Customer Reviews

Amos Lee

5 star:		(128)
4 star:		(29)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Most people can remember hearing Norah Jones' Come Away With Me for the first time. It was so fresh and so different from all the other noise filling the airways. Amos Lee's debut is like that. Upon listening to it straight through, you wonder why there is not more music like this and wonder what it will be like to hear him 25 years from now and remember your first listen.

I don't want to be overly reductionistic here, but the Norah Jones connection is certainly worth making, if only because all the NJ fans who read this review might snap up this record too. This cd does indeed have a certain "male Norah Jones" feel to it; and her distinctive up-octave piano playing can even be heard on two of the tracks. However, it should be made clear that Amos is talented enough in his own right to deserve a better classification than this. Nonetheless, if you don't get this impression I would be surprised.

There is not really a weak track on the cd; each is a distinct effort. But the overall work hangs together with a low-key excellence, which partnered with astute production and mixing generates that characteristic Blue Note sound that plays just as well in the background as it does for the savvy audiophile whose "tuned in" to every musical element. The instrumentation never overwhelms his vocals, and his vocals are never out in front so much that the cello, mandolin, and piano feel "filtered."

While I have certainly not exhausted the praise due to the musical crafstmanship of the album, I was also quite impressed with the lyrical depth of a songwriter so young. Each of the songs are penned by him, and while many are fun and peaceful, like the biblical prophet who shares his name, he is quite aware that there is something enormously wrong with this world we live in. Instead of offering trite solutions, he allows the listener to critically explore his perspective on this fallen world, without holding out a happy ending that is too easy to imagine or achieve. On one hand he cries out in biblical imagery for a savior, presumably a personal, knowable one, and then immediately asks for the sweet whiskey to take his cares away. This bit of irony points out that the apathetic certainly don't perceive any need for a savior, for they have no cares. But the one who sees something in himself in need of saving eventually realizes that whiskey only temporarily removes the pain from the brokenness that needs restoration. Perhaps I am reading my own experience into his writing, but hopefully this will demonstrate that there is enough depth in his writing to do what good art should do - invite the listener into a conversation.

I have not been this excited about a new artist in so long...maybe norah jones, but maybe not....Mr. Lee has released a wonderful debut cd. I read a review of the cd and thought I would give it a try...so glad I did. I cannot stop listening to it. I tried to explain his sound to someone, kind of Bob Dylan, kind of soul, a little country,a little folk, I'm not sure. He is very unique. And what a wonderful songwriter, I don't know his age, he looks young on the cd, which makes this all the more impressive. I expect to hear more great things from him, I look forward to it.
Buy this cd, you will not be disappointed.

You really do sort of want to hate Amos Lee. First, his album peers up at you from under the register of nearly every Starbucks in America; that's him right next to Antigone Rising and the four dollar gum. Then there's the Norah Jones connection; he opened for her, and they're both on Blue Note (which should generally a plus). And she plays on two songs here. And also, he's wearing a hat on the cover, and he sports a healthy dose of stubble. So yeah, the record has that "faux hip" aura all around it that generally makes me want to run for cover.

But the kid has the songs, and that makes up for a lot. The sound byte is, part James Taylor, part Donnie Hathoway; a hybrid of the seventies genres of folk rock and soul. I'm hearing an organic music; his core touring band is a quartet, with himself on guitar and vocals, plus another guitar, bass, and drums. The instrumentation on the album is similarly sparse, although many songs feature a keyboard part prominently. The songs have an easy, first-take quality that probably took endless takes to get exactly right. This is gentle music, both soulful and economical-- which is to say, nothing extra, nothing wasted.

Several songs feature the propulsion of David Greenwood's Wurlitzer or Hammond B3 to good advantage, although sadly he isn't listed on Lee's website as part of the touring band. The songs have beginnings and endings (as opposed to fades), and the album clocks in at a proper 35 minutes. I'm a big fan of albums that know when they're done; many of the classic records of my formative years had 18-minute sides, and better a tight piece of work that leaves you longing for more than an hour-long debut that has you looking at your watch after the 14th song. I've been listening to it as I've been writing, and I can't believe it just flew by. I'm tempted to play it through again.

