David Lowery of Cracker once sang “what the world needs now, is another folk singer, like I need a hole in my head.” I don’t think Lowery meant a folk singer with a cello.
While there’s no shortage of singer-songwriters these days, Ben Sollee has created a unique brand folk, accompanied with nothing more than his stringed companion and silky smooth vocals. That combination earned him a spot on NPR’s list of the Top 10 Great Unknown Artists of 2007. He also has earned all sorts of buzz around the blogosphere with his amazing cover of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Gonna Come” and then again with his debut album, Learning to Bend.
The Kentucky cellist dropped by our studio on his way through Chicago to share some stories in his slick drawl and record several songs for y’all. My picks from the session are “Try,” “Mule With A Bullhorn” and “Only A Song.”
We’ve just got one more session before the end of the year, so stay tuned for Mason Proper shortly after Christmas.
Exclusive: Ben Sollee – How To See The Sunrise
Exclusive: Ben Sollee – Mule With A Bullhorn
Exclusive: Ben Sollee – Prettiest Tree On The Mountain
Exclusive: Ben Sollee – Extraordinary Machine
Exclusive: Ben Sollee – Only A Song
Download the entire session as a zip file.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
thank you! I adore Ben’s music
I think “Only a Song” is a great piece of work…really well written. Nice, Ben.
I hope that all those who enjoy this session and who are going to Bonnaroo 2009 make sure that they swing by and catch Ben Sollee’s two performances at Bonnaroo (Cafe Where as well as the Sonic Stage). http://www.bonnaroo2009.tumblr.com
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