Jerome Lee

Song Review by Scott Yanow June 21, 2022

During the past 40 years, electric bassist and songwriter Jerome Lee has performed in a countless variety of settings including jazz with saxophonist Tom Borton, blues (the King Brothers), funk (Urban Artillery), rockabilly (Jackie Lee Cochran), soul (Tommy Chappell, TN’T) and rock (Howland Hyatt). As a leader he released his CD Life This Time and in recent times has recorded a series of appealing singles.

“New Amsterdam Groove” was composed when he was living and performing in the Netherlands in the late 1990s. Jerome Lee (heard on bass guitar and keyboards) is joined by Jim Wheeler (alto and tenor sax), guitarist Johnny Hyatt, drummer Tim Foxxe, and Marco Toro on congas.

The melodic piece begins with dense and funky electronic ensembles. Wheeler’s saxophone takes the attractive melody while Lee’s powerful bass leads the infectious groove. The synthesizer, guitar and percussion are utilized as prominent parts of the group sound. The highpoint of the performance begins near its halfway mark when Jerome Lee takes a powerful and virtuosic bass solo, one that builds on the piece’s momentum and drives it forward. After his impressive statement, the full ensemble joins in with Wheeler in the lead as the joyful piece restates the melody and leads to its logical conclusion.

“New Amsterdam Groove” is an excellent showcase for Jerome Lee, and it is an easy piece to enjoy. - Scott Yanow - jazz historian/journalist

Jerome Lee - "First Peace After The Rain"

August 14, 2020

The Ark of Music



Sometimes we’re lucky enough to come across songs that are a true vessel for the passion and talent that’s present in the artist who created it. Today, that artist is Jerome Lee. No stranger to the industry, Lee has been recording, performing, writing, teaching, and touring for over four decades. His talents have taken him around the globe – from Amsterdam to Casablanca and many places in between – and he’s worked with a laundry list of other talented musicians including Niki Buzz, Oy Takahashi, Tom Borton, Urban Artillery, TN’T, Jackie Lee Cochran, the King Brothers, Curtis Knight, and Sonny Griffin.

With all of these accomplishments, Lee has set the bar high for himself. But to nobody’s surprise and everyone’s delight, his single First Peace After The Rain delivers tenfold on expectations. This is a heartfelt, beautiful composition that puts Lee’s expert musicianship on full display.

In the turbulent time this last year has proven to be, I think we’re all waiting on the impending calm after the storm that we’re still not quite through. While this track was written in 2019, its message couldn’t be more relatable today. First Peace After The Rain is about savoring the quiet stillness that arrives after a heavy rainstorm, both literally and metaphorically. We must weather the storms in our lives, but peace will always return to us after they’re through. It’s an uplifting and encouraging message for dark days. Lee says it so very concisely in the chorus:

“After the storm, earth medicine made,
Stand in the peace,
The first peace after the rain”

The track itself is beautifully produced and performed. It’s a wonderful blend of pop melodies and soulful instrumentation. Lee’s voice has the perfect mix of clarity and authenticity to carry this heartfelt message, and while there’s a complex mix of instruments – keys, strings, bass, and some pretty intricate percussion – the vocals continue to be the focal point, allowing the message to be the main takeaway.

Also worth mentioning is the bass solo in this track. It’s punchy and has a great energy and shows off Lee’s skills as a player. Bass solos are few and far between in modern music, but we’re thrilled to find such an excellently executed one in this song.

Overall, First Peace After the Rain is a gorgeous piece of music with an important message of strength and enduring. Fans of modern, mellow R&B and soul music will be right at home with this release from Jerome Lee. Take a listen for yourself, and take a moment to self-reflect and know that it is often darkest before the dawn, and tranquility is waiting just beyond the storm clouds.



Review by Jess Chizuk

The Ark of Music

August 14, 2020 - The Ark of Music

Jerome Lee's new single “First Peace After The Rain” Is A Reminder of Peace

“First Peace After The Rain” is an uplifting, mid to up-tempo song written, performed and sung by Jerome Lee. “First Peace After The Rain” captures the feeling of peace we experience after a heavy rain falls on our lives, both literally and figuratively.

During the rainfall, challenging issues and thoughts may come to mind, and we realize that we have the power to turn negative thoughts into positive ones. When one is outdoors, and the heavy rain stops, even the animals are quiet for a few very peaceful moments.

The spirit and intent in “First Peace After The Rain” is hope: the rain will always cease, negativity will eventually wash away, and peace is found after the rain falls.

