Country singer Ben Cesare may have grown up around New England, but he has stayed close to the southern rock style he has enjoyed for the past 17 years. He’s opened for The Bacon Brothers, Kellie Pickler, 38 Special and Darius Rucker. His high-octane performances around Boston and Nashville, including Boston’s Hard Rock Cafe where music icons such as Boston natives Aerosmith, New Jersey’s own Bon Jovi, and Latin sensation Shakira had once performed, have afforded Ben Cesare and his band the fan base to produce their debut EP. Released this past August, Cesare’s Palace is an album that mixes blues and pop sounds with Cesare’s love of country music over seven tracks, six of which he co-wrote.
Heavy guitar and steady drum beats amp up the rocking lead single “Damn Yankee.” Northern boy perplexes southerners with an uncanny southern drawl in this infectious, foot tapping fun song.
“Poor People” – steel guitar makes this the perfect down home country song.
“All In One Girl”– electric and steel guitars aid in the story of a guy describing the different qualities girls have, with the storyteller stating that his woman has all those wrapped into one.
“She’s All Woman” – electric guitar provides a bit more of an edge to this song about a girl with a variety of sides to her character, but to her man, all those sides make her all his. Smooth gritty vocals blend well with the premise of the tune.
“Somethin’ Bout Somewhere Else” – subtle background vocals that blends nicely with Cesare’s. Easy flowing country tune that describes a better place to be than from where he came. Great writing along with the flow of the tune creates the images from the apparent daydreams of the main character.
“That Was A Man”– Dark, hard edged beginning leads the listener into a ballad about 3 men – the singer, the preacher, a father – each having stories, albeit different ones, of sacrifice, vision, and heroism. Creative lyrics along with amazing guitar skills should make this a favorite. (Songwriting note: “That Was A Man” was co-written by award winning country music singer Lee Brice).
“The Good Times’ll Kill Ya“ is a fun catchy tune that’s sure to be popular among fans.
Great vocals, instrumentation, and good ole storytelling makes Cesare’s Palace a download must.
Available on all download sites, including iTunes, Spotify, and Google Play.
For information on the Ben Cesare Band, please visit: www.bencesareband.com
Cesare’s Palace Track List
- Damn Yankee
- Poor People
- All In One Girl
- She’s All Woman
- Somethin’ Bout’ Somewhere Else
- That Was a Man
- The Good Times’ll Kill Ya