Elly Roberts reviews
Amos Lee: Supply And Demand
Distributed by
Blue Note (EMI)
- March 2007
- Rating: 8/10
Driven by echoes of Soul, Gospel, Blues (and a hint of Country here and there), Amos Lee follows-up his debut with an understated gem.
Commercially this may falter, but critics seem unanimous in praising it. It’s
a bit of slow-burner though as there’s nothing instantly slapping you across
the face, except maybe Sweet Pea.
In an industry that has varying degrees of real ‘vocal talent’, Amos Lee
comes shining through.
Philadelphian Lee is coming across like a latter day Bill Withers, but lacking
a ‘killer pop single’ to highlight his magnificent voice, which is always a
main feature and a delight to hear. Not so much a pop offering, this is the kind
of album (or songs) Elvis Presley would have loved to tackle away from his
hits.
This won’t make Lee a household name, nevertheless, its well worth checking
out just to hear his angelic vocal (gymnastic) musings – if the songs don’t
grab you, then his voice certainly will.
Musically, he’s labelled as the male counterpart (and labelmate) of Norah
Jones, which, with certain aspects of his ‘pace’ and ‘weight’, parallels
can be drawn.
His singing is more fluid and rounded than Jones will ever be. Even on opener
Shout Out Loud, he’s measured and very disciplined. On Sympathize
he drops into an easy stroll (Jones pace etc) as he wistfully does it nice and
easy, which is Lee’s preferred modus operandi, though this track features
arguably his finest vocal moments.
This is followed by equally sublime Careless which includes some
magnificent harmonies and melodies. Stepping up a gear, just a tad, the
rambling title track is a neat drifter – you might just tap a foot here and
there.
Sweet Pea is his most out and out attempt at a radio-friendly type of
‘single’, which, if released, unfortunately won’t hit much commercial success.
Mixing soul and gospel influences, Southern Girl is a little gem.
Bluesy-country closer Long Line Of Pain gently brings the collection
to a easy ending, with Lee effortlessly leaving his inimitable calling card.
Though Lee chooses not to leave his comfort zone at any time, he is a
talented and spellbinding vocalist. It’s an easy listening album which is a
real grower - all he needs now is a hit single, which isn’t here.
The full list of tracks included are :
Review & concert pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004-2010.
