Music Review: No sophomore slump for Lee

10/03/2006 11:43 AM, AP
Kim Curtis

Amos Lee, "Supply and Demand" (Blue Note Records)

No sophomore slump for Amos Lee.

Anyone who thought the singer-songwriter was simply the male version of Norah Jones, think again. While Jones has a scrumptious voice, she's known primarily for her singing. Lee, on the other hand, is a songwriter, through and through.

And he can do it all.

He spouts politics in "Freedom." He channels Woody Guthrie in "Night Train." He lightens up and gets a bit silly to ukelele accompaniment in "Sweet Pea."

Despite the variety, it's all pure Lee. He's got a gloriously sexy voice — just the right amount of velvet and gravel. And "Supply and Demand" hangs together perfectly without a weak song — or moment, for that matter.

The strongest track is the CD's first — "Shout Out Loud." From the opening guitar strains, Lee hooks you and sucks you in.