soul that can be found throughout the mountains of southern Appalachia. The album features several incredibly talented musicians, including: Sam Lamont (www.samlamont.com), Aaron Martin, Ann Yates Jones, Brandon Blevins, Andrew Gilmer, and Chris Printz.
Photos
Bio
Ben Gilmer grew up in the mountains of southwestern Virginia where he passed his time messing around the farm with his brother and cousins and playing music with family. With a long family history in the region, Ben started out learning traditional bluegrass music the traditional way - Thursday nights at the local barbershop with the regular gathering of seasoned pickers. Using traditional bluegrass and country music as his foundation, Ben started writing songs in high school that reflected his growing appreciation for Americana, alt-country, and roots music. Ben's songwriting reflects a strong sense of place deeply rooted in southern Appalachia - honest songs about hard times, family, and love. Playing solo and with various bands, Ben has entertained pubs, coffee houses, and concert venues throughout the region for the past ten years, and is now based in the Pacific Northwest.
Links
