He's been on the radar for about a decade and a half now, and Ben Folds has established himself as one of the premier songwriters and pianists in this time. His skills on the piano are rivaled by few, and many believe that he's the best pop pianist out there today. This statement may not be inaccurate if you've ever seen him perform live.
It all started in the mid 90s, as Folds was based in the Chapel Hill, North Carolina area, home to a great music scene. Along with a bassist and a drummer (Robert Sledge and Darren Jessee), the three formed the band known as Ben Folds Five. With a self titled release in 1995, the band quickly wowed critics with some lively compositions that had a truly unique sound. Folds' work on the piano was a refreshing change from the guitar driven rock of the 1990s, and the absence of a guitar in this band almost went unnoticed, thanks to the band's wholly rich sound.
In 1997, the band released its follow up album, known as Forever and Ever, Amen. This was just as well received by critics, and it contained the band's first radio hit, Brick, a song that dealt with the plight of a young couple forced to choose an abortion.
In 1999, the band released its third and final original album, The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner. This may have fallen a bit short of expectations, but was still a great album in its own right. After this, many of the band's fans were disappointed to know that the band had decided to break up. It wasn't all bad news, though. Folds soon announced that he'd be embarking upon a solo career, and during the course of the past decade, he's released three great albums that all showcase his musical talents.
It seems that Folds will continue to churn out musical hits for as long as he can. Enjoy this talented musician, as he's truly a breath of fresh air.
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