Amos Lee, born Ryan Massaro a singer songwriter from Philadelphia, PA, and Cherry Hill, NJ who came to our attention through Nora Jones. Nora Jones bassist Lee Alexander produced his first album, self titled, with 5 songs that peaked #2 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers that was released mainly in the Philadelphia area in 2003. Nora plays the piano and sings on some of the tracks. He was later invited to be her opening act for 2004 tour.
When Amos Lee graduated from U. of South Carolina, with a degree in English, he went back to the Philadelphia and taught elementary school for a few years before he decided that he wanted to have a full-time career in music, and rightfully so.
His 4th studio album MISSION BELL just released in January 2011 is currently on the iTunes Top 10 album sales, and #4 on Amazon, and gaining popularity. His genre is soul, folk, and blues with a touch of gospel. He is an accomplished guitar man with a unique voice quality. His delivery sometimes mimics James Taylor and Bob Dylan; the talented musicians that accompany him have the musicality of the Dylan band, and it’s overall refreshing and easy to listen to.
You may recognize his song “Colors” from his first CD AMOS LEE played on some of TV’s big shows like, House, Brothers & Sisters, Six Degrees and Grey’s Anatomy. He has toured with Dave Matthews Band, John Prine, Paul Simon, Merele Haggard, Bob Dylan, and has appeared with various artist on their albums and at their concerts.
This album may not be for everyone, but it’s different and has some definite songs you may want to have on your iPod like, “Violin” featuring Jim Beam, a great musical number, “Flower”, and “Jesus” featuring James Gadson, a unique upbeat gospel, musical number. It also includes “Clear Blue Eyes” featuring Lucinda Williams, and “El Camino” (Reprise) featuring Willie Nelson.
Overall it is a folksy, soulful, country gospel rock music album bringing back the technique that Dylan and James Taylor made so famous and never goes out of style.
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