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Track Listings
| 1. A Few Honest Words |
| 2. How To See The Sun Rise |
| 3. Bury Me With My Car |
| 4. Bend |
| 5. It's Not Impossible |
| 6. I Can't |
| 7. Prettiest Tree on the Mountain |
| 8. Panning for Gold |
| 9. A Change is Gonna Come |
| 10. Built for This |
| 11. Copper and Malachite |
Editorial Reviews
It was the cat-poles around the lake at his grandfather s farm that inspired Ben Sollee s debut album Learning To Bend. The frailty of those awkward looking plants standing stoutly against winds that challenged even the strongest of nearby trees is an affecting metaphor for human struggle and perseverance. This idea is central to Learning To Bend.
Key tracks on Learning To Bend include two reactions to the current political landscape, A Few Honest Words, and an adaptation of Sam Cooke s A Change is Gonna Come, in which Ben has written updated, politically relevant verses. Other highlights of the album are the playful, soul track, How To See the Sun Rise and the vulnerable yet insistent It s Not Impossible, where Ben laments the unfortunate status quo that boys don t cry.
Ben has found considerable success in recent years through his ability to bend. In 2007, he was named one of NPR s Top Ten Unknown Artists of the Year. His distinctive cello technique and soulful voice have been marinating for years in his work with avant-garde bluesman Otis Taylor, The Sparrow Quartet, (featuring banjo-master Béla Fleck), and on the internationally known Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour.
Being born and raised in Kentucky, Ben is very proud to have recorded Learning To Bend with Duane Lundy in Lexington, KY and releasing the album with SonaBLAST! Records, a Louisville based label. In fact, almost all aspects of the record are rooted in Kentucky in some form - from the photography, to the design of the disc, to the videos.
Ben s unique performance experience and creative vision trump his 24 years and traditional classical training; he is poised to emerge as a solo artist, bridging genres and demographics with earnest and dynamic songwriting. However, the single most salient quality of Learning to Bend, is Ben s contagiously optimistic worldview. Ben is not just expressing his personal quest for flexibility, he is asking the entire country to learn to bend, learn how to cry, learn how to see the sun rise... He is at the forefront of a movement that is happening right now: a zeitgeist in which a nation can face reality and empower itself to evolve and feel deeply and stand up for the power of hope.
Key tracks on Learning To Bend include two reactions to the current political landscape, A Few Honest Words, and an adaptation of Sam Cooke s A Change is Gonna Come, in which Ben has written updated, politically relevant verses. Other highlights of the album are the playful, soul track, How To See the Sun Rise and the vulnerable yet insistent It s Not Impossible, where Ben laments the unfortunate status quo that boys don t cry.
Ben has found considerable success in recent years through his ability to bend. In 2007, he was named one of NPR s Top Ten Unknown Artists of the Year. His distinctive cello technique and soulful voice have been marinating for years in his work with avant-garde bluesman Otis Taylor, The Sparrow Quartet, (featuring banjo-master Béla Fleck), and on the internationally known Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour.
Being born and raised in Kentucky, Ben is very proud to have recorded Learning To Bend with Duane Lundy in Lexington, KY and releasing the album with SonaBLAST! Records, a Louisville based label. In fact, almost all aspects of the record are rooted in Kentucky in some form - from the photography, to the design of the disc, to the videos.
Ben s unique performance experience and creative vision trump his 24 years and traditional classical training; he is poised to emerge as a solo artist, bridging genres and demographics with earnest and dynamic songwriting. However, the single most salient quality of Learning to Bend, is Ben s contagiously optimistic worldview. Ben is not just expressing his personal quest for flexibility, he is asking the entire country to learn to bend, learn how to cry, learn how to see the sun rise... He is at the forefront of a movement that is happening right now: a zeitgeist in which a nation can face reality and empower itself to evolve and feel deeply and stand up for the power of hope.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
20 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This album represents a triumph in every respect. Very solid song writing in the pop song tradition: lovely melodies, well-written lyrics sweetly sung. However, what distinguishes this album from most everything else being written and recorded by young musicians these days are the arrangements and tempos. With Ben's background in classical music one naturally finds songs written in different tempos, such as the waltz, and use of other string instruments besides a guitar and Ben's cello. Yet, Ben can still throw in fiddle, Bela Fleck's banjo, jaw harp, drums, harps, saxophones and even a vibraphone when called for. And that's the point, Ben uses these varied instruments when called for, not just to show off. To top things off, this is a stunningly well recorded album, no compression here, which plays well on an audiophile system.
