Tough to believe, but it’s been 30 years since Ben Arnold broke out of the local rock scene with his major label debut Almost Speechless. His mix of lyrical smarts, relatable storytelling, soulful Philly grit, and hooks for days fit right into the mid-90s alternative rock singer-songwriter scene, and in the years since, he’s consistently delivered quality work: 2004’s Calico, 207’s Nevermind My Blues, and 2016’s Lost Keys, to name a few career highlights.

This Friday, September 26th, Arnold releases his eleventh studio album, appropriately titled XI, and it features another one of his trademark radio-ready rock nuggets that is sure to endure: “Catch The Lightning.” It’s a lyrically nostalgic song about life and music that’s been heavy in the mix on WXPN. To warm up for the release of his new record, Arnold performed at the WXPN Homegrown Live concert in August with a stripped-down version of his live band that included Matty Muir on drums, Phil D’Agostino on bass, Ali Wadsworth on vocals, Justin DiFebbo on keys, and Justin Mazer on guitar. Watch a video of them doing “Catch The Lightning” onstage below.

A spontaneous and special moment occurred at the end of the concert. Stepping back onstage for an encore, Ben toyed with the idea of playing an as-yet-unheard song from XI. But somebody from the crowd called out for “Astral Freak,” and with a grin, he strapped on his acoustic guitar and gave it a whirl. This song was his Arnold’s first big hit, and as he began to play it, Muir joined in with a beat, D’Agostino stepped onstage when the second verse came around to pick up his bass, and Mazer came in with guitar leads on the next chorus. And a jam ensued, practically in a Stop Making Sense kind of way.

Ben Arnold his full band — expanded with a brass section backing vocalists — will celebrate the release of XI this Saturday, September 27th, in a matinee concert at 118 North in Wayne. Tickets are available now; more more on the new record, visit Ben’s website.

Gospel Roots: Bright Hope Baptist Church – Sarah Dash “Swing Down Sweet Chariot”