The rock-pianist will be accompanied by the internationally renowned Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in an exclusive concert at the Meyerhoff this weekend that will be enjoyed by both Ben Folds lovers and orchestra-goers alike.
The multi-talented Folds started as a bassist for Majosha in the late ’80s. Folds later moved to New York to pursue an acting career and signed a publishing contract with Sony Music.
After moving back home to North Carolina, Folds started Ben Folds Five in 1994. Composed of only three members – Folds on piano, bassist Robert Sledge and drummer Darren Jessee – the Five quickly became an underground sensation. The guitarless trio broke the mold of the ’90s grungy college band with its piano-driven tracks while delivering a high-energy live performances.
That same year, the band signed a new label and put out its first self-titled album the following year. Two years later, the band’s sound switched to power pop with its sophomore hit Whatever and Ever Amen, an album featuring gems such as “Fair” and “Battle of Who Could Care Less.” These upbeat tracks were joined by one of the band’s more popularly known cuts, “Brick,” a melancholy mix of instrumentals with some heavy thoughts about teenage abortion.
Folds took his first break from the Five when he released his debut solo album under the title Fear of Pop, a disc that went largely unnoticed. The Five regrouped in 1999 with The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner, highlighted by the lead-off single “Army.”
Folds’ catchy lyrics, backed by smooth, yet parsimonious, melodies, are easily seen on his two latest solo efforts, Rockin’ the Suburbs (2001) and Songs for Silverman (2005). The shows will feature hit tracks such as “Zak and Sara” as well as some of his earlier efforts including the beloved “Brick” and “Army.” Folds’ piano riffs and clever lyrics are sure to mesh well with the incredible sound of the BSO.
Folds will be playing with the BSO at the Meyerhoff in Baltimore Friday and Saturday night. Doors open at 8 p.m.; tickets start at $48. Call (410) 783-8000 for more information.
