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Photo by Mick De Graaff
In 1989 Benny was introduced to the traditional Australian instrument the didgeridoo. The art of circular breathing and the trancelike state of his mind is where his heartbeat derived rhythm and groove and a style was born.
Benny travelled to Vancouver B.C. Canada in 1993 where he could be found sharing the indigenous sounds of Australia with the locals. It was on the streets of Vancouver a 15 piece afro-fusion band called IN TEN SEX PRESSION was formed with street musicians from all around the globe. This is where Benny was introduced to the African drum, the djembe.
After 2 years in North America and playing festivals, including Another Roadside Attraction, BC Hempfest and Summer of Love, Benny headed home to Australia.
Following another dose of street performance he began doing regular gigs with talented Australian folksinger/songwriter DAVE CALANDRA and one of Australia's leading didgeridoo players SCOTT WILSON.
1996 Benny gave the Dance and DJ club scene in Sydney a go. This gave him an insight into funky kit style playing, this helped him develop his own unique percussion style. The music of blues roots guru Ben Harper truly inspired Benny even further and he was itching to get involved in the Australian Blues Roots scene.
January 2003 Benny started touring with MATT CORCORAN on a full time basis playing blues festivals Australia wide, such as the Australian Blues Music Festival, Forth Valley Blues Festival, Broadbeach Blues Festival, Tamworth Country Music Festival just to name a few. The 2004 Australian Blues Music Festival nominated the MATT CORCORAN DUO as its ambassadors for that years festivities. Since that time Benny has performed with 2004 ARIA nominee ASH GRUNWALD, graced the same stage as CHRIS WILSON, Australia's greatest blues harp player, JAN PRESTON, ROSS WARD, BRIAN FRASER, American blues harp player MICK REID, Melbourne's organic groove band TREVORS HOUSE, and members of Geelong's cult blues band MUDDY PUDDLES.
In 2004 Benny was part of the Touring Festival of Australian Blues (TFAB) with headliners MATT CORCORAN, BRIAN FRASER and former Screaming Jets guitarist JIMI HOCKING and is currently touring in a trio with BRIAN FRASER & MICK REID.
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