Amos Lee's love for music was so strong that he gave up a career as a schoolteacher.
"I played music before I was teaching and it was always at the back of my mind," Lee said by cell phone from a restaurant in Louisville, Ky. "And when I decided to do music full time, I was 25."
Now, at 27, Lee has found his choice fulfilling. "It wasn't scary making the shift. But there's always an uneasy feeling about whether or not you will make it. But it was definitely time for me to get on with what I wanted to do."
Playing open-mike nights at local clubs got Lee noticed. He started getting bigger gigs and soon began opening for Bob Dylan, B.B. King, Mose Allison, John Prine and Norah Jones.
While it was the Jones gig that got him well on the road to success, it was the Prine slot that was one of his biggest thrills. "First and foremost, John Prine is my musical influence. It was an honor opening up for him. I couldn't believe it. He was very gracious, too."
Another songwriting influence is Bill Withers. "I hope to see him get on the road again, if he's interested. I know they are rereleasing his catalog."
Earlier this year, Lee released his self-titled debut album. "It was a learning experience in the studio. It was hard to loosen up in the studio, but eventually I caught on and got comfortable with what I was doing."
Being ill at ease in the studio came from his love for playing live. "In the studio, I had to make sure my vocals were more precise. When I play live, I let things go on a bit. I can do what I want and get into the moment."
Lee said he isn't worried about running out of things to say when it comes to his songs. "I am constantly writing new things. And I write about anything. I do get tired of the one-dimensional narrations — 'I woke up. I washed my face. I ate.' Those kinds of songs, but if it works for people, then great.
"I know I have my own ideas and try to make music that I would want to listen to again and again."
If you go . . .
What: Amos Lee
Where: In the Venue, 219 S. 600 West
When: Saturday, 8 p.m.
How much: $15
Phone: 467-8499 or
800-888-8499
Web: www.smithstix.com
E-mail: scott@desnews.com