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FEATURING:
Lee, vocals, guitar, piano
Joel Basquin, keyboards, piano
Phinees Robert, guitar, keyboards
Jun Hou, bass
Bryan Clarke, drums
Chris Howard, percussion
Charlene Bishop, violin
Adam Hill, viola
Eleanor Norton, cello
Pat Lennon, trumpet
Dan Hendrix, trombone
Jim Antonucci, tenor saxophone, flute
Antonia Jenae, vocals
Carol Brevard, vocals
Cole Williams, vocals |
Singer/ songwriter Lee returns to the Late Night Groove Series at the Blue Note in support of his new release, Naked. His work encompasses funk, hip-hop, jazz, soul and spoken word. His lyrics, melodies and rhythms are imagery, thoughtfully and emotionally provocative.
Lee leads a unique big band, with a wide range of instrumentation, including horns, strings, a battery of rhythm, and vocals. His music is original, often philosophical, and generally autobiographical, at least by way of inspiration.
After years of fronting the popular Miami-New York musical collective, The Square Egg, Lee is primed to display to the world his second solo effort. This latest collection proves to be the most self-revelatory of all, allowing the listener to be privy to the contents of the heart and head of this contemporary American artist. The music is prolific in its richness, diversity of rhythms and thoughtful self-exposure, a hallmark of Lee's work.
Lee's new work explores common themes relatable to all of us with songs like I Hope They Call Me Henry When I Die, a moody, emotion-invoking piece inspired by a common story of the New York Times misnaming Herman Melville “Henry” in its obituary of the immortal novelist. The song compares a life to a dream, disappointments and the desire to make one’s mark at center stage. It's a self-reflection, a summing up in the middle of life set soulfully and organically.
"Undressed" is another parable of a person coming to grips with the splintered inner-self, but ultimately making peace. It is an inner-autobiography, holding a listener through its commanding universality.
Not all tracks are somber in their lyrical and melodic content. "My God" is a strong message about the hypocrisies of organized religion. "Alone," "Just a Girl," "Leave" and "Save the World" are the products of the dark sense of humor life can sometimes deliver and coming out the other side, unscathed and much wiser for wear. "Anticipation" stands out for its raw grinding energy, gritty rock sound and lighter lyrics which focus on the physical rather than mental side.
Lee’s new music is the best kind of provocation, a journey into the sanctums of mature reflection, nailed by those most powerful of addictive transmitters, the catchy rhythms and melodies of serious wit and powerful lyrics, so profound in their simplicity and clarity.
www.whoislee.com |
