Ben Sollee

cello pop // acoustic folk

Ben Sollee, cellist for the band The Sparrow Quartet, recently released his aptly titled debut, Learning to Bend. Whether he is plucking the strings, or playing his cello like a percussive instrument, Ben’s truly unique playing style belies his classically trained background. Though the entire album wanders between bluegrass, folk and jazz, his deep Southern influence is unmistakable. Soulful vocals, combined with his sharp lyrics (seen in his politically critical “A Few Honest Words” and adaptation of “A Change Is Gonna Come”), result in a deeply honest, playful, and ultimately hopeful debut album.

Soulful vocals and unexpected melodies.
Ben Sollee – A Change Is Gonna Come (Sam Cooke cover)
Ben Sollee – How To See The Sun Rise
buy mp3s

Posted by Michelle on Saturday, June 21st, 2008 under pop, singer-songwriter.

15 Responses to “Ben Sollee”

  1. Flo said on June 21st at 11:40 am :

    Error 404

  2. zen said on June 21st at 3:57 pm :

    same here.. music not playing

  3. Michelle said on June 21st at 5:27 pm :

    Update: Sorry about that, appeared to be a bug. Both tracks should be working now. Thanks!

  4. Antony said on June 22nd at 12:53 am :

    Wow, this is just what I needed after getting stuck in a listening rut. Great beats, great singing and overall great sound. I’ll be looking this one up for sure.

  5. Linsel said on June 22nd at 5:38 pm :

    It’s just not fair I tell you. I manage my own daily music blog/email, and Aurgasm has become my favorite source for new music — it’s getting to the point where I’m feeling like I ought to just direct my listeners here (which I do anyway :)

  6. Stephen said on June 24th at 5:38 pm :

    Wow, I really like this. Thanks!

  7. Manzeon said on June 26th at 2:21 am :

    I really love violin play like this style!!
    That make me feel great…
    Glad to see you — Aurgasm,I have chance to find the great music out of my country!

  8. issis said on June 26th at 12:11 pm :

    this is a beautiful way to discover new music. thank you.

  9. Micah said on June 30th at 10:26 am :

    Wonderfully inventive and thoughtful. I listened to the track, and, then, bought the album on iTunes. Thank you for the tip. I’ll keep sampling and buying.

  10. theobvious said on July 3rd at 5:57 am :

    Such a great artist. Thanks for featuring him!

  11. mel said on July 4th at 12:13 pm :

    Lurve it. Listened here and downloaded from emusic ASAP. Thanks!

  12. Lucas Gonze said on July 11th at 4:50 pm :

    Love that crisp rhythm on the cello.

  13. paddy-d said on July 30th at 5:51 pm :

    just chiming in here, luv the beat driving the wistful vocals. thanks for adding him to our collective mix!

  14. JON H said on August 3rd at 9:26 am :

    awesome, really different, good voice, lay back with a glass of wine and your baby girl

  15. Jackson said on March 27th at 6:00 pm :

    I love how he used the cello. It’s really inspired, and “A Change Is Gonna Come” is one of the best covers I believe I’ve ever heard, so thanks! Love the site

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