Benedict Ian Walker

Ben was born in Stockport near Manchester in England. February 1966. He has been involved in playing music most of his life. His first instrument was the piano. After starting out playing jazz piano in local pubs and bars in the Manchester area, he went on to lead a number of Jazz and improvised music groups on saxophones and flutes and also performed many of his own unique compositions. On a chance encounter with another piper, Ben took up playing the Uilleann pipes and has been involved in playing traditional Irish music since 1995. In 1999 Ben recorded a CD with Allan Moller (uilleann pipes) and Chris Knowles (Celtic harp and bouzouki) under the collective name of "Howling At Ravens". This CD, called "Lovely Molly", was very well received and had several very complimentary reviews , notably in "The Living Tradition" and "Irish Music Magazine". Later he was a member of folk band 'Roam' for a couple of years, with which he appeared at a number of folk clubs and some festivals including Saltburn and Fylde. Ben was also a member of the Brian Bedford Band, which performed at some folk clubs and festivals in the UK during the summer of 2006. With this band, as well as the instruments mentioned above, he also played keyboards, fiddle and various percussion. Presently Ben performs solo, and also in a duo with Chris Knowles where he plays Uilleann pipes, flute, whistle, guitar & other instruments. As well as traditional Irish & other celtic instrumental music, they also perform Ben's songs which are of a more contemporary and individual style, with both folk and subtle jazz influences. Ben plays a number of instruments and different styles of music. His passion is for traditional Irish music which he performs on the Uilleann pipes, flutes and whistles. He also plays guitar (mainly for accompanying his songs), mandolin, keyboards, saxophone, clarinet, fiddle and other instruments.