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Biography
After graduating from the University of South Carolina and teaching elementary school, Lee became inspired to create music after listening to the John Prine album, “Great Days”. During this time Lee learned to play the guitar and bass and played as a member of the local band Hot Lava Monster. With influences ranging from Donny Hathaway, Joni Mitchell, Bill Withers and Otis Redding, Lee soon became the opening act for artists including Mose Allison and B.B. King.
In 2003 following a successfully circulated demo Lee secured an opened slot on an extended tour for Norah Jones, and whose bassist, Lee Alexander, produced the musician’s debut album. The eponymously-titled debut mixed the genres of jazz, folk and funk and earned the singer praise from fans and critics alike. “Amos Lee” peaked at No. Two on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart and resulted in Lee making appearances on the “Late Show with David Letterman” and “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno”.
Lee’s sophomore album “Supply and Demand” was issued in October 2006 by his longterm label Blue Note Records. Peaking at No. 76 on the U.S Billboard chart, the album was aided by the singles “Sweet Pea” and “Shout Out Loud”. Where “Supply and Demand” showcased Lee’s impressive instrumentation and complex production work, his third full-length “Last Days at the Lodge”, was an album dedicated to the traditions of folk and soul. Released in 2008 “Last Days at the Lodge”, was more focused than its predecessors and reached No. 29 on the Billboard 200.
With the increased exposure Lee had become popular amongst other artists and bands, many of whom he enlisted to contribute to his fourth full-length “Mission Bell”. The album was released in January 2011, topped the U.S. Billboard 200, and featured the talents of Willie Nelson, Iron & Wine’s Sam Beam, Calexico, and Lucinda Williams. The EP “As the Crow Flies” arrived a year later featuring songs recorded at the time of “Mission Bell” which didn’t quite make the No. 1 album. After contributing the song “Some Days Are Diamonds” to “The Music is You: A Tribute To John Denver”, Lee released his fifth studio album “Mountains of Sorrow, River of Song” in October 2013.
Live reviews
This dude has some serious FUNK about him! The man opened for the great Jack Johnson, a floppin' huge task in itself, and he made me completely forget about Jack for a bit. Once I heard he was the opening gig before the concert, I checked him to see what he was about. I guess I heard wrong, because I wasn't impressed at all. But seeing him at the Merriweather with floor seats was phenomenal. Him and his band know how to jam. Around here, we use the word 'homegrown' to describe whatever we find suits our unique personalities. Amos is homegrown, man. I kid you not.
You know, I may not know a whole lot about his background. I won't look stuff up, anyone can spurt random crap about him from Google or Wiki on this. I'm not even his biggest fan. But he makes you remember the show. Hell, he WAS the show. Him, Jack Johnson, and Zack Gill were the most fly combination of musicians I've seen on stage.
Look up when Amos is playing near you. Now. Do it. Even if he isn't the main appearance. He's cheap, he's funkadelic, he's funkalicious, he's a Jack Johnson disciple, he's a beautiful singer, he's unique. And when he talks to you in the crowd, like he did after EVERY song, have somethin' cool to say back, because I didn't.
hejied
Amos Lee has been a favourite singer-songwriter of mine for 6 years or so, and seeing him live for the first time in an old show did not disappoint! His demeanor was fun, funky, and down to earth, He entertained, engaged with the audience, and created a memorable experience. The venue was the Alix Goolden Hall which was an old cathedral. Between an R&B breakdown, 5 part harmony rendition of a tune in a gospel "Sunday Morning" kinda feel brought the atmosphere alive, his acappella intro to a tune singing "This Little Light of Mine" was definitely chill-inducing, and the rootsy country embrace that he does so well came out so clear and genuine I felt transported back in time as I could almost feel myself clicking along in an old railcar. To wrap up the show, he and his band came to the very front of the stage, asked everyone to huddle around, and played a few last tunes unplugged which was very special and well suited to the environment. Everything I want from a show, and I'd go again in a heartbeat : ) Thanks Amos & Crew!
zastronaut
Amos Lee show at Red Rock Amphitheatre was amazing. It was our first time in Colorado and we coud'nt believe how great the site was. Amos Lee was also accompanied by the Denver Philarmonic Orchestra so the sound was unbelievable. Amos Lee and his Band performed a great choices of old and early classics as well as a great performance of "Change is gonna come" by Sam Cooke. His song "Violin" along with the orchestra was amazing. He, his Band and the orchestra also suprised everyone by performing the theme music from "Games of Thrones" what a thrill.
The show and sound was amazing, Amos uses words and voice as a way of stricking directly in our heart and make it meaningfull. Its was enchanting. We moved our trip earlier to the US expressely to see/Hear Amos Lee and his band in a show, Red Rock Amphitheatre was a Real Bonus he truly amazed us. Hope we will be able to see him in the future in Montreal...
Bubbleblues
This is an artist at the top of his game. Between Amos and his incredibly talented and versatile band they wove their way through all different genres of music flawlessly. Warming up his vocal cords Lee crooned the first three songs with all the style and grace of legends. The set was peppered with songs from his first self-titled LP to his latest masterpiece.
And saving the best for last, he and his band launched into a couple of Grateful Dead tunes, Help on the Way into Franklin's Tower for their encore followed my more beautiful nuggets, finally ending up on his third encore solo to round out one of my favorite nights of music in a long time. Simply put, he was incredible!!!!
foxxdance
Amos Lee was incredible last night!! I was star struck by the musical genius of everyone on the stage! Amos was so soulful and alive! His storytelling was fun. I was on a date and the person had never heard Amos's music before; her response was that she just fell in love!! I did not want the music to stop playing. At one point I sat back and said to myself that this is one special night! Amos took the stage at a beautiful venue and brought the house down!! He is truly one of a kind!!
kevin-fisher-5
Some artists know how to turn up the volume, the intersity, the tempo as the show progresses but Amos knows how to turn up the love :-) A review must be at least 30 words long.A review must be at least 30 words long.A review must be at least 30 words long.A review must be at least 30 words long.A review must be at least 30 words long.A review must be at least 30 words long.A review must be at least 30 words long.
Chicago29624
One word?
A dream came true. Amos, thank you. I missed you man. Don’t let you visit to Holland take that long.....
The setlist was great. Lots of old stuff, what suits me the most.
What irritated me was ‘the dutch desease’ people talking loudly. Even cracking bags of chips in my ear. Paradiso should prohibit that.
Mutlu was great too. Hope to hear him more often.
mairim-pluijterre
The Amos Lee show was one of the best shows that I have ever been too. He is an amazing entertainer, musician and dancer! His band was out-of-this-world-good as well. He played his own songs and some covers and just seemed to be having a great time. In the words of one of the people I went with: he has some kind of mojo because he just captures you!!! Absolutely loved it!!!
janica-jesson
Absolutely amazing artist, with an exceptional voice and stage presence. Amos really knows how to connect with the crowd, which was a surprising mix of all ages. His soulful voice, the great band that draws you in, the down to earth, comedic moments with the crowd.... Michigan loves you, please come back soon!
Dabaker
Fantastic show!
The sound was great.
The band was high energy and Amos was very engaging.
Amos introduced most of the songs on the setlist by providing a little background regarding the song's meaning.
The crowd was very enthusiastic.
Beautiful night at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga.
jl-todd
