At ramtatta.de, we usually discuss new releases.
In this case, however, I will make an exception.
BENJAMIN ST. BABYLON, whose book “Gedankenjazz“ I recently reviewed (Link to the review: https://www.ramtatta.de/s/reviews/f/details/id/8709/), released a small 4-track CD titled “The Year One“ in 2015. This CD is what this article is about.
BENJAMIN ST. BABYLON is an experienced singer. For many years, he performed on stage with his Berlin band “Alice D. aus Berlin“. In recent years, the former singer of “Alice D. aus Berlin“ has also been writing lyrics solely for himself. Lyrics that he presents alone on stage. He usually does this with some of his own lyrical texts but also with his fellow musician Tex Morton (Ex Mad Sin, Sunny Domestosz, Kamika Queens, among others).
The four pieces he presents on “The Year One“ include two English-language tracks, one German piece, and “The Laughing Heart“, a spoken contribution by Charles Bukowski. So, there is a small cross-section of the artist.
St. Babylon sings the songs alone with his guitar. Benjamin creates an intimate atmosphere with his slow playing and his strong, sensitive voice, which sounds deep, melancholic, and sincere at the same time, quickly drawing one in. While listening, it feels as if the musician is right there in the room with you. This is a wonderful magic that not many recordings achieve. By the way, the sound is produced by Andy Laaf (ex Die Skeptiker, ex Mad Sin, Ghostmaker).
BENJAMIN ST. BABYLON has recorded these four songs with a lot of love and authenticity. It is clear throughout the 13 minutes of playtime that this is the only right way to record music.
In terms of style, the music could perhaps be described as melancholic guitar music. The songs are mostly kept at mid-tempo, but they are often played slower. The voice sometimes sounds almost like blues, without actually being blues. Or maybe just a little bit...a tiny bit.
Despite this, it is primarily not dark music. The music fits the lyrics, and these, in turn, fit the entire body of work of St. Babylon. As already offered in the book “Gedankenjazz“, he shares a lot of himself with these four pieces. Much of his feelings, his thoughts, his dreams, and yes, it must be said, his life experience. It is no coincidence that BENJAMIN ST. BABYLON quotes the late Charles Bukowski. The language and style of Bukowski resonate with Benjamin's life.
BENJAMIN ST. BABYLON's plans for the next year (and for the time to come) also include performances with his guitar as well as possibly a new release. We can look forward to it.
The CD “The Year One“ and the book “Gedankenjazz“ can be obtained through BENJAMIN ST. BABYLON. The contact options are mentioned on Facebook.
