Biography

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Banjo Jubilations is a celebration of earth’s simple pleasures; the song of the mocking bird in the oak tree from ‘Say Darling Say’, the cool drink of water requested in ‘Death of John Henry’, and laughing at the world and its shams in ‘Acres of Clams.’ The collection of lively old time tunes is characterized by chiming banjo grooves accompanied by longtime rhythmic collaborator Mike Brown on guitar. The album was recorded live in Ithaca NY where the duo set up a temporary recording studio in a rented cottage. Packaged with banjo enthusiasts in mind, the liner notes provide the tunings used for each selection as well as descriptions of the banjos used – the 'study', the 'parlor', and the 'hall.' Releasing with its twin, Banjo Meditations, both albums feature mandala artwork by local tattoo artist Evan Schapp.

To further his commitment to the environment, Benny Bleu is teaming up with Amtrak for an extraordinary tour that aligns with his eco-conscious values. Traveling by train, Benny aims to minimize his carbon footprint and raise awareness about sustainable transportation options. “If I could cram a five-person band into my Toyota Yaris, we could come close to the efficiency that train travel offers. But as a solo performer, the train is the only responsible choice.” Benny explains that the vibes of his two new albums are rooted in his last one. “If you enjoyed the mellow groovy banjo approach of Mollusk, you’ll appreciate the directions I take on these. Banjo Meditations moves even further in the ‘mellow’ direction and features long-form, slow, sometimes improvisational takes on old time tunes and familiar melodies. It’s good for, well, meditation. Where Banjo Jubilations moves more in the 'groovy’ direction. It’s more raw – banjo and guitar duets captured live featuring some singing too. Great for dancing or singing along.”

Benny Bleu Haravitch plays old time banjo in the Finger Lakes of upstate New York, perched at the northern terminus of the Appalachian Mountains. Haravitch, a geologist himself, grew up in the region defined by deep lake valleys and steep highlands. This up-and-down is reflected in the local flavor of fiddle tunes, and Benny Bleu’s banjo sways along having studied and played with regional old-time visionaries Mac Benford, Richie Stearns, Judy Hyman, and Bruce Molsky. Long-cherished as a songwriter in his home scene of the Finger Lakes and Rochester NY, he garnered worldwide acclaim in 2023 for his solo banjo debut March of the Mollusk (top 15 on Folk Alliance International charts in February and March) and the release of "Serenity Song" on the Putumayo World Music label.

“New York-native, Benny Bleu is a geologist by trade, banjo player and singer-songwriter who touches on our connections with the natural world and each other.” – Putumayo World Music