The male Norah Jones plays it close to the vest.
Neo-soul singer/songwriter Amos Lee records for Blue Note, one of the most venerable jazz labels in music history. He's shared a stage with Bob Dylan and Elvis Costello. Don Was, who has produced such titans as the Rolling Stones, Bonnie Raitt, Brian Wilson and Willie Nelson, helmed Lee's third record, Last Days at the Lodge, which came out in June and has reached a respectable No. 29 on the Billboard 200.
Despite the impressive resume, though, Lee divides critics in much the same manner as his label mate and benefactor Norah Jones.
During a recent phone interview, I decide to ask Lee about his lyrics, which have a tendency to read like greeting cards. It's early in the conversation, and I choose my words carefully.
Me: There's a positive vibe that courses through your music. Is that a conscious choice? Do you ever write darker material but decide not to release it?
Lee: Well, I really don't monitor that kind of stuff. I just record the songs I write. I don't shy away from certain topics or make a conscious effort to write positive.
For my next question, I attempt to bring some much-needed levity to the conversation, which is dangling in the air like Beijing smog.
Me: There are also quite a few romantic numbers on the new album ["Won't Let Me Go," "Baby, I Want You"]. Would you describe yourself as a ladies man?
Lee: Oh, I couldn't answer that.
Me: Well, would your bandmates describe you as a ladies man?
Lee: You'll have to call my bandmates for that one.
This article appears in Jul 30 – Aug 5, 2008.