Big D and the Kids Table Bassist Ben Basile Debuts Third Single (“Cacao Knibb") Off Upcoming Solo LP 'Benergy' Out May 2nd; East Coast Shows Announced
'Benergy' – The Debut Solo LP from Big D and the Kids Table Bassist Ben Basile
Drops May 2nd
Stream the Third Single
"Cacao Knibb" Now!
Shows Announced
For fans of Ernest Rangling, Victor Rice, Horace Silver,
New York Ska-Jazz Ensemble, The Skatalites.
(Hudson Valley, NY- April 18, 2025) — Acclaimed bassist Ben Basile (pronounced "ba-sill-ee"), best known for his work with Big D and the Kids Table, is thrilled to announce the release of his new single, "Cacao Knibb" the third track from his debut solo album, 'Benergy', set to drop May 2nd via Sleep Walk Sounds.
Ben says, “"Cacao Knibb" has been in development for a long time and took years to find its final form which appears on the album. The title is a play on words with two of my favorite things: Ska music and Dark Chocolate. Cacao Nib being a piece of a dried cacao bean and Lloyd Knibb was the original drummer with The Skatalites who pretty much created the whole style! I always love when ska is blended with latin rhythms, so that was also a part of the inspiration for this piece. “Cacao Knibb” feature’s the album’s co-producer Jon Degen on saxophone, as well as a piano solo by my longtime friend Sean Morrison.”
'Benergy', the album’s title, originated from a lighthearted moment with one of Basile’s bass students. “When I play ska punk, like with Big D and The Kids Table, it’s all about playing on top, playing with momentum and energy. Pushing the music the entire time,” Basile explains. His student’s response? “Benergy?”—a phrase that stuck and ultimately became the album’s name.
About Ben Basile
Ben Basile is a Hudson Valley-born musician who grew up in Wappingers Falls and now lives in Rosendale, NY.
His passion for music ignited in his youth, sparked by a stack of ska and punk rock CDs from his sister.
A graduate of Dutchess Community College and SUNY New Paltz, Basile studied jazz and business before launching a career that’s taken him across six continents with legendary acts like Pilfers, New York Ska-Jazz Ensemble, and Big D and the Kids Table — all while staying deeply rooted in the Hudson Valley music scene.
Before touring, Basile played nearly every local venue and founded the Poughkeepsie Jazz Project in 2012, providing a weekly jam session for area musicians. He is also dedicated to teaching young musicians throughout the region, helping to shape the next generation of performers.
When not on the road, Basile performs with a variety of projects including In The Pocket, Eric Puente Jazz Quartet, Sheridan Rúitín, and Emo Night Karaoke.
Basile remains a dedicated musician, composer, and educator, with deep ties to the ska, jazz, and punk communities.
His debut album Benergy is a tribute to his roots, with songs like "Mountain Road," "74 Leonard Street," and "87 to 90" drawing inspiration directly from his life in the Hudson Valley and beyond.
'Benergy' — Coming May 2nd, 2025
The upcoming album, 'Benergy', is a culmination of Basile’s years of musical exploration and passion, featuring a stellar lineup of musicians from the ska and jazz worlds. Recorded at multiple studios across the East Coast and mastered by Tom Rosato of Zena Mastering, 'Benergy' promises to be a dynamic and deeply personal release.
Stream “Cacao Knibb” now and stay tuned for the full album release this spring via Sleep Walk Sounds.
Stream “Cacao Knibb” here:
https://soundraiser.io/link/ben-basile-cacao-knibb
Pre-order the 'Benergy' vinyl here:
https://sleepwalksounds.limitedrun.com
Upcoming Shows:
Thursday, June 5th: All Points West - Newark, NJ
Friday, June 6th: Reason & Ruckus - Poughkeepsie, NY
Saturday, June 7th: TBA - Boston, MA
Sunday, June 8th: Hutghi’s - Westfield, MA
Tickets at benbasile.com
