Ben Bigney, a native of  Bangor, Maine, is the son of a church organist and grandson of a swing band drummer.  After numerous failed attempts at other instruments (who shall remain nameless to protect their innocence), he accidentally stumbled upon the piano at age 13.  It was love at first song and the two have been in a committed (albeit open) relationship ever since.  After high school work with Daryl W. Rhodes of Bangor, he studied for two years at New England Conservatory of Music and finished his formal music education at the University of Southern Maine.  For the past four years he has followed his own path toward musical independence and seeks to write and play music of at least moderate interest before inertia or apathy take over.

First awe-struck at age of twelve by vinyl 45 "Penny Lane / Strawberry Fields Forever," Ben is rooted in the music of The Beatles.  He has studied and listened to many other artists, including Bangor - based Sister Blue, the Steve Miller Band, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Keith Jarrett, Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin, Jeff Buckley, and Guns N' Roses.  Ben feels guilty pleasure in music (and life) is a necessary survival skill.

Ben has worked with Bangor - based TōFE, Portland (Maine) - based Tyrome's Kitchen, served as Music Resource Director at Pilgrim Lodge in West Gardiner, Maine, and served as Church Musician at Faith Lutheran in Windham, Maine.  Ben is the recipient of the 2000 Bay Chamber Concerts Nathan Corning Jazz Prize, and has worked for Carnival Cruise Line - first as a show band pianist and most recently as a piano bar soloist on the M/S Holiday.

Ben currently lives in Portland, Maine.  He is a co-director of music at North Saco Congregational Church, has appeared recently with the Mark Stewart Band in Waterville, and enjoys consuming fresh pesto made by his roommate Robin.

Photo by SaHar