Ben Sidran

Famous for writing Steve Miller’s hit “Space Cowboy,” Ben Sidran is most recognized for hosting NPR’s “Jazz Alive” (Peabody Award), and VH-1’s “New Visions” series (Ace Award, best music series). He has recorded 25 solo albums, including “Concert for Garcia Lorca” (Grammy Nomination), and produced recordings for Van Morrison, Diana Ross, Mose Allison, and Jon Hendricks. He composed the soundtrack for Hoop Dreams, and scored the documentary Vietnam: Long Time Coming (Aspen Film Festival audience award and an Emmy). He is the author of three books: Black Talk, Talking Jazz, and A Life in the Music. While he holds a PhD, Ben generally avoids the academic life to perform and produce. Recent recordings include Nardis Music’s release of Ben’s own “Nick’s Bump” (2003), while in 2004 Ben composed, with Leo Sidran, the score for the award winning documentary All Deliberate Speed. Ben’s most recent release is “Bumpin’ At The Sunside,” a live recording from famed Paris club, The Sunside.