Benjamin Dean Wilson is a songwriter, composer, and filmmaker from Tulsa, Oklahoma, currently residing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. With his mixture of sardonic humor and retro pop sensibilities, Wilson has drawn comparisons to Ray Davies and Randy Newman, yet his songs are firmly at home in the 21st century.
Wilson initially devoted most of his time to filmmaking in his hometown of Tulsa, and songwriting was a part-time occupation, but while working on commercials and films of his own, he found his cinematic experience translated well to music and began devoting more time to songwriting. The result was his debut album, ‘Small Talk,’ which was included in Germany’s Rolling Stone’s best list in 2016.
Since his debut, Wilson has released six more albums, written and directed an award-winning feature-length film, and an animated television series. ‘Until the House Falls’ marks his first venture into the world of audio drama.
It is a multi-genre opus featuring eleven songs and performances that form a four-part musical radio play that creates a cinematic experience without the need for visuals. Described as ‘a film for the ears’ and rightly so.
It is not Wilson’s first venture into the world of story-telling narrative describe musically. He is recognised for winning awards at multiple film festivals for his feature films, ‘Nuts! The Musical’ and ‘Ivan and Craig.’ Think Frank Zappa’s ‘Joe’s Garage’ or The Kinks’ Preservation Acts 1 and 2. This is a fusion of progressive folk rock and musician indie theatre and a whole lot more. The release is an experience with quirky rock, Vaudeville and alternative influences forming distinct musical roles, yet interconnected mosaic.
The message in the musical narrative is that humanity longs for inspiration and elation that can only come from connecting through stories with links through devastation to playful, dark, and dramatic to joyful and rousing.
The plot focuses on Brad Stevens (portrayed by Ambie Award nominee Aud Andrews). After a tornado devastates his family and home, Brad rises to prominence in his hometown. Brad tries to conceal the secret behind his success from the public, but one young man is determined to bring the truth to light.
Alex Furness as Mary Ann Stevens
Dana Kluczyk as Isabel Chase
Sam Eisenbaum as Mike
Tyler Robins as Paul Warren
Stephen Elberg as Narrator
The play includes a colourful cast of supporting characters such as Brad’s new trophy wife Mary Ann Stevens (Alex Furness), his ambitious new hire and mistress in training Isabel Chase (Dana Kluczyk), the charming personal trainer Mike (Sam Eisenbaum), and Paul Warren, the young man who is intent on uncovering Brad’s dark secret (long time Wilson collaborator, Tyler Robins). The radio play blends stylistic elements of Italian Commedia dell’arte and early exploitation films by filmmakers such as John Waters and Russ Myer. It is narrated by Stephen Elberg.
Wilson comments, “This radio play was inspired by my experience sheltering from a tornado in my closet. Although the tornado touched down a few miles away, it still caused damage to several houses in my neighbourhood. The next day, I was talking with a friend of mine who said, ‘I can totally see you writing a play about this or something.” “Good idea,” I thought. And that evening, once we had finished picking up the debris, I started writing what would become the first song of the play.”
The digital release of the album is divided into two sections. The first four tracks contain the four parts of the radio play, featuring both the songs and all associated scenes from the play. The following eleven tracks present the individual songs isolated from the play, allowing listeners the convenience of enjoying each song on its own.
This review concentrates on the songs, and these are quirky and relate to the essence of the play, from the expectation of the tornado and preparing for its impact, to jealousy, suspicion, deceit, and flirtation, and all manner of human emotions. Some of the music is more of a narrative, while some tracks, like the beautiful ‘Home in the South,’ are standalone numbers. Within each track, the style, rhythms, and lyrics change, with the introduction of dance rhythms, including waltzes and polka. ‘Confrontation’ is a playful delight with its combative nature.
‘Until The House Falls’ is a commitment and takes a long listen to take in the story lines, but it is fun, quirky, and different.
“Until the House Falls” is available now at Bandcamp.
Stream the album on Spotify.
Online:
Official Website: https://www.benjamindeanwilson.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/49ZgJThaYJZ2CPdgqgs74l
Bandcamp: https://fortyminusfour.bandcamp.com/
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb1WB9r3m-MxCwwS4_-PEFQ
Artist Contact Email: ben@benjamindeanwilson.com
