Ben Sidran

Soul Country #8

Airdate Aug 31, 2024

Podcast 55:06

Recorded in Madison, WI

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Description

Pianist Ben Sidran recounts writing “Space Cowboy” with Steve Miller and recording with the Rolling Stones on the Beggars Banquet sessions in 1968 London in Soul Country #8. Ben discusses his decades in jazz, including 40 albums and dozens of radio and TV programs for NPR and VH-1. After a few years in the UK spent obtaining a Phd in American Studies, he became a professor at University of Wisconsin at Madison, authoring a half dozen books along the way. Get ready for some insights into the classic rock era in late-60’s London with the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Pete Townshend and Eric Clapton. His jazz work impresses on disc and in a dazzling roster of interviewees: Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins and Sun Ra…really who gets this talent on their show?? Sponsored in part with grants from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation.

More about Ben Sidran

Ben Sidran (b. 1943) is an American jazz pianist, producer and writer, recognized for his work with the Steve Miller Band and influence on jazz. Sidran's passion for be-bop and boogie woogie began in his teens. Later, while at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, he formed a close bond with musicians Steve Miller and Boz Scaggs, playing blues rock together in the Ardells. This early collaboration set the stage for his future work with Miller. After earning his degree, Sidran pursued a PhD in American Studies at the University of Sussex, focusing on American Culture. Despite being in England, he remained connected with Miller, co-writing the hit "Space Cowboy" and contributing to key albums like Brave New World and Your Saving Grace. Sidran also made his mark as a cultural commentator, hosting NPR's "Jazz Alive" and VH-1's "New Visions". His "Talking Jazz" box set features over 60 interviews with jazz legends and taps a vast interview archive represented well at bensidran.com.