Ben Folds
Where: University of Dayton Arena, 1801 Edwin Moses Blvd., Dayton
When: 7 p.m. Sunday, April 18
Cost: $27
More info: (937) 229-4433 or www.ticketmaster.com
Artist info: www.benfolds.com
He may be too pop for many music fans, and occasionally a bit too silly for his own good, but Ben Folds has carved out a successful career on his own terms. He broke up his chart-topping trio Ben Folds Five after three albums, and achieved even greater success as a solo artist, while exploring a variety of interesting side projects.
Here are a few facts on Folds, who brings his solo show to the University of Dayton Arena today
The early years
Folds burst onto the music scene with his trio, Ben Folds Five, which formed in Chapel Hill, N.C. in 1994. The piano-drive pop group, rounded out by Robert Sledge (bass) and Darren Jessee (drums), released its indie debut in 1995 on Caroline Records. The album was an underground success and led to a deal with Sony/550 Music, which released “Whatever and Ever Amen” in 1997.
Unusual explorations
Ben Folds Five disbanded in 2000, after the release of its third album, “The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner.” This gave Folds more freedom to explore unusual projects. He recorded the 2003 album called The Bens, with Ben Kweller and Ben Lee, and co-wrote and produced William Shatner’s 2004 album, “Has Been.” In 2009, he produced “Ben Folds Presents: University A Cappella,” a compilation of college a cappella groups recording songs from his catalog.
Symphonic Folds
In 2005, Folds began performing his music with symphonic arrangements. That year he was a guest of the West Australian Symphony and the Baltimore Symphony. He performed with the Boston Pops in 2007 and the Nashville Symphony in 2008.
What’s normal?
Folds latest solo disc, “Way to Normal,” was released in September 2008. It is his third official solo album. Although it’s a different crew — Jared Reynolds (bass) and Sam Smith (drums) — Folds stuck close to the stripped-down template of early Ben Folds Five albums.
... and a piano
The North Carolina native is currently on a solo tour, which is a perfect setting for the personable songwriter. Perched on his piano bench, Folds has been entertaining crowds with his musical talent and wit. According to concert reviews, he has also been introducing audiences into the world of Chatroulette, the Internet fad that randomly connects Web cam users, both clothed and unclothed.
What’s next?
Folds is collaborating with author Nick Hornby (“High Fidelity”) on his next album. He is composing music for 18 lyrical pieces written by the British novelist before recording the material in June.
Contact contributing arts and music writer Don Thrasher at donaldthrasher8@aol.com.
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