Ben Sollee And Daniel Martin MooreDear Companion
Sub Pop Records [2010]
Fire Note Says: Kentucky gold!
Album Review:
You absolutely can't go wrong picking up this new collaboration from three superbly talented Kentucky musicians, with its straight ahead folk presentation and the good cause it supports. You might scratch your head because only Sollee and Moore are listed but you also get Jim James (My Morning Jacket, Monsters Of Folk) added in, as he produced the album and lends his standout vocals to several tracks. Dear Companion is a very simple record that uses both guys talents to the max, as Sollee's cello shines and Moore's guitar plucks just fine. The real strength here is how these guys play off each other and then let James chime in at the right moment. The record itself is a slow burn, as most tracks have a very reserved tempo but all are very high in quality. The best news about Dear Companion is that the guys are donating a portion of the proceeds to the organization Appalachian Voices, which helps raise awareness and amplifies the voices of people struggling in the coal fields. You can find out more about what they do at www.ilovemountains.org. This is a matching that truly feels like a debut and one that is deserving of another go, as with even more focus Sollee, Moore & James could put out an album that would blow us away. Until then Dear Companion will definitely suffice!
Key Tracks: "Dear Companion", "Sweet Marie", "Something, Somewhere, Sometime"
Bands With Similar Fire:
Easton Stagger Phillips
M. Ward
Dave Rawlings Machine
Daniel Martin Moore: Stray Age [Fire Note Review 10/13/08]
Official Ben Sollee Website
Official Daniel Martin Moore Website
Ben Sollee MySpace
Daniel Martin Moore MySpace
Ben Sollee Facebook
Daniel Martin Moore Facebook
Sub Pop Records
-Reviewed by Natalie Colibri
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