This record has an unmistakable charm in the simplicity and directness of the songs, that bears up to repeated play. There's a difference between music that is easy to listen to, and "easy listening;" this is the former, and that is a high compliment. For nine bucks, you can't go wrong.

NEW YORK (Blue Note Records) - Amos Lee has recently begun recording his sophomore release for Blue Note. The Philadelphia native is tracking in his home city with the assistance of producer Barrie Maguire. A prolific writer at 27, Lee is in the process of whittling down a wealth of great new material he's penned since his successful self-titled debut. The album will document the soulful stylings of this exciting young singer/songwriter who is growing artistically by leaps and bounds.
Lee recorded the album in Los Angeles and his hometown Philadelphia after a prodigious writing period that yielded over 50 new songs.
The New Album album is called 'Supply and Demand' and it will be released october 3rd!

Amos Lee vocals, guitar;
Nate Skiles guitar, mandolin, vocals;
Chris Joyner piano, organ, Wurlitzer;
Jaron Olevsky bass, piano, vocals;
Fred Berman drums, percussion, vocals
Produced by Barrie Maguire
Blue Note Records 2006

A singer, songwriter and guitarist with great soul and depth, Amos Lee proves on his recently-released self-titled album that a prestigious career is in his stars. With a rich, emotive voice, he sings and plays with a conviction that is missing from the majority of today's popular music.

Although the schmaltzy lead single "Arms of a Woman" has been earning him great favor among female listeners, he clearly has more up his sleeve than romantic fluff. The opening "Keep It Loose, Keep It Tight," for example, finds Lee reflecting on the good and bad of his life so far, keeping in mind that his future is vast and looming.

In "Soul Suckers," the Philadelphia native observes that "nothing is more powerful than beauty in a wicked world," later living up to his words in "Seen It All Before" where he brushes off a girl who simply isn't worth his time, opting for self-respect instead of manipulation.

The crystalline "Love In the Lies" is an upbeat affair where Lee soaks up the revelation that "it's time to make a brand new start," while the somber "Colors," cloaked in a profoundly gorgeous melody, features vocal harmonies by Norah Jones, who is a featured player on several tracks on the disc along with her bandmates Lee Alexander and Adam Levy.

"Black River" is a cathartic track where the singer/songwriter rests assured that his savior will ease his burdens and be his guiding light. The disc ends on a similarly optimistic note with the captivating "All My Friends" where he states he will always have his arms open for those he holds dear, since life has its share of ups and downs.

Despite the fact that "Amos Lee" is clearly a powerful start to his recording career, it should be noted that Blue Note clearly is looking for a male counterpart to Norah Jones, and therefore songs that showcase Lee's charisma and witty personality like the provocative "Teddy Bear" and "Caramelized" have been left off the album in favor of a more uniform atmosphere. These can still be heard, however, at select live performances, which prove that he is even more engaging in person than on record.

I am quite taken with this new voice, Amos Lee. He speaks to me about life and the troubles of life. But he also sings of romance and family love that keep us all going and wishing for our childhood again.

My favorite track is "Arms of a Woman," it is a beautiful love song about what it feels like to be in love with a woman. This feeling stays with you long after she is gone. I can listen to this track over and over because it is pretty. "Keep it Loose, Keep it Tight" is a song about trying to stay true to yourself while searching for what makes you happy. "Black River" is a great song that makes you forget all your problems. This song really puts your mind at ease.

Some of these tracks sound like something you would hear during a jam session just playing and having fun especially the song "Give it Up." This song has a lively beat that will get your feet tapping. "All My Friends" is the best friendship song I've heard in years. It is a song about the influence friends can have on you. "Bottom of The Barrel" is a song that reminds us that we can overcome any hardship in life and rise. It is a very optimistic song about never giving up. I enjoyed this album very much.

This album is to savor and listen to over and over again to pick up every nuance of the lyrics and the voice. Highly recommended.

