Benjamin Bill Taft Brian Halloran Todd Butler Coleman Lewis Tim Campion Will Fratesi
Smoke was a band from the Cabbagetown neighborhood of Atlanta, Georgia that dissolved in 1999 with the death of writer/singer Benjamin. Benjamin was the subject of Peter Sillen and Jem Cohen's documentary Benjamin Smoke (2000).
History
The group formed during the demise of the Opal Foxx Quartet, starting with Benjamin on vocals, Bill Taft on cornet and banjo, Brian Halloran on cello, and Todd Butler on guitar. Coleman Lewis and Tim Campion later joined on guitar and drums, respectively, followed by Will Fratesi on drums.
Their last show was New Year's Eve, 1998. Benjamin died January 29, 1999.
Bill Taft and Will Fratesi went on to form Hubcap City, who are still active in the Atlanta area.
Former guitarist Coleman Lewis died from a heroin overdose in May 2014.[1]
Discography
Pretend 7" (1993, Colossal Records)
Pretend
Dirt
Heaven on a Popsicle Stick CD (1994, LongPlay Records)
Hole
Awake
Freak (Winn's Song)
The Trip
Hank Aaron (lyrics by Dana Kletter)
Luke's Feet
Beeper Will
The Pond
I Do
Ballet
Guilt
Abigail
Curtains
Another Reason To Fast CD (1995, LongPlay Records)
Trust
Friends
When It Rains
Clean White Bed
Shadow Box
Dream
Fatherland
Train Song
Debbey's Song
Chad
That Look
I Don't
Snake
Compilation appearances
? CD (1992)
Smoke - Dog
The lineup on this song was Benjamin, Bill Taft, Brian Halloran, and Todd Butler. This CD was a benefit compilation.
Radio Oddyssey Volume 2: The Georgia Music Show CD (1997 Altered Records/Ichiban)[2]