As a blossoming singer-songwriter, Amos Lee is a hard one to define. His latest album, “Last Days at the Lodge,” his third album for Blue Note Records, is a wonderful mix of neo-soul, jazz, funk, and folk, proving he’s a master of many genres. A former elementary school teacher, Lee is a full-time musician now, and his career is on a roll; “Lodge” debuted at number 29 on the Billboard 200 album chart.
His rangy vocals remain a strong point on “Lodge,” serving up the beautiful “What’s Been Going On” and the opening “Listen,” two tracks that add to an already strong catalogue of tunes. A native of Philadelphia, Lee has been on the road this summer, and he’ll be in town at the Pageant on Tuesday. He recently took the time to answer 12 Questions for insideSTL.com.
1. Tell us a little about why you're on tour and the music you're going to be playing.
I'm on tour to support the album I just recorded which is called, "Last Days at the Lodge.” We will be playing songs from the three albums and a couple of cover tunes.
2. Have you ever been to St. Louis?
Been to St. Louis a couple of times. Last time was to open for Bob Dylan and Elvis Costello. We played at the Fox Theatre, which I thought was one of the most beautiful theatres we had ever played. The time before that we played at Blueberry Hill.
3. What was the best moment during the recording of your newest album, "Last Days at the Lodge"?
There wasn’t really one moment that was the best, the whole recording process was great. I learned a lot from Don and from the band, and felt humbled and honored to have everyone playing and listening to my songs.
4. What was the most frustrating moment during the recording of your newest album, "Last Days at the Lodge"?
Saying goodbye to Don and the band when the sessions were over.
5. Who are some of your favorite bands/songwriters?
Too many to mention, but to name a few: Al Green, Bill Withers, Bob Dylan, Queen, and Donny Hathaway.
6. What are some of your favorite venues you have played while touring across the U.S.?
Well, as I said before the Fox is amazing. We like clubs a lot, too. On this tour we play everything from theaters to rock clubs and we tend to like them all. Anywhere that there are people who want to hear the songs... that’s where we like to play.
7. What's your favorite part about performing?
Connecting to people through song.
8. Take us through a day on tour.
I get up, I eat, I read, I hang, I rock.
9. If you could tour with anyone right now, who would it be?
My band.
10. What are some of your favorite albums?
Lately I've been listening to Iris Dement, "Infamous Angel" and Snooks Eaglin, "New Orleans Street Singer."
11. What's going through your mind five minutes before you go on stage?
It depends on what I'm doing...
12. The best way to support my music is to...
Buy my records, come to my shows, tell your friends.