Lee Simmons: vox/guitar/strings/keys/racket
with generous contributions by:
Jeff Moore, guitar
Morgan Spencely, bass
Rob Schilz, drums
Alejandro Felan, keys
Ramy Antoun, drums/hair
Sergio Andrade, bass/humor
John Leon, pedal steel
Kullen Fuchs, spookiness
Jon Notarthomas, guitar and that fantastic Upstate NY accent
Bpauhaus, love and magical music-making
Karol Ann Moore, vox
JJ Plasencio, bass, cello, tamales
Influences
The Beatles, Michael Penn, Aimee Mann, Neil Finn, Tom Waits, Mark Eitzel, Elvis Costello, Joe Henry, Jon Brion, Stephen Duffy, Nick Drake, Radiohead, Over the Rhine, Johnny Cash, Calexico, Waylon and Willie, Elbow, Jack Black, Cormac McCarthy, Paul Thomas Anderson, Joseph Mitchell, Albert Camus, Joseph Conrad, Andrew Wyeth, Leonard Simmons, Uncle Hugh (the guitar still plays great!), coffee, red wine, the Riviera number 1 combination plate, the Gila National Wilderness, Sonoma Valley, Juarez lights at night, those amazing chandeliers at the Fillmore, the Dog and Duck's jukebox, trains, airports, family, friends, long lingering dinners and Franklin Mountains State Park.
On Doniphan Nights e.p., Lee Simmons moves beyond his singer-songwriter roots to bring a more expansive sound than previously explored in his work. Crafted over the course of seven months, the record was primarily tracked at Simmons’ home studio with a cadre of Austin’s best musicians, including Ramy Antoun (Seal, Goldspot), JJ Plasencio (Sixpence None the Richer), John Leon (Roky Erickson, Summer Wardrobe), and Derek Morris (Bob Schneider). The record was mixed by CJ Eiriksson, Jeff Peters, and JJ Plasencio, and was mastered by Peters in Los Angeles.
Simmons aimed to combine the best elements of classic, melodic songwriting with more collaborative, full-band sonics. The resulting album presents a broadened range of musical styles, from the plaintive ukulele strums of “City Lights” to the sparkling pop of “Doniphan Nights.” Lyrically, the album is both a nostalgic recollection as well as a love letter to his hometown of El Paso.
Beginning with his 1999 debut e.p. Depot Park, Simmons has been crafting melodic songs that Performing Songwriter describes as “calling to mind the breezy, smart pop of both the Finn brothers (he has the worldly-wise eye of Tim and the melodic breadth of Neil), Michael Penn and Glen Phillips.” Audiences have equally welcomed his music, with Simmons sharing the stage with the likes of Hanson, Nellie McKay, Alexi Murdoch and Jon McLaughlin.
"Wringing evocative, unfettered emotion from sensual morning-after sentiment, Simmons spins affecting, ambient melodies. His voice may be cloaked in melancholia, but the adept instrumentation--a ukulele here, a breezy whistle there, a rousing chorus elsewhere--makes these six songs instantly accessible." -- Performing Songwriter, Mar/Apr 2009
"Veteran songwriter Lee Simmons translates Jack Johnson's Californian breeze for West Texas skylines on his latest, Doniphan Nights, adult-contemporary pop for reflective, lazy afternoons." -- Austin Chronicle
"...crisp, classic writing...Doniphan Nights may prove to be a cornerstone of Simmons' future." -- Austin Music + Entertainment Magazine
"Doniphan Nights has a loose and deep feel underlining his precise songwriting and penchant for engaging and oft-dramatic songs." -- KUT FM Austin
Bonjour Lee Thanks for the friendly add So good sound and music I really appreciate it Best wishes from France (Follow me on twitter.com/pascal95 ) Pascal
we are on our way back to TX after a GREAT West Coast run that wraps up on Sat May 2nd at the Scoot Inn in East Austin w/ our good friends the Mother Truckers...c'mon down!
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We are very proud to announce, that Monocular s "Water Shape EP" is available at your favorite Online-Store now.
Containing the single "Water Shape" from the forthcoming album "Somewhere On The Line" (April 03, 2009 VierSieben Records/Alive) and three non-album tracks ("Consequence", "To Admire The Life", "Ravenclaw"), it is definitely a must have for all fans of filigree and athmospheric electrosounds.
Where bands like Lamb or Frou Frou left a gap in the late 90s and early 21st century, Monocular redefined the sound and set new standards in developing their complex music by connecting charismatic vocals with entrancing soundscapes.
Lee! thank you so much for being a freind to us! your stuff sounds awesome. So how are you? We hope our music will bring you sunshine and smiles! did you get to listen, what did you think?
Hey! Whats up?
The new music video is coming out TOMORROW!
Watch the trailor and give us your thoughts! :]
Also, here is our brand new podcast welcoming our new member!!
Big things are coming in 09' so watch out! :]
-Ocean Is Theory
P.s. Talk to us on AIM!
Joshistheory, Kevoistheory, Claytonistheory, Nickistheory
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![justmegan [NEW SONG!]](http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/34/s_a2bea745d39a3d4cef09ddd0d32bfb43.jpg)
Online Now!
