Ben Taylor releases new studio album 'Listening' + tour dates [Video]

Singer-songwriter Ben Taylor is set to release his new full-length studio album, Listening (Sun Pedal Recordings/ILG), on August 14, 2012.

This is Taylor's first album of new music in four years, following his critically acclaimed 2008 release The Legend Of Kung Folk - Part 1 (the Killing Bite).

Taylor will hit the road this summer to preview new music (full tour dates below).

Ben's latest effort, Listening, seamlessly merges the sounds and styles of folk, pop, soul, urban, reggae and country/western, running the gamut from sonically spacious acoustic numbers to multi-layered vocals and fresh beats.

Taylor explains the album as "An evolution. Some songs were actually recorded four years ago, some were recorded a few months ago, and a few recorded a few weeks ago just in time to make it. This album runs the gamut from both the production style and the period of my life in which they were recorded. These songs are little windows into the last four years of my life."

Ben Taylor's music is marked by a noted honesty and authenticity of feeling, starting with his tuneful and expressive voice, the kind of voice that makes its impact with the smallest turn of a whispered phrase.

His memorable melodies, immaculate acoustic guitar playing and insightful, honest lyrics have been captivating fans since the moment he embarked on this journey ten years ago.

As the son of James Taylor and Carly Simon, Ben has led a life so far in which music has always played a central role. His wit and skill as a singer-songwriter showcases an artist who is comfortable both in his own skin and with his impressive musical legacy.

His acclaimed previous releases comprise his debut album 2003's Famous Among The Barns, 2005's Another Run Around The Sun, and 2008's The Legend of Kung Folk, Part 1 ( The Killing Bite). Highlights from his previous albums include appearances on Good Morning America, The Tonight Show, The CBS Early Show, Last Call with Carson Daly and Howard Stern.

Ben also made his acting debut with a recurring role on NBC's American Dreams and has appeared in the pages of People Magazine, Vogue and even on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.

His reviews and raves have been steady for over a decade now with more to come. Ben Taylor has previously toured with Sheryl Crow, Blues Traveler and Ziggy Marley among others.

Ben Taylor - Worlds Are Made Of Paper (Acoustic) video:

Ben Taylor - Listening - Track List:

Listening
Oh Brother
Not Alone
Giulia
Worlds Are Made Of Paper
Vespa’s Song
America
Dirty
Burning Bridges
You Could Be Mine
Next Time Around

Ben Taylor July 2012 Tour Dates:

(Dates and information subject to change.)

July 5 2012 – New York, NY – Canal Room
July 6 2012 – Woodstock, NY – Bearsville Theater
July 7 2012 – Teaneck, NJ – Mexicali Live
July 8 2012 – Ridgefield, CT – Ridgefield Playhouse
July 11 2012 – Vienna, VA – Jammin' Java
July 12 2012 – Norfolk, CT – Infinity Hall
July 13 2012 – White River Junction, VT – Tupelo Music Hall White River
July 14 2012 – North Hampton, MA – Iron Horse Music Hall
July 17 2012 – Portland, ME – Port City Music Hall
July 18 2012 – Londonderry, NH – Tupelo Music Hall

Stream Ben Taylor's first single from 'Listening': "Oh Brother" at Rolling Stone

Stream: "Worlds Are Made of Paper" on Spinner.com

Ben Taylor Official Website