Ben got his first guitar at the age of ten because he wanted to be like Elvis. In the 60s he was into folk music, in the 70s and 80s it was bluegrass, and in the 90s he got turned on to jazz and swing. He has been the guitarist and lead vocalist with the Big Valley Swing Orchestra for over 25 years. In 2006 Ben founded the award-winning gypsy jazz band Swingology to pay tribute to the great guitarist Django Reinhardt and the Quintet of the Hot Club of France. He later performed monthly as a solo artist at the Winegrunt wine bar in Windsor for four years. He has also played guitar in pit orchestras for many musical theatre productions, including 42nd Street, Fiddler on the Roof, Sister Act, Mamma Mia!, and The Prom.
Donald MacLennan (Dartmouth NS), is an award winning violinist/vocalist/composer who grew up in Chimney Corner, Cape Breton. A multi-genre arranger and improviser, MacLennan has established himself recording and touring internationally with Ben Caplan, the Modern Grass, Duane Andrews (NL), Mary Beth Carty, Michael C Duguay (ON), the Upstream Music Association, and his own jazz manouche project. He loves the ocean, baking bread, collecting records, and chocolate.
Andy's solid bass playing provides the foundation on which the Trio's sound rests. His experience with various bands, including Swingology, the John Tetrault Trio, Grassfire, and String Theory, showcase his versatility and adaptability in different musical styles. He is also a noted repairman for all kinds of stringed instruments, initially reconditioning distressed acoustic basses. In recent years he has added another layer to his skill set by becoming a builder of fine archtop and flattop guitars. From his early days in ”garage” bands to bluegrass and swing groups , quoting Willy Nelson “the life he loves is making music with his friends.”