North Carolina-born pianist, singer and songwriter Ben Folds came on the national scene in the 1990s with his band Ben Folds Five (in fact a guitarless trio, not a quintet). His irreverent humor is combined with a serious streak, and sophisticated (yet pop-based) melodic values that have earned him critical praise, a devoted following and occasional hits. He\u2019s currently touring the U.S. for a series of concerts in collaboration with symphony orchestras. On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the release of his debut album (Ben Folds Five), here are \u2013 appropriately enough course \u2013 five songs that provide a hint of the expanse of his artistry.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn Love\u201d From Fear of Pop\u2019s Volume 1<\/em> (1998)<\/strong>
\nBen Folds has lent his talent to many projects by other artists. He\u2019s worked with Amanda Palmer, \u201cWeird Al\u201d Yankovic and many others. Among his most unusual outside enterprises is the Fear of Pop project. On Fear of Pop\u2019s 1998 album he was joined by actor William Shatner (of Star Trek fame) on this effective meeting of music and spoken word. Folds wrote the tune and co-produced the album.<\/p>\n