Gospel/Jazz Instrumentalist Ben Tankard Nominated for a Soul Train Music Award | Best Contemporary Jazz Artist

NASHVILLE,Tenn., Sept. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire-iReach/ — Gospel/Jazz instrumentalist, Ben Tankard has been nominated for a Soul Train Music Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Artist.

The Soul Train Awards is an annual award show that honors the best in Black music and entertainment.  It will air 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 CD summer 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.  Not only is Tankard nominated for a Soul Train Music Award, but also a Stellar Award (his 13th), AND is on the eligibility ballot for multiple Grammy Awards! Talk about a 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…). Indeed a trendsetter, Tankard who is also a licensed private pilot, flies to all his events on his own airplane.

Over the last few years Tankard has provide the musical backdrop for many top artists including over 40 songs with his first discovery as a producer: Yolanda Adams.  His timeless style has always crossed genre, racial, and denominational borders and his new collection, 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 (which is the #1 played song on XM Watercolors. See video above).

Take-6 front man, Mark Kibble sparkles on Black Butterfly, which was penned by Jam Jim and Terry Lewis. This release seems to have 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). He has NEVER had piano lessons and is booked worldwide to share his music and miracle story of how one dashed dream can turn into a new DESTINY.  He and his wife Jewel happen to be the Pastors of the fast growing Destiny Center Church in Murfreesboro,TN near Nashville.

“Anyone can rebound from disappointment and I pray that my MUSIC and message of destiny, continues 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.  I am indeed honored and humbled by this nomination (my first), for a Soul Train Award..God Bless You All,” says Tankard.

More information: www.bentankard.org 615-907-0185, tweet @bentankard BEN-Jamin’ Universal Music: UPC # 885767461383

Full Tank is available in Walmart / Target stores, iTunes, Amazon, and where fine music is sold.

To view this video on YouTube, please visit: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hhOsvq3Icc


Media Contact: Stephanie Walker, BEN-Jamin’ Universal Music, 615-907-0185, [email protected]