Dinner in Polidroso (Rembetika Hipsters, 2004)

The Rembetika Hipsters‘ second album, marking the song-writing debut of Ben Johnson with the instrumental track ‘Mersini’. Ben is also featured on tabla on ‘Oso Varoun ta Sidera’, – a bold choice for a Cretan folk tune – and on drum kit in 7/8 time on ‘Evil Eye’.

Continue reading

Belladonna (Plaid Tongued Devils, 2002)

A thick soup of pop, rock and ska made with the salty base of gypsy and klezmer music with dashes of spanish and middle eastern influences, Belladonna is the Plaid-Tongued Devils‘ fourth release.

Features Ben Johnson performing a santoor intro to the classic ‘Misirlou’, and on tabla alongside Meghana Bhat’s lovely sitar on ‘Kama Sutra’.