Big D and the Kids Table bassist Ben Basile’s debut solo album 'Benergy' is officially out, and listeners and critics alike are loving what they hear
Shows Announced
For fans of Ernest Rangling, Victor Rice, Horace Silver,
New York Ska-Jazz Ensemble, The Skatalites.
'Benergy' Track-By-Track on New Noise
Big D and the Kids Table bassist Ben Basile has released his debut solo LP Benergy, and both critics and fans are praising it as a vibrant, genre-blending triumph. Fusing traditional ska, jazz, rocksteady, and bossa nova, Benergy delivers rich instrumental grooves with warmth, precision, and personality—offering a modern take on vintage sounds that feels both deeply personal and universally joyful.
About the Album
Benergy is the debut solo album from bassist Ben Basile, known for his work with Big D and the Kids Table, Pilfers, and the New York Ska-Jazz Ensemble. Released on Sleep Walk Sounds, the album blends ska, jazz, rocksteady, and instrumental storytelling. The title, a playful combination of "Ben" and "energy," reflects the album's vibrant and dynamic spirit.
Track Listing
1. 74 Leonard Street
2. Mountain Road
3. Cacao Knibb
4. Dub 215
5. Hot Drop
6. A Negative Peace
7. 87 to 90
8. Daily Deluge
9. Whataboutism
10. The Desire To Hide
Musicians Who Play on the LP
Ben Basile: Composer, Bandleader, Producer, Electric Bass all tracks. (Big D and The Kids Table, Poughkeepsie Jazz Project, formerly of New York Ska Jazz Ensemble, Pilfers)
Alex Brander: Drums, Percussion all tracks (Big D and The Kids Table)
Jon Degen: Producer, Saxophone Track 3, Additional Guitar and Keyboards on various tracks (Formerly of Big D and The Kids Table, The Toasters, Royal City Riot)
Matt Garrison: Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Flute
Casey Gruttadauria: Keyboards all tracks (Big D and The Kids Table, The Pomps, The Void Union, The Macrotones)
Sean Morrison: Piano on tracks 3 & 6
Greg Robinson: Trombone (Mephiskapheles, formerly of The Toasters)
Alex Stern: Guitar all tracks (Big D and The Kids Table, Westbound Train, The Pomps, The Void Union)
Vince Tampio: Trumpet
More Credits
All compositions by Ben Basile
Produced and mixed by Jon Degen & Ben Basile
Rhythm section recorded at Galaxy Park Studios in Salem, MA
Horn section recorded at Cassandra Studio in Beacon, NY
Additional recording at 3DL, Apt 6, and El Gordo Studios
Mastered by Tom Rosato of Zena Mastering
Artwork by Allen Lawlor
Cover Photo by Paul Kalnitzky
Released by Sleep Walk Sounds
More info at www.benbasile.com
Ben Basile on Benergy & Sleep Walk Sounds
“I came across Wiretap Records in my search for a home for Benergy’s and I immediately resonated with Rob’s original reasoning for starting Wiretap Records… Working fulltime in the music industry, but still feeling disconnected from the music that led him to his career. This is exactly what Benergy is for me. "
“I’ve been a full time musician for 15+ years now and I’m grateful to record and play a lot of different music. It was ska music that inspired me to become a musician. But until this point, I hadn’t made a ska record of my own. Most people know me for playing ska punk with Big D and The Kids Table. While at home in the Hudson Valley, I’m mostly known as a jazz musician. “Benergy” is something that finally marries these two sides of me and brings me back to where I fell in love with music in the first place. Of all the music I’ve recorded… this is the record that feels the most like me."
“When Rob and I connected he told me about his idea for a new imprint that would become ‘Sleep Walk Sounds’ and I was immediately on board! It’s a pleasure working alongside Rob in getting my music out to the world. It’s an honor to be the first artist announced for Sleep Walk Sounds.”
Upcoming Shows
Thursday, June 5 – All Points West, Newark, NJ
Friday, June 6 – Reason & Ruckus, Poughkeepsie, NY
Saturday, June 7 – TBA, Boston, MA
Sunday, June 8 – Hutghi’s, Westfield, MA
Tickets: benbasile.com
Listen & Order
Stream Benergy: https://www.notnoise.co/link/ben-basile-benergy
Order Vinyl: https://sleepwalksounds.limitedrun.com
What others are saying about 'Benergy':
“it is the culmination of more than a decade of laying the musical
and logistical groundwork of a thriving career with one foot in
each genre. “Benergy is his landmark statement combining
his jazz and ska sides.”-8495 Jazz
“Ben Basile Honors NYC Ska Legacy” -Eric Alper
“The title encapsulates the spirit of the record: grounded in rhythm, bursting with heart, and elevated by joyful momentum, with each track reflecting a different corner of Basile’s musical world. From dub to jazz to bossa nova-inflected ska, the album is a sonic roadmap through his influences—and a tribute to the community that shaped him.”-Savoir Faire
“Ska meant for grown ups and fans of more serious music. One of the more captivating instrumental tracks we've heard so far this year.” -If It’s Too Loud If It’s Too Loud
“Ben Basile… has branched out into some ska jazz that would make Victor Rice and Rocksteady Freddie proud.” -ReadJunk
“warmth and personality—like a jam session among old friends that just happens to sound pristine.”-Amplify The Noise
“A vibrant, melodic work of art... a must listen...It is a burst of traditional ska/rocksteady goodness that’ll have you tapping your foot in no time. We are totally enthralled with the musical stylings, of Ben Basile and we can’t wait to hear what’s next.” -The Whole Kameese
“It’s a highly personal, groove-laced project with soul, swing, and swagger...it’s a love letter to ska, jazz, and Basile’s own musical journey.” -Jazz Chill Blogspot
“Ben avoided the ‘bass solo album’ route and gave us a rich and accessible demonstration of how the genre is best played."-
Mike Banja (Author of Ska Bass 365)
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