Ben started his musical life as a guitar player, until he filled in one day on bass for the Mustangs back in 2004. He hasn't looked back since, and a British Blues Award nomination for Best Bassist is further recognition for Ben's tight, tasteful yet powerful style.

 

Q: Ben, congratulations on your nomination, how much of a surprise was it to you?

 

It was a big surprise, I can tell you!  I could never have imagined this when I played my first gig as a bass player with the Mustangs at a Boogaloo event just a few years ago.  I was sweating, terrified, all fingers and thumbs, and had no idea what I was doing.  I owe Ad, Derek, and Jon a vote of thanks for showing unjustified faith in my abilities at the time.

 

Q: The Awards are in their first year, what would it mean to you to be the first ever recipient of Best Bass Player?

 

I think "beyond my wildest dreams" would cover it.

 

Q: How important do you think these Awards could be to Blues in the UK?

 

The blues world is a family, and I hope that these awards grow into an annual family celebration.  Most of us in blues bands play at the sharp end of the music business.  Financial rewards and fame are something that we are happy to live without - we get our buzz by playing live to warm, loyal, friendly, music-loving people up and down the country.  It's great that the people on our scene - both bands and fans - have a chance to show their appreciation for what we all do.

 

Q: Will you be attending the final ceremony at Newark?

 

We are hoping to.  We are booked to play on the Sunday of the festival (and really looking forward to it), and with luck we should be able to get there the day before to soak up some music and be there at the awards ceremony.  The camping gear is all packed!

 

Q: Will you have a speech planned in case you win?

 

No.  I think I would have to try for a Gwyneth Paltrow-style ten minute weeping meltdown...

 

Q: Jon has been nominated too, why has the blues public taken to the Mustangs rhythm section?

 

Jon is a brilliant drummer - He's got taste, feel, and the ability to go off like a controlled explosion when required.  I've played with a lot of drummers in my short career, and nobody compares to him.  His combination of power and grace is unmatched.  I just try to keep up!

 

Q: The band is also up for Best Blues Band, do you see this as the big one, or are each of the nominations as important as each other?

 

I have to admit that Best Band would be the big one.  We don't play individually, so the idea of an individual award almost seems a bit artificial.  If we won this then it would show that people really get what the four of us do.  We're known as one of the tightest live bands around, not only for our playing but for the friendship between the four of us, so the band award would really feel great.

 

Q: Was there another category you would have liked to see the band represented in?

 

Obviously it would have been great to see individual nods go to Derek and Adam too.  Also, we're very proud of our new album Cut Loose, so it would have been really something to see that pick up a Best Album nomination.  But I think the award we would really all like to see is Best Live Band.  We aim for that award every time we play, whether it exists or not!

 

Q: What do you know about your competition in each category?

 

I know that we're up against some wonderful musicians who are very deserving of recognition.  It's a privilege to be in such great company.

 

Q: If you win, where will you keep your award?

 

Obviously I would be commissioning a special trophy cabinet!  Where it would look quite lonely on its own, sadly...although I did once win an Easter Egg for dancing the Charleston when I was 11. 

 

Q: What would a Best band do for the band, do you think?

 

All we ever ask is to get in front of more people and show them what we do.  Playing for an audience is as good as it gets - and if a Best Band award could help us get our name out and increase our audience, we would be very, very happy.

 

Q: Finally, if you could create an Award just within the Mustangs,what would it be, and who would you give it to?

 

It would be the Indispensable Band Member Award, and it would go to...Derek Kingaby.  He does so much for the band, including keeping our finances straight and organising our logistics.  We wouldn't even make it to half our gigs if it wasn't for him, and he has taken on more than his fair share of keeping us on the road in every sense.  Most important of all, without his uniquely sweet and musical harp-playing, we wouldn't be the Mustangs at all.  Thanks Derek!