The Unmatched Talent Of Ben Sollee

It's commonplace to debate the various qualities of an album or song in the simple terms of good and bad.  Everything is under a microscope from the name of a band, album cover, the genre, etc.  It's easy to get eaten up by musical trends and pigeonhole yourself as one specific listener.  When this happens a whole world of quality music is shut off and becomes a form of cutting of your nose (ear) to spite your face (experience with music).

Kentuckian cello master, Ben Sollee, isn't a hipster, rider of chillwave, or defined by a shock inducing/fascinating backstory.  He's a musician and a damn good one.  Sollee is a classically trained cellist who has worked hard at his craft and explored the history, limitations, and sound of his instrument to craft a sound unique only to him.  Sollee is ultimately an important artist because of his voice.  It would be easy to have the vocal work eaten up by the grandiose and eye catching style in which Sollee attacks playing the cello.  But, Sollee is special because his voice is commanding and every word sung is delivered with self-understanding.  The listener hears the lyrics/meaning, but the way in which Sollee sings, one can't help notice that the words need to be heard.  These are not just a tangled group of words but experiences, thoughts, and metaphors that hold great importance to Sollee.

What I'm asking is to step outside your comfort zone as a listener and approach listening to Ben Sollee as just a fan of music with no pretentious and projections of what genre, look, and overall style you should be investing in.  The talents of Ben Sollee are a special gift that I truly believe everyone can enjoy.

Ben Sollee - Inclusions 

Physical: May 10th

STREAM: http://bensollee.bandcamp.com/

TOUR

4.17.11 - Lexington, KY - Memorial Coliseum %
4.20.11 - Nashville, TN - The Basement &
4.21.11 - Birmingham, AL - Harry's Coffeehouse @ Samford Univeristy
5.5.11 - Lexington, KY - Kentucky Theater
5.6.11 - Knoxville, TN - Bijou Theater #
5.7.11 - Charlottesville, VA - The Southern Music Hall #
5.10.11 - Teaneck, NJ - Mexicali Live #
5.11.11 - Boston, MA - Brighton Music Hall #
5.12.11 - New York, NY - Rockwood Music Hall: Stage 2 #
5.13.11 - New York, NY - Rockwood Music Hall: Stage 2 #
5.14.11 - Burlington, VT - Higher Ground #
5.17.11 - Philadelphia, PA - World Cafe Live (Downstairs) #
5.18.11 - Pittsburgh, PA - Mr. Small's Theater #
5.19.11 - Detroit, MI - Magic Bag #
5.20.11 - Evanston, IL - SPACE #
5.21.11 - Chicago, IL - Schubas #
6.3.11 - St. Louis, MO - Old Rock House
6.4.11 - Indianapolis, IN - White Rabbit Cabaret
6.5.11 - Cincinnati, OH - 20th Century Theater
6.9.11 - Whitesburg, KY - Seedtime On The Cumberland
6.10.11 - Manchester, TN - Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival
6.18.11 - Louisville, KY - Iroquois Amphitheater
6.22.11 - Atlanta, GA - Eddie's Attic
6.23.11 - Asheville, NC - The Orange Peel
6.24.11 - Carrboro, NC - Cat's Cradle
6.25.11 - Arlington, VA - IOTA Club & Cafe
6.26.11 - Arlington, VA - IOTA Club & Cafe
6.29.11 - Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg
6.30.11 - Easton, MD - NightCat
7.2.11 - Kayford Mountain, WV - Mountain Keepers Music Festival

# - with Sean Rowe supporting
% - supporting My Morning Jacket
& - with Casey Driessen