Singer-songwriter Amos Lee deviates from early work

Last Days At The Lodge is Lee's third album.

By Andrew Terry

Published Nov. 11, 2008

Bringing together the stylish voicings of jazz and the smooth flavor of R&B, Amos Lee is turning into one of the most impressive new artists in the ever-expanding singer-songwriter genre.

Lee came into the music world with his self-titled debut album, a strong effort that received much critical acclaim and allowed him to be featured on a handful of late night talk shows. It was a more folkier and more solitary presentation than his current one.

Currently, Lee is touring after the release of his third album, Last Days At The Lodge, an album that is a bit of a departure from Lee's usual style.

"The album is a bit more dynamic," Lee said. "I'm just interested in more things. I like playing my electric guitar."

That guitar is far more prominent in his new work, giving his new songs a strong edge and deviating from the mellow, acoustic R&B of his earlier work.

But the studio isn't where Amos likes to spend his time: his home is on the road with his band.

"It's all about playing live," Lee said.

Lee has been on the same strong tour since its beginning in June, and even though it's been tough, he stays in good spirits.

"It's been a lot of fun." Lee said. "(The tour) is a little easier this time because we have an idea of what we are doing."

But Lee is no stranger to touring, having opened up for such big names as Bob Dylan and Merle Haggard. Even after such an experience, Lee is still able to stay humble.

"It was mind-blowing to play in front of the 10,000 people crowds," Lee said.

When asked if he got a chance to really talk to these mega-stars, he laughed.

"Oh no, we tried to just stay out of the way," Lee said.

If there is something that hasn't changed for Amos, it's his songwriting. Even with his changing sounds, his songwriting has continued to turn peoples' heads. He often writes about love and its resulting heartache - hard subjects that flow with his voice and bring listeners in.

His song "Sweet Pea" was featured in an AT&T Wireless commercial and is one of those songs, despite its fun pop shell.

"That song, and ones before it, was about a particular relationship," Lee said. "I got a lot of songs out of (that relationship). I capture things that move us through this world, or at least I try to."