Gospel/Jazz instrumentalist, Ben Tankard’s has been nominated for a Soul Train Music Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Artist.
The Soul Train Awards will be taped before a live audience on Nov. 8, 2012 in Las Vegas. It will be aired internationally on BET / CENTRIC on Nov. 25 during the Thanksgiving Holiday Week-End. Check local listings.
Tankard, known as the pioneer or “Godfather” of Gospel/Jazz released his 18th solo smooth CD on June 5, 2012. It was a “leap of faith” for Tankard who stepped out to launch his own record label (Ben-Jamin’ Universal Music), after several years with top label giant: Verity/Sony/BMG.
It turned out to be the BEST move of his career in that ” FULL TANK ” is topping the world charts and has not only been nominated for a Soul Train Music Award, but also a Stellar Award (his 13th), AND is on the eligibility ballot for 8 Grammy Awards! Talk about FULL TANK!
“This is the most successful record of my 20+ year career, and the music industry is buzzing with excitement about it,” Tankard says. He is currently on a 200 city tour to promote the CD and his Reality TV Show which will launch early 2013 (More to come…).
Over the years, Tankard’s music has created the musical backdrop for many top artists including over 40 songs for his first discovery as a producer: Yolanda Adams. His timeless style has always crossed genre, racial, and denominational borders and FULL TANK is no different.
Known for collaborating well with others, Ben featured neo-soul star, Cynthia Jones on the lead single to Gospel radio with vocal cut, “Something About That Name”. Jazz guitarist Tim Bowman, and sax man, Gerald Albright jam on the lead Smoothjazz radio singles, with “Full Tank”, and “Sunday Vibes” . Take-6 front man, Mark Kibble sparkled on the Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis penned song “Black Butterfly”. This CD has something for everyone.
Tankard is a former pro basketball player that gave up his NBA hoop dreams to pursue music after a knee injury (he currently is a motivational speaker for the NBA).
“My goal through my MUSIC is to inspire and motivate people through relaxed thought, peace, and reflection. Way down on the inside everyone has the potential for greatness, and it is time to tap into the FULL TANK that the creator gave you. Though my music is jazzy in nature and embraced non-believers, I have not Cross-Over, I have Taken The Cross Over”, says Tankard.
The Soul Train Awards, will play host to many stars including, Usher, Mary Mary, Alicia Keys, Marvin Sapp, John Legend and more….
More information: www.bentankard.org
