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When listening to and watching John Lee perform, there are qualities that you consistently hear and see. Lee exudes an unerring sense for swing, shows an instinct for knowing when to play intricate lines or an economy of notes, and above all, radiates deep joy. All of these qualities are front and center on Lee's exceptional debut recording as a leader, The Artist.

One of the thoughts that comes immediately to mind when hearing Lee live and on his first album is that he has prodigious talent. While that's abundantly clear, Lee has had a passion for jazz - and work ethic for learning its intricacies - from a young age. From studying at the Berklee College of Music in Boston (and graduating in 2016), to establishing himself as a prominent jazz musician first in Victoria on Vancouver Island and then in Vancouver, he's put in the heavy lifting and self-reflection to prepare for making The Artist.

Then there's his uncanny ability as a multi-instrumentalist. Lee performs at a high level on double bass, drums, piano and organ, and guitar. What's important to acknowledge: when playing any of his instruments, Lee laser focuses on the specific task at hand with a fully engaged presence that empathically supports the other players and enables him to shine. That's exactly what he does on his debut.

When the moment arrived to envisage The Artist, Lee knew he wanted to play just one instrument. The hard part was figuring out which one. He turned to saxophonist Cory Weeds, one of his primary mentors, for advice. "I just thought it was a bold move to have your first record as a leader be a bass record," says Weeds. Lee liked the idea, and embraced big thinking: having the outstanding musicians Carl Allen on drums, Miles Black on piano and special guest Cory Weeds on saxophone.

This is an ambitious debut from a young jazz artist to watch in the future.

Track Listing

Bonus Materials

• Next generation jazz, featuring one of the most talked about young jazz bassists in the world, with a legendary rhythm section.

Sales Points

• The debut from an artist who is more than just a bass player - a multi-instrumentalist, composer, band leader and virtuosic musician who is on a path to be one of the great young jazz musicians in the world.

Press Quotes

John Lee is perhaps one of Canada's best young jazz musicians. The highly talented, multi-instrumentalist has performed in major cities such as Toronto, New York City, Boston, Vancouver and Washington D.C. in many high profile venues and festivals. He was awarded the Slaight Family Music Scholarship for Canadian high school students that gave him a full ride to Berklee. More recently he has blown away his Courtenay audiences as a stunning saxophonist and drummer.

     —Entertainment , Comox Valley Record

...this well recorded session barrels at you like a runaway train, but he's in control all the way. Smoking throughout.

     —Chris Spector, Midwest Record

John Lee, a first-call player on the Vancouver jazz scene, showcases his prowess on the bass and as a composer on his new record, The Artist

     —Matt Micucci, Jazziz

an album that is both delicious, refreshing and delightful

     —Dee Dee McNeil, Musical Memoirs