With his laid-back vocal delivery and earthy acoustic songwriting, Amos Lee draws inspiration from soul music, contemporary jazz, and ‘70s folk artists like James Taylor.
The Philadelphia native first became serious about performing while attending the University of South Carolina during the mid-90s.
After graduating with a degree in English, he taught elementary school before deciding to pursue a music career full-time.
A period of waiting tables and bartending followed as Lee honed his songwriting skills.
He eventually landed some high-profile gigs as an opening act, including an extended tour with pianist and vocalist Norah Jones, whose bassist, Lee Alexander, agreed to produce Lee’s first album.
With Alexander’s help, Lee released the eponymously titled Amos Lee on Blue Note in 2005.
The album reached No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard Top Heatseekers chart and several of the tracks — “Colors,” “Keep It Loose, Keep It Tight,” and “Arms of a Woman” — were used in various television shows and movies.
Having won a small following for his blend of acoustic funk, folk, and light jazz, Lee returned one year later with his sophomore effort, Supply and Demand, featuring the single “Shout Out Loud.”
Produced by former Wallflowers and Natalie Merchant bassist Barrie Maguire, the album entered the top 100 of the Billboard 200 chart and further cemented Lee’s reputation as a heartfelt, rootsy songwriter.
The Last Days at the Lodge followed in 2008 and found Lee backed by a highly regarded cadre of journeyman musicians, including guitarist Doyle Bramhall, Jr., keyboardist Spooner Oldham, bassist Pino Palladino, and drummer James Gadson.
The album cracked the top 40 upon its release and became Lee’s highest-charting album to date.
Now Lee will be performing on Long Island, with a concert at The Paramount on Sunday, Aug. 6 at 8 p.m.
The Paramount is located at 370 New York Ave. in Huntington.
For more information about the event, go to www.paramountny.com.
