What would The Beatles’ hits sound like on a single Hammond organ? Or Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison on a solo harp?
True to its name, the recently launched Brooklyn-based label Solo Sounds specializes in intimate recordings of iconic songs and albums performed on a single instrument. All titles are expertly produced by label co-founder Eric Ambel [Nils Lofgren, Steve Earle, Joan Jett] and his team at Cowboy Technical Services.
The unique series includes solo thumb-style guitar renditions of Bob Marley’s Legend and The Clash’s London Calling by Mississippi musician Ben Hall. The talented guitarist has released music on Tompkins Square and performed and recorded with Charlie Louvin, Candi Staton and Kurt Wagner. Hall has also recorded solo versions of of Nirvana’s Nevermind, which debuts February 24th and U2’s The Joshua Tree (just in time for its 30th anniversary) available March 3rd.
The catalog boasts a variety of instruments and noteworthy musician with a piano cover of Tom Waits’ Rain Dogs and accordion versions of The Beatles hits by Charlie Giordano. Providing a plethora of classics performed on mandolin, cello, piano and more, Solo Sounds connects new fans with talented artists of all medium included Bette Sussman, Jimmy Ryan and Trevor Exter.
With a niche tactic, Solo Sounds is an owned and operated label of The Orchard and works by singles and albums, rather than artist releases. As solo musicians line up to share their renditions, Solo Sounds will continue to release thematic tracks.
Get a look behind the scenes with Squirrel Nut Zippers guitarist Jimbo Mathus tackling The Replacements’ classic Let It Be. Listen here to the fifteen-track sampler via SoundCloud.
