We reprise a session today with one of our favorite guests, the cello playing singer-songwriter Ben Sollee. Ben discusses trying to tour green and the “mid-life” themes on his new album.

A composer influenced by classical music – like many of his contemporaries – Sollee incorporates instead the banjo, guitar, mandolin, and percussion to create his unique sound blending folk, bluegrass, jazz, and R&B. Sollee’s creative musical talent first gained major notice in 2008 with his debut album, Learning to Bend. Sollee’s music later captured the attention of My Morning Jacket’s lead vocalist Jim James (Yim Yames) and in 2010, the two collaborated with Daniel Martin Moore to release Sollee’s second full-length, Dear Companion.

In 2012, Sollee released two albums: Live at The Grocery Store On Home and, more recently, Half Made Man . The latter features an extremely talented cast of musicians, including guitarist Carl Broemel (My Morning Jacket), bassist Alana Rocklin, percussionist Jordan Ellis, violinist Jeremy Kittel (former member of the Turtle Island String Quartet), and guest vocalist Abigail Washburn.

This session originally aired January 2, 2013.

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Session Set List:
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Recent Release: Half Made Man
Release Date: September 25, 2012
Label: Tin Ear Records
Band Origin: Kentucky