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Ben Sollee continues to expand the boundaries of cello and song

Folk, soul wunder kind – cellist, vocalist and exquisite songwriter

Gaynor Crawford Presents is delighted to announce 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 word 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

 

Audio/Visual and Social Links

Hi Res Picture
http://www.gaynorcrawford.com/wp-content/uploads/SolleeGLINT-Studios-3.jpg

 Full Bio for your website

http://www.gaynorcrawford.com/wp-content/uploads/BEN-SOLLEE-NEW-BIO-2013.doc

 MP3 Stream

http://soundcloud.com/katiebenson2/05-unfinished-060412

 

Video Links
Unfinished Film Clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ub_haFM7Ds&feature=relmfu

ABC Untidy Desk Clip:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSR2JNA0csA
Interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=yqJSFYAJUG8

 

Web Links

www.bensollee.com

http://www.facebook.com/bensollee

https://www.twitter.com/bensollee

http://www.youtube.com/bensollee