Listening to the creamy confections on Amos Lee's recordings, one would never have guessed he was a late bloomer who didn't pick up a guitar until he was a student at the University of South Carolina in the mid-'90s. An English major, he says he found the acoustic guitar a perfect way to frame his poetry, and in turn, he fell under the influence of soulful folk word-painters like James Taylor (whom Lee's work more than resembles). A job at a jazz record store, where he was surrounded by the music of the masters all day, helped him understand the finer points of composition. After graduating from the university, a stint as an elementary school teacher must have taught him the joy of a hungry and curious audience, as well as patience.

In 2003, Lee's self-produced EP landed him a deal with Blue Note, which at the time was enjoying massive success with pop-jazz crossover artist Norah Jones. She invited him on tour as a support act after hearing his EP, and in 2005 his eponymous debut (produced by Jones' bandmate Lee Alexander) sold a half-million copies. Lee then further absorbed classic songwriting sensibilities by touring with artists including Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, John Prine and Merle Haggard.

Supply And Demand, Lee's 2006 follow-up, didn't sell as well, but it shows his improved strength as a writer - his songs are more comfortable, and more deeply informed by the gracefulness of artists like Bill Withers, Al Green and Van Morrison. Produced by Don Was, Last Days At The Lodge was released in 2008 and features the polish of sidemen including keyboard player Spooner Oldham and bassist Pino Palladino.

Provenance: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Latest Release: Last Days At The Lodge (2008)

© 2008 Nigel Music Media LLC. Used by permission.

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