Some musicians are merely entertainers. Ben Sollee is one of the few who is truly an artist. "Learning to Bend" is melodic sculpture, something forged of tone and tempo that transcends the prevailing belief of the recording industry that music is simply a product. This album is not a commodity. These songs, instead, are Ben's gift.On "Learning to Bend", Ben's solid and soulful vocals (occasionally joined by Abigail Washburn) endow earnest songcraft with stunning emotional potency. His innovative cocktail of finger-plucked and bowed cello form the backbone of the recordings, but a veritable menagerie of instrumentalists (including but not limited to: a string quartet, harp, vibraphone, saxophone, the occasional drum, and a cameo by banjo maestro Bela Fleck on the playful and poignant "It's Not Impossible") contribute true magnitude to "Learning to Bend". Lyrics with something more to impart than a mere story populate this album. There are lessons residing here, disguised as song. Prepare yourself to be taught how to allow music to move you again, how to let it build you up and break you, incite then quiet you. I have come to the conclusion that Ben Sollee does not keep his heart under the loose board in the floor as stated in the gorgeously scored lullaby "Copper and Malachite" that puts this album to bed. Ben Sollee's heart is in his music.
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