Amos Lee at JMU
Production class brings artist to campus
Posted on April 26, 2007
If you’ve been fortunate enough to somehow come across the soft, hushed greatness resonating through the vocal chords of Amos Lee, then you’re one of the lucky ones. But if you haven’t yet had the chance to hear his soulful sounds, then this Saturday is your chance to remedy your musical well-being.
Perhaps you’ve heard him before and just didn’t realize it. After all, his music has been featured on hit TV shows like “Grey’s Anatomy,” “House,” “Studio 60,” “One Tree Hill” and “The O.C.” But similar to Nick Drake, Elliot Smith, Jeff Buckley or any other of the music industry’s underground favorites, Lee has quietly stayed under-the-radar.
His eponymous 2005 debut album made it all the way to No. 113. Last year’s release, Supply and Demand, peaked at No. 76 on the Billboard 200. His sound is a bit genre-elusive, as iTunes calls it “blues,” his MySpace page adds “folk” and “soul” to that, and the New York Times called Lee’s music “adult rock.” His record company, Blue Notes Records, promises “the finest in jazz since 1939,” and there also seems to be quite a bit of R&B thrown into this musical cocktail.
The instrumental parts of the album are enjoyably simple with a little jazz thrown in for measure. The drums beat slow and steady, a guitar or two pluck out a catchy melody, and the piano/organ keeps up the harmony. It’s pleasant to listen to without being too musically complex.
Once listeners hear his voice, however, they’ll find themselves caught hook, line and sinker. Complemented by background vocals that approximate southern gospel, the songs are engineered with the attention on his voice and words. Lee’s lyrics are mostly of a sad, soulful nature, sung softly and sweetly, like a melancholic, modern-day Marvin Gaye. Focusing primarily on themes of love and friendship, he changes up Supply and Demand with “Freedom,” voicing his dissatisfaction when violence is used to resolve conflict.
Lee will perform at Memorial Hall Saturday at 8 p.m.. Brought to you by MUI 422/Blink of an Eye Productions, this benefit concert in Memorial Hall will raise money for the New Orleans Music Relief Fund. Tickets are $15 to the general public and $12 for JAC Card holders.