At around 11:30 Thursday night I realized something odd. Aside from the music onstage, Great Scott was completely silent. Great Scott is never silent. From the dozens of shows I’ve attended there, I’ve come to accept the constant buzz of conversation as part of the concert experience. But this evening, not a single person lounged at the bar chatting with the bartender, checked out t-shirts at the merch table, or commented on the game showing on the rear flat panel. Every person in the club was packed into a semi-circle around the tiny stage watching a man with a cello.
That man was Ben Sollee. Over the past year with melophobe, I’ve seen some incredible shows, few of which have reached the power and grace of Sollee’s performance. Constantly skeptical of new entries to the overcrowded folk-singer-songwriter genre, my doubts were extinguished by the middle of the opening song "How to See the Sunrise." Sollee’s vocals were rich and soulful, containing just a hint of the Kentucky twang more noticable later in conversation. Equally impressive was his caress of Kay (his cello): a balance of finger-plucking and bow work. Sollee switched to guitar only a handful of times during the performance, and when he did the results were staggeringly beautiful.
The atmosphere in Great Scott pulsed with the lyrics of Sollee’s pieces, the set featuring many of the originals from his debut, Learning to Bend, as well as a cover of Sam Cooke’s "A Change Is Gonna Come" (also on Learning to Bend) and light-hearted snippets from Gnarls Barley’s "Crazy" and Jay-Z’s "99 Problems." Between songs, Sollee engaged the audience through minimal, casual banter. He showed a clear appreciation for the crowd’s enthusiastic response to his music which served to endear him to the attendees even more. During Sollee’s final piece, I noticed several people wiping their eyes, a sign that his music had woken something within them. In spite of my dry eyes, I, too, felt this power. Every show I see hereafter will be compared to the stunning performance by Ben Sollee and his cello.
Opening for Ben Sollee was Kim Taylor, who won over the crowd with her smoky voice and evocative storytelling. According to Taylor, she and Sollee have toured together before; no surprise, as their styles are in obvious compliment. The audience, though appreciative of Taylor’s performance, was clearly there for Sollee.
Two songs go in, one comes out. Pick a side.
Also, I have yet to pay this venue a visit, is it good spot? good people, good vibe, good atmosphere?
... man, i hope i win some tickets…
by Jaz Bonnin-Aldatz on Thu May 17, 2012 at 12.27 am from the entry: It's all good, see Fishbone for free at Fête
Looking forward to the show. Would love to win some tix for my pals.
by MC Breath on Wed May 16, 2012 at 07.40 pm from the entry: It's all good, see Fishbone for free at Fête
I’m dying to see him no better place than FETE!!
by Telly on Tue May 15, 2012 at 02.57 pm from the entry: we'll see you (and Talib Kweli) at Fête!
Sound does matter. Viva Le Fete!
by Auquanetta on Tue May 15, 2012 at 01.13 pm from the entry: we'll see you (and Talib Kweli) at Fête!
YES! i MUST go to this show! i was just strollin down the street the other day and saw the poster! SO stoked they’ll be in town.
by Jaz on Mon May 14, 2012 at 05.30 pm from the entry: It's all good, see Fishbone for free at Fête
Fete Forever!!
by Tabitha on Mon May 14, 2012 at 05.08 pm from the entry: we'll see you (and Talib Kweli) at Fête!
Congratulations and thank you to Fete for bringing talent to Providence! We needed this venue and vibe. Bless.
oh and I’d love to win tickets; its my boyfriends bday:D
by Ellen on Mon May 14, 2012 at 07.23 am from the entry: we'll see you (and Talib Kweli) at Fête!
Wow. Maybe I should have gone!
I’m so jealous. Been meaning to see Ben Sollee for awhile.