Guitarist and composer Ben McClintock (he/him) was born in the high desert of Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1984. Despite his early fascination with music, it wasn't until his first year of college at the age of 18 that he picked up a guitar. Upon discovering this new instrument, he was captivated and dedicated all his time and energy to mastering it, delving into the study of different artists and records.

Initially drawn to blues legends like BB King, Buddy Guy, and Muddy Waters, Ben's musical tastes later expanded to encompass a diverse range of guitarists from various genres. Influences from artists such as Neil Young, John McLaughlin, Kenny Burrell, Jimi Hendrix, Mary Halvorson, John Fahey, and Jeff Parker all played a role in shaping his unique style.

Seeking to further develop his skills, he  enrolled at Berklee College of Music. During his time there, he was fortunate to study under the guidance of slide guitar virtuoso David Tronzo for three years. Boston also became the breeding ground for his instrumental rock band Izzi Creo, which gained popularity in New England and released two independent albums.

After completing his studies at Berklee, McClintock moved to San Francisco, where he continued to explore and evolve as a musician. He became involved in indie-rock bands Social Studies and Smokin' Ziggurats, allowing him to tour the country and share the stage with renowned acts such as Bombino, Grizzly Bear, Metz, La Luz, and Dengue Fever. Throughout this period, he found a growing fascination with improvised and new music, leading him to perform solo with the electric guitar and an array of effect pedals.

He is currently playing music from his new album The Shape of Space. It’s composed of 8 short songs that play out like a movie soundtrack. The music has been described as cinematic, moody and soulful playing with the lines between jazz and electronic music. All of the songs except for “Explosions”, which features Breck Omar on vocals, are instrumental voyages. For fans of Tortoise, Madlib, David Lynch and Makaya McCraven. 

Currently residing in Brooklyn, Ben McClintock is  a recent recipient of a Masters Degree in Jazz Performance from Hunter College. He actively plays around the city and is currently working on his next album. Alongside his musical pursuits, he embraces the role of an educator, relishing the opportunity to pass on his knowledge and expertise to aspiring and eager students.