RecentMusic - Sam Lee New Releases

Sam Lee

Sam Lee is a compelling figure in the British folk music scene, known for his distinctive voice and innovative approach to traditional music. Born in London to a Jewish family, Sam did not start his musical journey with folk music. He initially studied fine art and worked as a burlesque dancer and wilderness survival expert before his deep passion for the cultural heritage and stories embedded in folk songs took hold. His career as a folk musician began around 2010 when he became an apprentice to Scottish Traveller singer Stanley Robertson, one of the last in a lineage of Scottish Traveler folk singers.

Driven by the desire to preserve and revitalize ancient musical traditions, Lee has become a custodian of folk music through his performances, recordings, and his role in education and advocacy. His debut album, "Ground of Its Own" released in 2012, was shortlisted for the Mercury Music Prize – a testament to his unique approach and dedication to his craft. His subsequent albums, such as "The Fade in Time" and "Old Wow," continue to charm listeners with reinterpretations of old songs, often incorporating contemporary elements and collaborating with a diverse range of musicians. With releases like "The Moon Shines Bright" and "The Garden of England (Seeds of Love)" Sam Lee exhibits a deep reverence for nature and cultural history, while the "Singing with Nightingales" series not only showcases his music but also his innovative live events which connect audiences to the natural world in evocative soundscapes marrying human and avian song. Lee’s role as a music collector, radio host, and founder of The Nest Collective, a platform for folk, world, and traditional music, further cements his position as a vital figure in the contemporary folk music milieu.

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