RICK HERRICK
508-693-8065
I have an old friend in the music business with two published compact discs. When I reviewed his latest CD for a magazine a few years back, I did some research and discovered that there are 60,000 talented musicians living in and around the Nashville area all hoping to be discovered. Their dream is to produce a CD of original music despite the fact that it is almost impossible to make money with a CD. In the digital age, so much music is simply downloaded for free.
With this background in mind, I recently spoke with Ben Willmott, our musician in residence. “Why do you do this, Ben?” I asked. “Do you sometimes feel like you’re swimming against the tide?”
“I do it because I love it. It’s so much fun to perform. People energize me when I’m on stage. I’m also a soft spoken guy with deeply held values. Writing music is the best way for me to express my values.”
“What stimulates a song? Explain the writing process for me.”
“My songs come from experiences, either experiences that I have had in the past or new ones that move me. I wrote a song about the Alabama after watching it sail across Vineyard Sound. It was so majestic! It also helps to have an uncluttered mind so that the music flows through you. Song writing can’t be forced.”
Ben, at 25, has two published CDs of original music out there, but that is not how he earns a living. He works during the day for a music management company in Cambridge where he is responsible for client content on social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace and YouTube. At night and during the weekends he plays his piano and sings in commercial venues throughout New England.
Pianist and singer/songwriter Ben Willmott has been praised in the press for a voice that is “unmatched by most of today’s musicians.” He writes “infectious pop ballads” with lyrics that inspire. Readers interested in learning more about Ben’s music can begin by visiting his Web site at benwillmottmusic.com.
East Choppers witnessed another form of youth talent at the tennis club last Wednesday night. Zach Wooster, Nick Hyzak, Sam Protzmann and Samantha Potter played an excellent exhibition match before an enthusiastic grill night audience. In many ways it was a tribute to their coach and our pro, Raj Maharaj. It was a thrill to watch these four teenagers hit the ball. Their strategy was well executed too. In a close, three set match, Zach and Sam finally defeated Nick and Samantha 2-6, 6-4, 6-3.
Finally, Laurie Howick asked that I announce to our August vacationers that shuffleboard will continue at the beach club each Monday night beginning at 5:45 p.m. into September. Bring a beverage and a snack to share. More than 20 people participated in these fun contests in July.
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