LEE SIMMONS: Doniphan Nights

Lee Simmons

Doniphan Nights

© 2008 Lee Simmons (884501071864)

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Melodic pop-rock

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notes

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).

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.

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  • Doniphan Nights
    author: Nelma Scoggins

    Lee is very versatile and creates scenes in your mind as you listen to his songs. I lived in El Paso the same time Lee did and knew him well. Not sure it made me homesick. I did not enjoy El Paso but I enjoyed hearing him sing about it..

  • Austin Music + Entertainment Magazine
    author: Austin Music + Entertainment

    Austin Music + Entertainment Magazine Lee Simmons Doniphan Nights (self released) Exhibiting profound maturity, Lee Simmons' new release offers listeners an expanded look into this songwriter's strength of melodic composition. Recorded over a seven-month period at his home studio, Simmons pulled together a team of Austin's finest to acquire a full band sound to his crisp, classic writing approach. Using the depth of Ramy Antoun (Seal, Goldspot), JJ Plasencio (Sixpence None the Richer), John Leon (Roky Erickson, Summer Wardrobe), and Derek Morris (Bob Schneider), Doniphan Nights may prove to be a cornerstone of Simmons' future on the scene. Lee Simmons comes to Austin via El Paso, and nostalgia for his hometown is reflected in tracks like "City Lights" and title track "Doniphan Nights." There are moments of undulating rhythms, such as "The Surface," which lyrically and musically conjures up images of a beachside campfire at dusk. A standout track is "Vive le Bombe," channeling a bit of Rufus Wainwright's dramatic whimsy, showing off Simmons' diversity. Overall, Doniphan Nights is likely to tickle the ears of the coffeehouse genre, and help good things rise to the surface for its craftsmen. -chelsea anderson

  • Wistful melodies, rich wordplay
    author: Jenny

    Lee's wistful voice, along with the sense of play in his melodies and arrangements, makes his records a lighthearted but thoughtful listen. The title track is buoyant and shimmering, the kind of song that plays at the start of a life-changing road trip out West. One more interesting and artful record from Lee Simmons!

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