Ben Jackson (musician)

Benjamin Donald Jackson is an American musician best known for being the rhythm guitarist of Crimson Glory. He is also known for his short-lived band Parish, and his solo career consisting of three albums Here I Come, All Over You, and Gold and Dragons (released under the moniker “Avenging Benji”).^{[1][2][3][4][5][6][7]}

Biography

Crimson Glory

Ben Jackson co-founded the group that would eventually become known as Crimson Glory along with four other musicians, including drummer Dana Burnell, in Sarasota, Florida in 1979 under the name Pierced Arrow (later changed to 'Beowulf'). This group underwent multiple personnel changes before Jackson and Burnell were joined by the other three musicians who would compose the classic lineup of Crimson Glory - vocalist Midnight, lead guitarist Jon Drenning, and bassist Jeff Lords. Jackson and Burnell played on the albums Crimson Glory and Transcendence before leaving the group in 1989.

In 1999, Jackson reformed Crimson Glory with Jon Drenning, Jeff Lords, and new vocalist Wade Black for the recording of their fourth album, "Astronomica". The band toured over a one-year period in support of the album before going on a second hiatus.

In 2006, Jackson reunited with the original lineup of Crimson Glory as they performed sporadically for about a year until Midnight was arrested and charged for charged with driving under the influence, prompting the band to call on Wade Black to rejoin.

In 2010, Crimson Glory reemerged with new vocalist Todd La Torre and tentative plans for a fifth album. The band toured for three years before La Torre parted ways with the band to join Queensrÿche, putting the band on hiatus again.

Other musical projects

After his first departure with Crimson Glory, Jackson went on to form the band Parish with vocalist John David, guitarist David Edward, bassist Bernard Hernandez, and drummer Rich Tabor. Parrish released their first and only album, Envision, in 1995.^[4]

In 2001, Jackson released his solo debut, Here I Come, on which he took up lead vocals for the first time and played most of the guitar and bass work; his former Parish bandmate Rich Tabor contributed drums.^[5][8]

In 2005, Jackson released his sophomore album, All Over You, which he described as "more of a band effort with the result being more heavy metal in style."^[3][5] The other musicians on this album are guitarist Mark Borgmeyer, bassist Danny Binz, drummer Rich Tabor, and backing vocalist Rose Marie Sexton.^[9] Three years later, Jackson announced he was announced that he was putting the finishing touches on his third solo album, Gold and Dragons. ^[6] This album was officially released five years later under the moniker “Avenging Benji”.^[7]

Discography

With Crimson Glory

• Crimson Glory (1986)
• Transcendence (1988)
• Astronomica (1999)

With Parish

• Envision (1999)

Solo

• Here I Come (2001)
• All Over You (2005)

With Avenging Benji

• Gold and Dragons (2013)

References