Ben Sollee is returning to wow Australian audi- ences in January 2013, this time as a duo with the hyper-versatile percussionist Jordon Ellis. They’ll be performing at the Bellingen Memorial Hall on Friday, January 4.

“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 con- vention.” 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 incorpo- rates 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 per- formances, political activism and wide appeal

Sollee expertly plays the cello and infuses his dis- tinct wail.