Amos Lee Smoothes Out the Culture Room Crowd

Amos Lee isn't quite as famous as those tiny cookies that share his given name, but his product is substantial and tasty. The Philadelphian's John Prine-influenced songwriting and soulful delivery stokes any coffeehouse crowd's appetite. His latest studio album, Last Days at the Lodge, puts him in command of his singer/songwriter game just below the popularity level of Jason Mraz and John Mayer but with added depth. On top of that, Lee has shared bills with the likes of Norah Jones, Bob Dylan, and Paul Simon.

His most recent big-name pairing came in the name of Haitian relief. This past February, he teamed up with Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart, fellow folkster Brett Dennen, and others for the Heartbeat for Haiti fundraiser in San Francisco. This was a natural move for Lee, whose folk-meets-R&B tunes can provide a lift for the down and out just as well as providing an audible treat for lovers.