Ben Thomas - The Hat with the Grin and the Chuckle (2025) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

Ben Thomas' music lives in a world where tradition and innovation meet with effortless grace. Deeply rooted in the authentic rhythms of Argentine tango, yet fearlessly modern in spirit, his compositions offer a rich tapestry of layered polyrhythms, inventive melodies, and surprising contrasts—all delivered with intelligence, playfulness, and deep emotional weight.

From the very first notes, you're drawn into a musical landscape where humor and melancholy coexist, where rhythmic intricacy never sacrifices heart, and where the spirit of tango breathes freely even as the music charts new and unexpected territories. Ben creates an entire environment for his exceptional ensemble of musicians and improvisers to explore. Each piece unfolds like a journey—full of shifting moods, changing colors, and emotional discoveries.

One of Ben's remarkable gifts lies in how he sculpts textures and atmospheres, often by pairing instruments in unusual ways to create fresh tonal palettes. His ability to weave different rhythmic traditions—from playful milongas to dramatic tangos—into seamless, organic narratives speaks to a composer's mind of great maturity and mischief. In Ben's hands, transitions between contrasting moods feel so natural that the listener is transported without ever feeling the mechanics of the journey.

TRACKLIST

1. Ben Thomas - The Promise of Morning
2. Ben Thomas - Sonia's Mask
3. Ben Thomas - The Hat with the Grin and the Chuckle
4. Ben Thomas - Eric's Vals
5. Ben Thomas - Other Afternoons
6. Ben Thomas - An Unapologetic Shift of Perspective
7. Ben Thomas - Valley Shroud
8. Ben Thomas - The Second Brick



Thanks to the Original customer.