It’s the calculus professor who attends dance classes after lecture is over, or the waitress who can secretly play the piano. It’s the lawyer who is the star of the theater, or the doctor who can play a mean game of soccer. Hidden talents, secret skills or the sheer love of an activity can often be overlooked in the grand scheme of jobs, careers and other of life’s obligations. It isn’t often that these hidden gifts push to the forefront and demand attention, but when they do, it is often with brilliant results. Amos Lee, an elementary-school-teacher-turned-up-and-coming-singer/songwriter, proves with his debut album that concealed talents can translate into a triumphant career.
A Philadelphia native, Lee was considered a late bloomer by most musical standards. Never having picked up a guitar until college, Lee attended the University of South Carolina as an English major, focusing on his love of poetry and his extracurricular aptitude in basketball. Upon discovering the joy of music, Lee realized the benefit writing songs had on fine-tuning his own poetry. “Songs offered a succinctness,” said Lee, “a sort of frame.”
While honing his acoustic-guitar and songwriting skills, Lee began work at a jazz record store, acquiring a significant appreciation for the talent of artists like Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk. Upon college graduation, Lee began teaching elementary school in his hometown. Trying to balance his career in education with his love of music, it was not long before Lee decided to forgo his future as a teacher and focus solely on his singing and songwriting. While bartending and waiting tables to supplement his income, Lee played the Philly nightclub circuit, gaining a devoted following with his smooth vocals, heartfelt lyrics and his mellow, jazz-meets-soul-meets-folk musical style.
Not long after leaving his teaching position, Lee’s “bedroom demo” found its way to the Blue Note record label, which signed him in 2003. Releasing his self-titled debut album in 2005, Lee has entered the music scene boldly making his mark and producing sounds that sooth audiences. According to Amoslee.com, with his 11-track debut, “Amos Lee directs his music with a spirit and presence rooted in American tradition.” The perfect blend of swift acoustic-guitar skills, poetic lyrics and raw emotion, Lee provides a blissfully chill listening experience. His album features almost a dozen hit-worthy songs, making for a CD without any noticeable lulls in engaging talent.
Often described as a male version of label-mate Norah Jones, Amos Lee offers audiences a well-balanced array of airy songs, classic ballads and intelligent melodies. The album opens with the moody “Keep It Loose, Keep It Tight” and continues to improve from there. Moving to the soulful “Arms of a Woman” and then to the delicate song “Soul Suckers,” Lee’s debut proves appropriate as background music for everything from first dates to rainy days to relaxing baths. With lyrics like, “Every moral has a story / Every hand needs a glove / Some say it’s for the glory / Ah, but really, it’s for the love,” Lee sheds light on matters of the heart, life lessons and humorous anecdotes.
One of the most unique qualities of Amos Lee as a musician can be found in his voice. Distantly reminiscent of Gavin DeGraw, Lee’s vocals showcase a raw energy that reflects wisdom older than his 27 years. His voice stimulates and calms all at once, and one listen is never enough.
Named one of the year’s “10 Artists to Watch” by Rolling Stone, Amos Lee has already opened for Norah Jones on her musical tour. With band members Fred Berman on the drums, bassist and keyboardist Jaron Olevsky and Nate Skiles on guitar and backing vocals, Lee is currently touring the country opening for musical legends Bob Dylan and Merle Haggard. The understated Lee said of working with the genius of Dylan and Haggard, “I’m pretty happy that I’m going to stay busy for the next two months. It’s always good to get work.”
The recently released first effort by Amos Lee brilliantly delivers a sophisticated musical arrangement. Lee capitalizes on his poetic and literary background, melding insightful lyrics with engaging acoustic melodies and an undeniably cool demeanor. Lee proves that hidden talents can lead to successful careers. He provides, with Amos Lee, an excellent example of musical talent, and a must-have for musical collections everywhere.
Grade: A
