I have been listening to Søren Lee’s new album HOPE, and enjoying it immensely.
Zack’s Music
Søren Lee – Electric and Acoustic Guitar, Composer; Victor Jones – Drums; Jacob Dinesen – Saxophone; Yasser Pino – Bass; Rune Harder Olesen – Percussion
I have been listening to Søren Lee’s new album HOPE, and enjoying it immensely.
Søren Lee was born in Copenhagen, and by age 10 he had a start on a career in music. By 15 he was gigging around Copenhagen. In 1988, he traveled to New York City to attend the New School for Jazz and Social Research. In 1990, he released his first album, playing with celebrated bassist Ray Brown. He played alongside guitarist Jim Hall. Søren Lee has released eight albums under his own name. In the early 2000s, he explored alternative musical paths. He studied classical music and vocal technique. He now has a vocal studio in Copenhagen where he mentors aspiring singers. He is still playing guitar!
Lee assembled a bunch of great musicians for HOPE. Drummer Victor Jones has played with Stan Getz, Michell Petruciani, Chaka Khan, and many others. Jakob Dinesen is one of the most beloved saxophonists in Denmark. Cuban bassist Yasser Pino, born in Havana, now calls Copenhagen home. Percussionist Rune Harder Olesen is a much in demand Danish studio musician.
Lee plays a Heritage 535 electric guitar and a Taylor acoustic. He uses a Fender Deluxe amp. His playing is bluesy, and at times he can sound like a rock guitarist. He has an eclectic list of influences, from Wes Montgomery, Pat Metheny, John Scofield, Jim Hall, John McLaughlin, to Jimi Hendrix.
Lee and saxophonist Jakob Dineson play the melody together on ‘Moving On.’ Lee’s solos favor single note runs up and down the fretboard, with some bluesy flourishes. His phrasing is fluid. I don’t hear him using any pedals, or added effects. Dineson’s solo has just the right amount of soulful intensity.
‘Like Tears In The Rain’ has a lovely Bossa Nova groove. It sounds like Lee is strumming his acoustic guitar, and his electric guitar was dubbed on top. Dinesen’s solo does a good job of channeling Stan Getz. Victor Jones drumming is tastefully understated. Bassist Yasser Pino helps anchor the music with finesse.
‘Song For My Son’ sounds like a folk song from the seventies or eighties. I wouldn’t have been surprised if James Taylor had started singing. This is a very pretty song. Lee’s warm playing and the rest of the band sound so good together. Lee composed all of the music on HOPE, and this is one of the best tunes on the album.
‘A Few More Steps’ is the rockinest. This uptempo piece swings like crazy. Imagine a guitarist playing like Wes Montgomery and Jimi Hendrix at the same time. Dinesen sounds like he would be right at home playing in a hard-driving R & B band. Yasser Pino’s walking bass line is remarkable. Victor Jones blends elements of jazz, funk, and rock. He is an impressive drummer with a lot of flair.
Søren Lee offered this poignant note: “My beloved beautiful wife and true love Eva Awe Faye Lee was very sick at the time of this recording and everything I play here i played for her. I dedicate this entire album and music to her and her great legacy.”
Hope is the belief that things can improve or that desired goals can be achieved. Søren Lee can be very proud of HOPE. It is a great album.
