http://www.tmrzoo.com/2017/71922/review-eric-lee-eric-lee-self-titled-cd
“Miles above the Ground” opens this six song set of originals from
Western Massachusetts phenom Eric Lee who brings his smooth, compelling
voice and introspection to this strong four and a half minute
composition. Lee has more than a grasp of the vibrations he sends forth,
playing violins, mandolin, electric violin and guitar with the music
here focused, entertaining and highly commercial. “The Raven” shuffles
along under J.J. O’Connell’s drums and the bass of Rhees Williams while
“Rose and Storm” adds a balance.
Critics can compare the storytelling of a Gordon Lightfoot to the dramas
offered by Jim Croce, but to say that Eric Lee paints with his own
style and magic is to understate what this artist has crafted. And take
caution – there are many, many singer/songwriters out there named Eric
Lee, so one has to seek out the music that I’m writing about here. Lee
has performed on the road with the great Eric Andersen, Peter Rowan of
The Rowan Brothers and Seatrain, John Gorka, Vance Gilbert, the Grand
Slambovians and so many others. It’s easy to get mistaken for a backing
musician, as Carole King and Neil Diamond at first were thought by the
public to be songwriters dabbling with hit records.
Time proved both King and Diamond to be major forces beyond their work
for other artists and this Lee is himself making waves regionally
outside of the background circuit he participated in for the last decade
and more. With Jim Henry’s electric guitar and dobro fitting in
perfectly with this quartet and some backing vocals from Brie Sullivan
and Max Wareham, these half a dozen songs stand up to repeated spins
with “Hands of Fortune” and “To Write You a Song” truly remarkable. At
the risk of sounding overly complimentary, those who have followed this
writer’s thousands of reviews over the past almost five decades know
that I can be as rough on poorly made recordings as I can hand out the
accolades on the ones with merit. There’s something very special here.
You’ll know you’ve reached the right Eric Lee as this music stands in a
class by itself.
Joe Viglione is the Chief Film Critic at TMRZoo.com.
And the 2nd CD, Heartache Town
In the 3 years since the eponymous Eric Lee extended-play mini album
comes this perfectly produced collection of twelve compositions with
huge crossover potential. Heartache Town, the title track, is pure pop
Americana succinctly wrapped up in two minutes and forty-five seconds.
It drives, captivates, and brings the listener in with the elegance of
James Taylor and an integrity so essential to believability.
The singer’s voice is the intro flowing into an immediate groove that
gives a solid foundation for the storyline – for Lee’s prime instrument
is (actually are) those vocal chords, above his ability to play, pluck
and strum a variety of different vibrating strings attached to a
multitude of different wooden platforms.
“Another Bloody Mary Morning” is a rock hootenanny with bluegrass
overtones and a showcase for the singer’s ability to discretely traverse
different styles. Those styles change quickly from song to song,
quickly yet ever so slightly, with the tunes placed in an inviting way
begging for repeated spins.
“Silver Headstone” goes pure traditional country – almost three minutes
before the five minute “Prince of Dreamers.” And despite the reference
to James Taylor above, Lee’s influences aren’t that glaring, he tucks
the many sources he draws from onto an original canvas that makes it all
very appealing.
Two epics are “Fall of Man,” and “To Write You A Song,” the latter
appearing on the previous collection as well. “Fall of Man” features
Eric Lee – lead vocal, acoustic guitar, mandolin, baritone violin,
electric fiddle, violins, electric guitar, Tracy Grammer – harmony
vocal, Greg Greenway – harmony vocal, Matthew Thornton – cello, Jim
Henry – electric lead guitar, Paul Kochanski – bass, J.J. O’Connell –
drums, Brian Johnson – sitar – and the accompanists are listed straight
from the press information to give a scope on how many different ideas
and vibrations combine to give these story songs such lively brio and
heart.
The semi-duet on “Lucky Penny,” a song co-written with Neale Eckstein,
brings a nice change of pace, though it’s still Eric Lee’s vocal chords
that pave the way. A deep, intentionally underplayed acoustic guitar as
lead instrument, “I Wish I Was a Plumber” is a musician’s lament,
reminiscent of Tony Hendra (Spinal Tap) and his amazing, insightful John
Lennon parody “If I could be a fisherman I would be a fisherman but I
can’t because I’m a (expletive) Genius.” Co-written with Pete Nelson the
rhythm section of Kochanski and O’Connell are a delight while Ryan
Hommel’s pedal steel also demanding mention.
Again it is Lee’s heartfelt voice and observations which catch your
attention while sterling accompaniment embraces the themes of the dozen
written essays, smoothly enveloped by these vibrant musical textures
http://eric-lee-music.com
1. The Garden (Where No Burdens Will Pass Through) 03:09
2. Heartache Town 02:45
3. Another Bloody Mary Morning 03:49
4. Silver Headstone 02:58
5. Prince of Dreamers 05:08 buy track
6. Fall of Man 06:29
7. I Wish I Was a Plumber 05:51
8. Lucky Penny 03:50
9. Life Without You 03:10
10. To Write You a Song 06:35
11. Giving Up On You 05:18
12. Help My Neighbor On 04:31
CD Baby
https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/ericlee4
Bandcamp:
https://ericleesongs.bandcamp.com/releases
From Eric's webpage
