After H.S. graduation, Ben Gallina stayed close to home to attend the Eastman School of Music, where in 2004, he received his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance. He is now a bassist, composer, and improviser currently based in New York City. He performs in a broad spectrum of musical settings, from jazz, orchestral and new music to rock, improvisation and world musics.
In 2008, Gallina formed the band Salo, an ensemble that derives its unique sound from the players' deliberately impromptu interpretations of Ben's expansive compositions. Salo has recorded their debut album which will be released July 27, 2010 on Innova Recordings, the label of the American Composers Forum, but is available pre-release at http://www.innova.mu.
As a member of the Smooth Maria, his music has been featured on ABC’s Private Practice, and NPR’s Song of the Day, and hailed for songs that "sneak up on listeners - that begin harmlessly but ultimately overwhelm with the weight of their poignancy, sorrow and joy." [NPR] Other performing highlights include a national tour with rock band HoneyHoney, opening for the multi-platinum band, Lifehouse. A 2008 summer residency with the Mettawee River Theatre Company, and orchestral performances with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the Astoria Symphony, and New Amsterdam Symphony Orchestra.
Ben now lives in Washington Heights (the Northern tip of Manhattan) with his girlfriend of 5 years, Lilly Wasserman, who works with at-risk youth in the NYC area. There he continues to enjoy pursuing his various endeavors in performing, recording, teaching and composition.
email: bengallina@gmail.com
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