Lee, Timwith Mel Brown2002Independent

Lee, Tim - with Mel Brown - 2002 - Independent

Written by Calvin Daniels

Until this self-titled CD arrived for review I will admit I had no idea who Tim Lee was, or that he played the blues. It's not like Lee is a newcomer. When you read his biography, you will discover he's been in the business for years, playing everything from rockabilly to the blues.

"The first five years of Tim's career were spent as the founder and guitarist for rockabilly/swing band the Severe County Allstars. The Allstars enjoyed much success throughout southern Ontario playing countless shows in clubs and at festivals. They were the house band at the Circus Room in Kitchener and were joined on occasion by notable blues artists such as Kim Wilson, Duke Robillard, Mel Brown and Otis Clay (among others)," relates his biography at www.timlee.ca.

However, to gain broad national exposure and recognition, a performer needs an album - and boy does Tim Lee have an album! It may have taken until 2002 to be released, but like a well-aged wine, it was worth the wait. Giving the first effort from Lee and his band a spin was an enlightening and enjoyable experience since it introduced me to a very enjoyable piece of work.

The lead-in cut, Willie Woods' Cleo's Back, is one of only two cover songs on the album, the other being So Many Roads by Marshall Paul. 'Cleo's Back' is a strong way to kick things off as Lee's fingers dance over the guitar on this upbeat instrumental. Mel Brown - who plays piano and organ - helps carry the song and allows Lee's guitar to wail . Brown is a long-time veteran on the blues scene, and Lee is well served by having him aboard.

So Many Roads would be a fitting title for the album given the fact Lee's career started in Southern Ontario, headed west to Edmonton, and then back to Ontario. The fact that the song focuses on a farmer doesn't hurt in catching this farm boy's attention either.

The rest of the album relies on Lee's own pen, and again, his experience in the music scene seems to shine through. There is a maturity to his songwriting that someone with fewer miles on the road might find difficult to manage. In many ways, Free Rollin' Man may be the cut where Lee is most at home, with more of a rockabilly feel to it.

Not every Lee-penned number works perfectly. In my opinion, The Mess You Made needs a grittier, darker sound than what Lee has provided.

Lee is well supported by The Revelators here, including Chris "Junior" Malleck on harmonica, Steve Toms on bass, and Murray Campbell on drums. Malleck in particular helps the album along with some nice work on Bad Boy Baby, Free Rollin' Man and (Is That Train) Heading West.

Overall, I like this effort a lot. This may be Lee's first recording, but let's hope it's far from his last.

Copyright 2003. Review by Calvin Daniels.

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