Ben Sidran
b. 14 August 1943, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A. A Ph.D. in musicology and philosophy, Sidran became embroiled in rock music upon joining the Ardells, a popular attraction at the University of Wisconsin which also featured Steve Miller and Boz Scaggs. Sidran later travelled to London to complete a doctoral thesis on the development of black music in America. This was published as Black Talk in 1971. Here he became reacquainted with Miller during the recording of the latter's BRAVE NEW WORLD, an album marked by Sidran's memorable piano work and compositional skills. He remained an associate member of Miller's band, contributing to YOUR SAVING GRACE and NUMBER 5 before making numerous session appearances. The artist's solo career began in 1971 with the release of FEEL YOUR GROOVE; he has since pursued an idiosyncratic, jazz-based path, eschewing commercially-minded motives in favour of a relaxed, almost casual, approach. His best work, captured on PUTTIN’ IN TIME ON PLANET EARTH (1973) and THE DOCTOR IS IN (1977), reveals a laconic wit redolent of Mose Allison, but elsewhere Sidran's under-achievements suggest lethargy rather than control. He nonetheless remains a highly-respected musician and is best-known in the UK as host to 'On The Live Side', a perennial favourite of late-night television. In 1991 he released COOL PARADISE to favourable reviews and helped re-launch the career of Georgie Fame, now a stable-mate on the new jazz label Go Jazz.