Acclaimed bassist Ben Basile, known for laying down the low end with ska-punk legends Big D and the Kids Table, has just dropped his debut solo album, Benergy, out now on Sleep Walk Sounds. A celebration of ska, jazz, and Basile’s Hudson Valley roots, Benergy is available for streaming and vinyl pre-order now.
What is Benergy?
The name Benergy was born during a bass lesson when one of Basile’s students playfully coined the term to describe his intense performance style. “When I play ska punk, like with Big D, it’s about momentum—pushing the music,” Basile recalls. That single word captured the vibe perfectly—and the title stuck.
The album itself is a genre-blurring journey through ska, jazz, and punk-tinged improvisation. Tracks like "Mountain Road," "74 Leonard Street," and "87 to 90" are full of heart and hometown references, echoing his deep ties to the Hudson Valley. It’s a highly personal, groove-laced project with soul, swing, and swagger.
About Ben Basile
A native of Wappingers Falls, NY and now based in Rosendale, Ben Basile has carved out a career as one of ska and jazz’s most versatile bassists. He has toured six continents with acts like Pilfers, New York Ska-Jazz Ensemble, and of course, Big D and the Kids Table. But despite his globetrotting, Basile remains firmly grounded in the Hudson Valley music scene.
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He founded the Poughkeepsie Jazz Project in 2012, fostering weekly jams for local musicians.
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He’s an active educator and mentor, inspiring the next generation of bass players and improvisers.
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When not touring, you’ll find him playing with groups like In The Pocket, Eric Puente Jazz Quartet, Sheridan Rúitín, and Emo Night Karaoke.
Benergy – The Album
Benergy is more than a solo debut—it’s a love letter to ska, jazz, and Basile’s own musical journey. Recorded across multiple East Coast studios and mastered by Tom Rosato (Zena Mastering), the album features a stellar lineup of musicians from the ska-jazz world.
It’s perfect for fans of:
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Ernest Ranglin
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Victor Rice
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Horace Silver
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The Skatalites
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New York Ska-Jazz Ensemble
Upcoming Shows
Catch Ben Basile live this June at the following shows:
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Thursday, June 5 – All Points West, Newark, NJ
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Friday, June 6 – Reason & Ruckus, Poughkeepsie, NY
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Saturday, June 7 – TBA, Boston, MA
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Sunday, June 8 – Hutghi’s, Westfield, MA
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