I came to Ben, through the music of Abigail Washburn, who's family and mine have been friends for years. So while I owe it to Abby's family to say nice things about her, not hard at all, I owe nothing to Ben. I have become a fan of his simply by listening to him play with Abby, for several years now, and getting to know him a bit at pre-concert gatherings. This is a tremendously talented young man. His album will stand-up quite well against anything else released this year (I'm talking about artists like Elvis Costello and Van Morrison both of whom released strong albums this year) and will repay re-listening for years to come. Isn't that the real test of a great album?
I came to Ben, through the music of Abigail Washburn, who's family and mine have been friends for years. So while I owe it to Abby's family to say nice things about her, not hard at all, I owe nothing to Ben. I have become a fan of his simply by listening to him play with Abby, for several years now, and getting to know him a bit at pre-concert gatherings. This is a tremendously talented young man. His album will stand-up quite well against anything else released this year (I'm talking about artists like Elvis Costello and Van Morrison both of whom released strong albums this year) and will repay re-listening for years to come. Isn't that the real test of a great album?
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This album is simply amazing. Especially in times like these, the optimistic and hopeful view Ben Sollee has on the world is refreshing. His vocals and cello work are distinctive and captivating. "A Few Honest Words," "How To See the Sun Rise," and an adaptation of Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come" are a few of the highlights. However, make sure you listen from beginning to end- it will not disappoint.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Becky
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I just had the pleasure of seeing Ben's performance in Knoxville this past weekend. I encourage you to not only buy this album for the fresh and upbeat style he brings to the music world, but also to treat yourself to a live performance. I have purchased several copies as gifts, and look forward to more delightful recordings in the future from this true talent.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Ben Sollee is good
He is great folk cellist who is progressing acoustic music and progressing social change! His songs are thoughtful and charming and he is extremely talented at his instrument. Read more
Published 2 months ago by lovebass
5.0 out of 5 stars
Enjoy
Just put it on and lay back and enjoy! I saw him on PBS and had to get an album. I love it! Very new and clean enjoyable music. Give it a listen, You'll be hooked.
Published 6 months ago by Albert T Ettore
5.0 out of 5 stars
Jewel
Pure sonic euphoria. This album is a true classic that will stand the test of time. No matter how blue of a mode you may find yourself in, learning to bend will put a smile on your... Read more
Published 7 months ago by Ccrow
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing artist
You'll love this amazing song writer, musician, vocalist from Kentucky. Pure Talent! I can listen over and over. Like dessert to the ears!
Published 17 months ago by Castle
5.0 out of 5 stars
Bold Synthesis of Song and Structure
The whole album is so musically unique; simple yet bold. The use of sparse string instrumentation is wonderful. Read more
Published 18 months ago by speechrock
5.0 out of 5 stars
cello like you've never heard it before
I just received my copy of Ben Sollee's LEARNING TO BEND and I don't know what I love the most:
1. Read more
1. Read more
Published on March 9, 2011 by robin church
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great unique sound!
I had never heard any Ben Sollee before! It was a recommendation Amazon gave and Im so glad! He does some of his own musicianship on the album, which I love. Read more
Published on January 20, 2011 by Brandy C. Brandt
5.0 out of 5 stars
great album
i bought this on a whim and im so glad i did. every song is very well done, i love it!
Published on December 4, 2010 by haylee
5.0 out of 5 stars
almost as good as live
I saw him last week perform live many of the songs on this CD and he was incredible. This is now one of my most favorite CDs.
Published on July 27, 2010 by dwrlex
5.0 out of 5 stars
WOW
I came across Ben Sollee accidentally when searching for music by Ben Lee. I almost searched again, but something drew me to the "Listen to All" and took a sample. Read more
Published on October 23, 2009 by ROBERT F. Areddy