I don't write reviews; my opinion is my own and it only matters to those who love me. Still..."Amos Lee" stands the test of time. How long ago did I buy this CD? I played it to death when I got it. Had to go see Amos when he came to town. Talked my sister into going with me. "You'll like him, he's low key, kind of jazzy-bluesy-folk music." Recently popped the CD back into the CD player. It's still soooo good for relaxing, slowing down, chillin'. My daughter surprised me when the music started. She said, "Is this Amos Lee?!! I love this CD." And she's a 13 year old (self-described)orchestra nerd who loves modern hard rock: emo.

If you haven't gotten this one yet, but you've been thinking about it, stop waiting. It's intellingent, sophisticated, difficult to classify, and won't get old.

This probably the best cd out that you are not hearing on the radio. This CD reminds me of the quality albums from the late seventies like James Taylor's JT, Sweet Baby James or CSNY's Deja Vu. Minimal instruments and not over produced in any way. The songs flow nicely together as a set and I have found myself going back again and again to it. The songs have a familiar and soothing quality to them and seem to fit like a pair of your most comfortable shoes. "Keep it Loose, Keep it Tight" and "Seen It All Before" - cannot believe I am not hearing these on the radio. They reach down to your heart and soul. "Arms of a Woman" and "Dreamin" showcase Amos's voice and make you want to sing along with him. "Give It Up" is just plain fun. "Soul Suckers" and "Colors" are both excellent. It is one of those rare cds that you can listen to and enjoy from start to finish. This is a CD that will appeal to all ages, my daughter Lauren in high school loves it!
The band is solid- the drummer Fred Berman is excellent and provides a great foundation for the other band members, Jaron Olevsky is solid on bass and Nate Skiles is extremely versatile playing multiple instruments. This CD is a must have for me, I had to buy more than one as my wife and daughter both fight me for it! Hope you like the review and the CD, thanks for reading- Paul H.

Amos Lee is clearly being marketed as the male version of labelmate Norah Jones -- who herself makes a token appearance here -- but where Jones' updated easy-listening style is based in cool jazz and countrypolitan, Lee mixes singer-songwriter acoustic-guitar convention with an effortlessly soulful outlook and delivery. Like Jones' debut, however, this disc comes as a gust of fresh air in the increasingly stale realm of Adult Alternative music. Lee's sweet, expressive tenor -- a more flexible version of the young Marvin Gaye's -- is given plenty of room to maneuver, as he shows a remarkably relaxed confidence and impressive stylistic range for a debut. If there is a downside here, it's in the relative thinness of the material; at 11 songs (a couple of them feeling like filler) and about 35 minutes one might worry a bit about the prospects for a follow-up, but for now put away those straining-to-be-soulful John Mayer and Jack Johnson records and check out this guy -- he's the real thing.

I discovered Amos Lee when he opened for Bob Dylan in Portland, Oregon. The house lights were up and people were still streaming into the Chiles Center, trying to find their seats, trying to find their drinks, and participating in the inevitable noise that thousands of conversations make. All of a sudden, this quiet, reserved character comes on stage and begins to sing in a soft tenor. While many opening acts are dismissed by the audience, Amos Lee managed to grab our attention and hold it through his entire set. I was extremely impressed with his set and ended up enjoying it almost as much as the headliner (and that is certainly saying something).

Upon purchasing his self-titled CD, I was happy to discover all of the songs he performed that night, recorded in the same manner that he performed them live. I find a few of his songs particularly captivating: "Keep it Loose, Keep it Tight," "Arms of a Woman," and "Colors." The performances on this CD are not over-produced, but are rather stripped productions that allow Amos's voice to shine. I enjoy the mix of styles on AMOS LEE, but I do feel that a few of the songs lack a connection to the rest. But hey! This is his first album and there are bound to be a few songs that fail to fit into the mix. Secondly, I do not believe that his style is "so original that I have not heard it before," as one reviewer put it. Rather, his style falls right out of the artists he lists as influential in his life, but it is a style that has a purity and beauty all of its own. And, when it is being covered by Amos, the style comes alive with his beautiful voice. I highly recommend this CD for some easy listening. It won't let you down.