My guest on this episode of TatD is Philly guitarist and songwriter Ben O' Neill. One might accuse me of some form of nepotism having Ben as a guest on the pod because he happens to be married to my dear friend and IKE V1.0 bassist Joann Schmidt, but he's more than earned his bona fides in the music world. 😉
Not only is Ben a Philadelphia music vet from his bands the MLMs and the Mini Q's, he's also a music educator, who has taught guitar at University of the Arts for many years, and.. oh yeah.. he's the touring guitarist for some guy named John Legend. NBD.
He's actually been a touring musician for the better part of two decades, starting in the gospel world with Tye Tribbett and moving into neo-soul with artists like Musiq Soulchild and Jill Scott. He's also performed with Sting, Kanye West, Kid Cudi and many others.
More than any musician I know personally, Ben understands the touring musician's  life and the need for balance in that life, both on and off the road.
Check out Ben's stellar new solo EP Light Volume Two and enjoy this really fantastic conversation we shared at the Penrose Diner in south Philly!