Amos Lee: Amos Lee

Blue Note

Amos Lee, a Philadelphia native draws on influences that read like a hip older sibling´s record collection: Bill Withers, Donny Hathaway, John Prine, Stevie Wonder, Neil Young. But like all those artists, Lee conjures a vibe uniquely his own. Amos takes a minimalist approach to his songs, opting for spare, acoustic accompaniment, while letting his rich, evocative voice do the heavy lifting. The result is a unique brand of folk-soul that aims to unite, uplift and inspire.

The eleven tracks, all composed by Amos, were produced by Lee Alexander during two weeks of sessions at The Magic Shop in NYC. Among the album´s choice cuts are the atmospheric opener "Keep it Loose, Keep it Tight" and "Arms of a Woman," a classic triplet ballad that could have been covered in an earlier era of soul. Enhanced by a delicate string arrangement, "Soul Suckers" warns a young performer of the hazards of the music business. "Bottom of the Barrel" echoes classic John Prine in its wry humor, resilient spirit and timeless melody.