Ben Sollee: Inclusions

Ben Sollee: Inclusions
Inclusions
Thirty Tigers
1960-10-23

Veteran folk cellist Ben Sollee returns with ten fully realized tracks and the obligatory nanosecond introduction. Inclusions has many of the Sollee hallmarks: imaginative arrangements, wicked humor, and, most importantly, loads and loads of good singin’ and good playin’. The album’s creator has stated that this is an amalgamation of his youth — a time when he heard the curious blend of old fiddle tunes, Bach, and Lauryn Hill seemingly day in and day out. Must have been a good time. The mood here is celebratory, and free, especially during “The Globe”, “Captivity” and “Huddle on the Rooftop” (the latter rich with the aforementioned Sollee humor). Arguably one of the best moments here is the closing “I Need”, a duet with vocalist Cheyenne Marie Mize, perfectly encapsulating all the disparate elements heard throughout and delivered with a swift and certain sigh.

RATING 7 / 10