On 2nd March the Savill Hall rocked to the sounds of Ben Waters on his piano.
Ben is a local lad and many in the audience, remembered him as a teenager playing in various locations around the area.
Along with his fascinating stories of world – known musicians he played with, he blew the audience away with his skill and energy, playing requests with great good humour.
Singing and clapping along, we all had a great evening and were so lucky to have such a talented musician, used to playing huge venues, entertaining us in our more modest hall.
After contacting Ben, he kindly replied and wrote this:
I began learning piano at the age of fourteen (1988), after watching Fats Domino’s 60th birthday celebration on TV – it was a moment that completely changed my life. The show featured Fats Domino, Ray Charles, and Jerry Lee Lewis. My amazing parents, Ann and John, who live in Upwey, wanted to watch it, and with only one TV and three channels, I had no choice but to join in. But the moment I heard that music, it made me incredibly happy – I was hooked and couldn’t get enough of it. After playing around the house for a year, I started gigging in Weymouth, at The Fox in Corscombe, and The Fox and Hounds in Cattistock.
After 35 years, I decided it would be a nice full-circle moment to return, and I was deeply touched by the turnout. I didn’t advertise the concert much – just listed it on my website – so to have 70 of you there was a wonderful surprise. I can’t thank everyone enough for coming, and for making me feel so welcome.
Cattistock holds a very special place in my heart, and it was truly heartwarming to be back after all this time. I’m hoping to return soon, hopefully with the whole band.
A special thanks goes out to everyone who helped make the event possible, particularly the team at The Fox and Hounds.
I look forward to seeing you all again in the future.
Very best wishes,
Ben