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Album Details

• Artist: Amos Lee
• Album: Amos Lee
• Label: Blue Note
• Year of Release: 2005
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: on 2011-09-27

You have those albums that can always cheer you up, and then you have those albums that have a way of finding emotions you suppress. Every once in a while you discover that album that blends the two making your momentary reality somewhat simpler. I always find that here. Amos Lee in this self titled album has a raw and steady way that holds the lyrics strength while the instrumental cradles the listener.

The opening track, "Keep It Loose, Keep It Tight", is telling of Lee's entire approach. His writing and overall feel brings his living and learning lifestyle to the forefront. Sometimes coined the male Norah Jones, I really associate Jack Johnson, only with soul, especially on this track. Perhaps the most romantic and female fared track, "Arms of a Woman" is warming, bluesy and easily comparable to the likes of Otis Redding. "Dreamin" has and old school blues effect with modern day tint. Those that love to waste those summer nights on the porch, this is a must have track. In addition to that, "Black River" has melting lyrics and acoustic highlighting that works magic on stress. There are a few folksy and upbeat tracks such as, "Give it Up" and "Bottom of the Barrel" that are great songs in their own right, but I found myself enjoying them more live. The live band really plays up the Wurlitzer and percussion on this album providing fantastic energy and Lee's vocals amaze as they are nothing short of your expectations.

Having found Amos Lee by accident years ago, I'm still taken with the richness he delivers. Nothing since have I compared to the jazz/soul greats that built the genre. I'm sure he's had influence to fill a book, but make no mistake, his sound is all his own.

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