Vibraphonist Ben Thomas is a Seattle-based solo recording artist, as well as an artist/clinician for the Ludwig/Musser company (in addition to the vibraphone, Thomas is an established drummer and percussionist). After receiving a Bachelor of Arts from Swarthmore College and a Master of Music from the University of Michigan, Thomas received a grant for "music composition" from the Seattle Arts Commission. Thomas has issued the solo albums The Madman's Difference (1998) and The Mystagogue (2000), in addition to appearing on other artists recordings, including Stephen Rush's Murders in the Rue Morgue Chamber Opera, Jesse Stern Group's Blues for the Bear, and the Savoy Swing Band's Till Tom Special. ~ Greg Prato