Ben Tap Soul was started in the spring of 2005 by Ben Nathan (lead vocalist and tap dancer) and Etan Efrati (drummer). They began by playing at venues in Amherst, MA and New York City. Upon returning to the University of Massachusetts Amherst the next fall, they invited Michael Feder (guitarist) and Kyle Mooney (bassist) to join the band.

Ben Tap Soul plays a unique blend music, self-classified as Rap Tap Funk Rock Soul. Ben’s lyrics are inspired by his passion for his Jewish spirituality. Etan, Michael and Kyle write music inspired by their own diverse influences. To make the band complete, Ben adds his 12 years of tap dancing experience to the mix, integrating it as an instrument in the songs. All the members of Ben Tap Soul currently attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst, studying in various academic fields.

Vocals, Taps | ben@bentapsoul.com

Ben Nathan is a professional tap dancer having begun tapping at age 10 with the National Dance Institute (NDI). He further trained himself by watching video-taped performances of the tap dance masters and copying their moves. He was soon dancing with Savion Glover and other world-class dancers. By age 13 Ben was hired as a teacher and choreographer at NDI. He went on to teach at the New York’s renowned Broadway Dance Center, as well as to perform at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the White House.

Combining art and message, Ben formed the musical group Ben Tap Soul. As the main lyricist Ben draws inspiration from his Jewish roots, hoping to inspire listeners to further explore their cultural and spiritual heritage.

Drums | etan@bentapsoul.com

Etan Efrati was born and raised in New York City. He began playing the drums at age 10, and eventually gained interest in other instruments including guitar and piano. Etan has a background in a wide variety of drumming styles. He has played in symphonies, jazz bands, rock bands and even on the sidewalks of NYC! Regarding Ben Tap Soul, Etan says “I like to bring a variety of styles to the table, as we play an eclectic blend of music. The integration of the hip hop beats with Ben’s tapping call for strong backbeats, while other areas of our music allow for more elaboration.”

Bass | kyle@bentapsoul.com

Kyle Mooney started his instrumental career on the saxophone. He played the sax for five years and then dabbled in the art of guitar before turning his sights to the bass. Kyle has now played the bass guitar for five years and draws from his jazz roots learned on the saxophone as well as incorporating other artistic styles such as soul, funk, and rock. The latest edition to Ben Tap Soul, Kyle has been a key asset to the unique sound that Ben Tap Soul creates.

Guitar | mike@bentapsoul.com

Michael Feder was born in Philadelphia where he met a friendly alligator named Tyler. Tyler and Michael would play all day in the sun, bouncing beach balls to each other, and taking brisk walks in the local park. One day, however, when Michael was four years old, Tyler sacrificed himself to save Michael’s life. Michael had been taken hostage by three insane ice cream guys, and Tyler willingly exchanged his life for Michael’s. Now, all that remains of Tyler are four pairs of wonderfully good looking shoes. Let’s take a moment and appreciate Tyler’s sacrifice.…

Thank you.

Oh yea, Michael taught himself guitar about five years ago and plays in a band named Ben Tap Soul.