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lionelleemusic@bigpond.com
Lionel Lee hails from Torquay in Victoria and plays a rootsy country rock style minus the rock - it's just vocals, harmonica and guitar. The bio says he's been 'kicking around in bands since 1990' starting with Zen for Head and Bullitt and, more recently, the Lionel Lee Three and the Lionel Lee Trio. But here, on this cd, he is in solo form.
Of the six tracks on offer, it's the first one 'No Where To Be' that is by far the standout. It has a beautiful chorus melody helped along with luscious (uncredited) female harmonies. 'Lay me down some/Let me get some sleep/Let me get well/Got nowhere to be'. It really is a special song.
Not that the remainder of the collection isn't but none came forward and grabbed me as much as 'No Where To Be' did. Lionel's harmonica playing is good, especially on 'Poor Boy, Bad Boy' where he loosens up a little. There is also a bit of variety with the tremolo acoustic guitar on a couple of the songs.
If 'Southern Gothic' or 'Americana' (as Lionel describes his music) is your bag, then you have nothing to lose by checking out Lionel Lee. -SH
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