Gaynor Crawford Presents has announced that Ben Sollee returns to wow Australian audiences in January 2013, this time as a duo with the hyper-versatile percussionist Jordon Ellis.
“Cellist Ben Sollee is like Andrew Bird with a little more soul, or Arthur Russell with a bit more bounce.” Lost At E Minor
“Fusing unique instrumentation with a soulful and sometimes playful voice, Ben Sollee defies convention.” World Cafe Live
When you think of the cello, you normally don’t think of it as a foot-tapping kind of instrument. But for the past decade, Kentucky cellist Ben Sollee has been changing minds all over the world with his brand of soulful, indie-tinged folk, with his voice and said stringed implement up front.
Known for his thrilling cello-playing that incorporates new techniques to create a unique mix of folk, bluegrass, jazz and R&B, Sollee possesses rough-smooth-smoky vocal stylings and a knack for intricate arrangements that has brought about comparisons to Sufjan Stevens. Sollee shares himself completely with his audience, whether it be by personal lyrics, or his commitment to the environment. Sollee can often be found riding a bicycle to his concerts (cello strapped to the back), which have become legendary for their intimacy. In short, he is known for his electrifying performances, political activism and wide appeal
Sollee expertly plays the cello and infuses his distinct wail.
Ben Sollee’s fourth album, Half-Made Man, is a revealing, deeply moving album . A record of raw power, grace, and wisdom that explores a man trying to figure himself out, just as we all are.
The album, produced by Sollee himself, boasts a sublime cast of musicians, including Carl Broemel (My Morning Jacket) on electric/acoustic guitar and pedal steel, Alana Rocklin on bass, Jordon Ellis on percussion, Jeremy Kittel (formerly of the Turtle Island String Quartet) on violin, and guest vocals by Abigail Washburn.
Sollee is sure to be measured alongside the best artists of his generation.
Ben Sollee Australian Tour Dates
30TH DEC – 1ST JAN Woodford Folk Festival Woodford, QLD
THURS 3RD JAN Community Theatre Byron Bay, NSW
FRI 4TH JAN Memorial Hall Bellingen, NSW
SAT 5TH JAN Lizotte’s Kincumber, NSW
SUN 6TH JAN The Clarendon Katoomba, NSW
WED 9TH JAN Notes Sydney, NSW
THUR 10TH JAN Northcote Social Club Melbourne, VIC
FRI 11TH JAN Meeniyan Town Hall South Gippsland, VIC
SAT 12TH JAN Theatre Royal Castlemaine, VIC
WED 16TH JAN Sessions, Space Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre Adelaide, SA
For all tour info and tickets please visit www.gaynorcrawford.com or www.bensollee.com