Post by admin on Aug 19, 2009 5:52:14 GMT -5
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Singer-songwriter plans gazebo show
Don Lee will perform on Main Street, Freehold
BY LAUREN CIRAULO Staff Writer
MARNIE MITCHELL-LISTER Don Lee
FREEHOLD —The Main Street gazebo in Downtown Freehold will be soon be buzzing with the sounds of local musician Don Lee.
An outdoor performance is scheduled for Aug. 21 from 7-9 p.m. in support of Lee's second solo effort, "Signs and Other Symbols," released on July 3. His first album, "Change Into Change," was released in June 2007.
"['Signs and Other Symbols'] has more of a band feel and is more diverse, stylistically speaking," Lee said. "And it's definitely a little edgier."
That edginess pervades throughout his latest project, which juxtapositions rugged vocals with dark and ponderous lyrics over a landscape of catchy, yet coarse melodies. Lee, a Freehold Township resident, has a conscious knack for combining lonely musings with spirited beats, culminating in Bon Jovi-esque sing-along tunes.
"I strive to create music with sophisticated melodies and lyrical depth," he said.
But that caliber is expected — Lee is no newcomer. Music has been a staple in his life since he was a boy. He has played in several bands over the years, including Rhythm Circus, and a long-term stint performing lead vocals for Red-Headed Boogie Child, which broke up in 2006. It was then Lee decided to go solo and finance the production of his first album with his day job as a human services supervisor for the Monmouth County Division of Social Services.
"Regardless of what level I achieve, I love music and will always be playing no matter what. The money I've invested to be able to do this has been completely worth it," he said. "It's my creative outlet. I would never give it up."
"Signs and Other Symbols" was also self-produced, with Lee writing the majority of music and playing most of the instruments. The lengthy process included recording and engineering the basic tracks at his home studio, DLR Studio, additional recording at Trax East in South River and mixing at West West Side Music in New Windsor, N.Y. He hopes to release a new album every two years.
Lee's music, which he describes as a combination of rock, pop and soul, stems from an eclectic mix of influences, including the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Squeeze, Steely Dan, Tears for Fears, Billy Joel, The Kinks and the current Jack White-helmed supergroup, the Raconteurs. But instrumental details are what draw Lee in to a particular artist.
"It's usually certain musical skills and a technical ability that interests me. Jimmy Page, King's X, John Coltrane — even a bunch of one-hit wonders have been inspiring," he said.
Lee said his life-altering music moment came when saw a senior citizen swing band perform as a teenager. That experience transformed music from being just an interest into a full-blown passion.
"I didn't like that style of music, but they were mesmerizing. I was blown away by how great they connected with the audience. And they were in their 60s," he said. "It shows you that good music just transcends."
Lee performs throughout central New Jersey at coffeehouses, bars, restaurants and other small venues. He had a weekly gig at the Cornerstone Caffe in Freehold Borough for two years before the restaurant closed in 2008. His live show consists of a combination of original material and spot-on cover songs.
"I really try to get into the essence and feel of the song and the artist. I like authenticity when I cover music. Because of that, I don't sound like a cover guy and I think that helps me," he said.
Lee will be performing at Green Planet Coffehouse on Arnold Avenue in Point Pleasant on Aug. 28 from 8-10:30 p.m., in addition to his Aug. 21 show at Freehold Borough's Main Street gazebo. "Signs and Other Symbols" will be available for purchase at both shows and is available on his website at www.donleesounds.com.
Singer-songwriter plans gazebo show
Don Lee will perform on Main Street, Freehold
BY LAUREN CIRAULO Staff Writer
MARNIE MITCHELL-LISTER Don Lee
FREEHOLD —The Main Street gazebo in Downtown Freehold will be soon be buzzing with the sounds of local musician Don Lee.
An outdoor performance is scheduled for Aug. 21 from 7-9 p.m. in support of Lee's second solo effort, "Signs and Other Symbols," released on July 3. His first album, "Change Into Change," was released in June 2007.
"['Signs and Other Symbols'] has more of a band feel and is more diverse, stylistically speaking," Lee said. "And it's definitely a little edgier."
That edginess pervades throughout his latest project, which juxtapositions rugged vocals with dark and ponderous lyrics over a landscape of catchy, yet coarse melodies. Lee, a Freehold Township resident, has a conscious knack for combining lonely musings with spirited beats, culminating in Bon Jovi-esque sing-along tunes.
"I strive to create music with sophisticated melodies and lyrical depth," he said.
But that caliber is expected — Lee is no newcomer. Music has been a staple in his life since he was a boy. He has played in several bands over the years, including Rhythm Circus, and a long-term stint performing lead vocals for Red-Headed Boogie Child, which broke up in 2006. It was then Lee decided to go solo and finance the production of his first album with his day job as a human services supervisor for the Monmouth County Division of Social Services.
"Regardless of what level I achieve, I love music and will always be playing no matter what. The money I've invested to be able to do this has been completely worth it," he said. "It's my creative outlet. I would never give it up."
"Signs and Other Symbols" was also self-produced, with Lee writing the majority of music and playing most of the instruments. The lengthy process included recording and engineering the basic tracks at his home studio, DLR Studio, additional recording at Trax East in South River and mixing at West West Side Music in New Windsor, N.Y. He hopes to release a new album every two years.
Lee's music, which he describes as a combination of rock, pop and soul, stems from an eclectic mix of influences, including the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Squeeze, Steely Dan, Tears for Fears, Billy Joel, The Kinks and the current Jack White-helmed supergroup, the Raconteurs. But instrumental details are what draw Lee in to a particular artist.
"It's usually certain musical skills and a technical ability that interests me. Jimmy Page, King's X, John Coltrane — even a bunch of one-hit wonders have been inspiring," he said.
Lee said his life-altering music moment came when saw a senior citizen swing band perform as a teenager. That experience transformed music from being just an interest into a full-blown passion.
"I didn't like that style of music, but they were mesmerizing. I was blown away by how great they connected with the audience. And they were in their 60s," he said. "It shows you that good music just transcends."
Lee performs throughout central New Jersey at coffeehouses, bars, restaurants and other small venues. He had a weekly gig at the Cornerstone Caffe in Freehold Borough for two years before the restaurant closed in 2008. His live show consists of a combination of original material and spot-on cover songs.
"I really try to get into the essence and feel of the song and the artist. I like authenticity when I cover music. Because of that, I don't sound like a cover guy and I think that helps me," he said.
Lee will be performing at Green Planet Coffehouse on Arnold Avenue in Point Pleasant on Aug. 28 from 8-10:30 p.m., in addition to his Aug. 21 show at Freehold Borough's Main Street gazebo. "Signs and Other Symbols" will be available for purchase at both shows and is available on his website at www.donleesounds.com.