CD reviews: Amos Lee

Folk singer-songwriter Amos Lee digs a little deeper into the dirt and heart of the American South on his sixth studio album, aided and abetted by a bevy of backing singers, more than a few swinging horns and the occasional piano that conjures forth a late-night session in New Orleans.

Yes, Lee covers the key bases (soul, gospel, R and B ...), but he pulls off the delicate trick of avoiding over-polite homage and gun-ho pastiche.

This is largely due to his excellent vocal phrasing and tight lyricism, which ranges from the observational (Lost Child) to character stories (Spirit was inspired by a street performer in the Big Easy).

• Amos Lee. Spirit. John Varvatos Records.

• Four stars (out of five)

Single download: Highways And Clouds
For those who like: John Legend, Paolo Nutini

— Shane Gilchrist