Ben Sollee Tour Alert + New Two Song EP

Nashville native and Stark favorite Ben Sollee recently released two new songs via an EP titled, Something Worth Keeping. Starting Nov.1, Sollee will embark on a tour of the US behind this short EP and debut album Learning To Bend. Although minimal in length, Sollee seems very adamant about these two new tracks titled, "Only A Song" (feat. Jim James of My Morning Jacket) and "Mute Bullhorn." There is definitely something more personal at play here as reflected in a note Sollee recently wrote in regard to the EP.
He writes,

"....There are many eloquent ideas out there about renewable energy, educational systems, and governing, but realizing them means trying new things; which is daunting at least, and terrifying at most. As my generation takes the reins we should not sacrifice some qualities of this nation and the land in its boundaries to the wayfaring spirit of economy. They are important for Americans, our children, and the rest of the world.

These thoughts inspired these two new songs. But they are only songs…"

Ok Ben. Ok.
Myspace
TOUR DATES AFTER THE JUMP...

BEN SOLLEE TOUR DATES
1 Nov - Louisville KY / 930 Listening Room w/ Bootsie Ann
5 Nov - Nashville TN / The Basement
6 Nov - Atlanta GA / The 5 Spot
7 Nov - Chapel Hill NC / Nightlight
8 Nov - Washington DC / Iota
11 Nov - Brooklyn NY / The Bell House
12 Nov - New York NY / Mercury Lounge
13 Nov - Philadelphia PA / World Cafe Live
17 Nov - Chicago IL / Schuba's
18 Nov - Minneapolis MN / 400 Club
21 Nov - Seattle WA / TBA
22 Nov - Portland OR / Balcony Bar At The Hawthorne Theatre
24 Nov - San Francisco CA / Café Du Nord
25 Nov - Los Angeles CA, Hotel Café

Ben Sollee- Learning to Bend (2008/sonaBLAST!)

Review by Vince Amoroso

Rating: 82

Ben Sollee: Think Chris Wood meets the cello. With a soulful voice beyond his years, and playing abilities to boot, Sollee combines a rustic-country feel with subtle R&B flavor on his debut album Learning to Bend (2008/sonaBLAST!) Hitting stores today, June 10, Sollee's album seems like a clever adaptation of a Wood Brothers record. There is nothing wrong with that. Substituting a cello for Standup bass, the differences are such that Sollee's LP sounds genuine. Using bowing techniques to produce a more percussive feel and fingerpicking reminiscent of Victor Wooten at times, Sollee's cello playing is unconventional to say the least - that’s the draw however.

Comprised of upbeat numbers such as the soon to be NPR stand-by's "A Change is Gonna Come" and "How to See the Sun Rise," Sollee combines with skillful musicians producing rich melodies that beget repeat listens. Bend is full of extremely accessible songs that are porous, easy to grasp and will have a long shelf-life.

Cue cameo appearances by Bela Fleck on track five "It's Not Impossible" and Sollee has crafted quite a mature and established album. The only drawbacks to Bend are the multitude of instruments accompanying Sollee on certain songs. Violins, guitar, banjo, sax, organ, viola, percussion, fiddle, vibes, harp all would be fine if Sollee's cello playing was not the centerpiece. At times, we loose the cello, when we originally bought the album because of the cello. That is what makes Ben Sollee's live performances captivating - he is stripped down, doing what he does best, allowing his renegade cello stylings to drive his music. But for a debut record, Sollee has done well for himself.

Myspace

(Special thanks to Jeff at Crash Avenue Publicity for this one)