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Ben Sollee

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. Sollee first gained major notice with his 2008 debut, *Learning to Bend, *which led NPR's *Morning Edition* to call him one of the "Top Ten Great Unknown Artists" of the year. Later, *All Things Considered* called his debut "an inspired collection of acoustic, folk and jazz-flavored songs, filled with hope and the earnest belief that the world is good."

Around the same time, Sollee was touring the world with Abigail Washburn's Sparrow Quartet alongside Grammy nominee Casey Driessen and multi-Grammy winner Bela Fleck. Sollee's music drew the attention of My Morning Jacket frontman Yim Yames, who produced his second full-length album, a collaboration with Daniel Martin Moore. In 2010 they released *Dear Companion*, a stunning collection of songs meant to inspire environmental stewardship. The next year Sollee contributed his cello stylings to My Morning Jacket's hit album*Circuital* and released *Inclusions*, a sonically awe-inspring album about relationships that was called "structurally brilliant" by *Slant* and "stunning" by *No Depression*.