Learning To Bend

Ben Sollee | Format: MP3 Download

Product Details

• Original Release Date: June 10, 2008
• Label: sonaBLAST!
• Copyright: (P) 2008 Ben Sollee
• Total Length: 39:31
• Genres:
• ASIN: B001AN4HNW
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #18,557 Paid in MP3 Albums (See Top 100 Paid in MP3 Albums)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A TRUE GEM, June 10, 2008

By 

James N. Perlman - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Learning to Bend (Audio CD)

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?

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You must buy this album!, June 10, 2008

By 

Amanda Broadway "music127" (Nashville, TN) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Learning to Bend (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:

5.0 out of 5 stars Destined to be a timeless classic., December 15, 2008

By 

Becky (Tennessee) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Learning to Bend (Audio CD)

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.