Bryon William - Indie Music News Reporter

March 29, 2019 - Bryon William - Indie Music News Reporter

Jerome Lee – "The Suits"

January 22, 2018

Bryon William

Jerome Lee is an R&B/Soul artist and veteran to the music industry. With over four decades of experience playing electric bass, singing, songwriting, recording, touring, and teaching, there is no doubt that he delivers a quality music experience. Jerome’s passion has taken his performances around the globe performing and recording in cities like Amsterdam, Brussels, Cagliari, Casablanca, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, New York City, Salzburg and Tokyo. His single, “The Suits” is a great reflection of his cultivated years of hard work.

The song opens with a brief synth introduction before the arrangement breaks through with a funky pulsing bass, a steady drum beat, and a droning synth. Jerome enters along singing, “Man in a suit, speaking big words/In the name of justice, it’s how he’s learned/To free the guilty while the innocent hide/One more step to kill a city’s pride,” displaying his smooth, soulful voice as he takes lead on the track. As the verse progresses, the instrumentals build and changes leading up to the transition to the chorus as Jerome shows of the range and capabilities of his voice.

“The Suits” is a powerful song that takes the perspective of those who are struggling financially, socially, and other wise in our society and describes their interactions with the wealthier people of society. The song imagines someone who is struggling thinking that if only maybe they were wearing a suit too, their life could change for the better. Each verse ends with this person asking someone in a suit for advice and each of them respond saying its about having money. From the more poetic lyrics in the verses to the transition of the up-beat vibe of the chorus implies a story of hope that things will get better.

Jerome Lee creates a compelling track with his stellar vocals, strong lyrics, and grooving instrumentals in his song “The Suits.” The relatable topic and memorable melodies make this song a memorable music experience. Fans can purchase his music on CDBaby. For more information on Jerome Lee, visit his website.

Review by Bryon William

Indie Spoonful Music Reviews

January 22, 2018 - Bryon William - Indie Spoonful Music Reviews

The Suits – Jerome Lee

The Suits by Jerome Lee is a R&B track that touches upon the styles of the 1980s and 1990s to build upon a very current and contemporary sound. The current sound of the track is predicated on how successfully it builds this blueprint; hints of Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Herbie Hancock can all be heard here.

Jerome’s vocals are a particularly high point to the composition, while the backing instrumentation create a canvas upon wish Lee can weave a compelling voice with a fun little narrative. The drums and synths found here add further fullness to this track, which has a replay value that is unparalleled.

Review by James McQuiston Ph.D.

NeuFutur Magazine

Features, Music Reviews

June 2, 2016 - James McQuiston Ph. D. - NeuFutur Magazine

As you listen to the opener, "Time Gone Away", you won't be thinking "Rhythm & blues, blues, blues", perhaps, but you'll certainly realize just how large a talent you're privileged to hear - excellent guitar on this one!

That R&B sound comes shining through on "Prettiest Girl"... in fact, if I remember from my first listen to Jerome (on REVERBNATION), this is the tune that first caught my ear... took me right back to those '70's black juke joints down in Huntsville, Alabama... funk on fire, fer' sure!

The track that had me up on my feet (pretendin' I was 25 again... ha! ha!) all 'round my living room (with my headphones on, of course) was "Monkey Slide".... TOTAL fun, & just what that "good soul music" was all about when I was growing up with it all around me.

If you can't groove to Jerome's high energy, folks - you got both feet in th' hole already... I give this a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for anyone who loves R&B, soul & jazz. He gets an "EQ" (energy quotient) rating of 4.97 from me, too. Get more information at www.reverbnation.com/jeromelee (& be sure to tell him that brother Zzaj sent ya', ok?). Rotcod Zzaj - Dick Metcalf - IMPROVIJAZZATION Nation

Jerome Lee - Life This Time
2003, Jerome Lee

Jerome Lee’s been making music for many years. His professional career goes back 31 years when he was stationed in Japan with the US military and playing club and concert dates with folks such as Oy Takahashi, Miyanoue Yoshiaki, Keiji Yoshida and The 9th Of June. After returning to the US, Lee became something of an in-demand player while continuing to write his own material. 2003 saw the release of Life This Time, a soul and funk-filled play at modern pop.

Life This Time opens with Prettiest Girl, a funky jam with a classic soul sound. Lee sounds like he's singing through a time machine; a young James Ingram reborn. Monkey Slide brings on the funk with some nifty dance beats. Lee's musical dogma is understated here , turning Monkey Slide into a delicious and snarky that's made from piano, guitar, keys and vibes. Reach is a pleasant listen but fails to distinguish itself as an essential track. In My Heart is a classic R&B ballad, circa 1985; complete with saxophone and jazz guitar sound effects. Druk Op De Een is the peppiest song here, complete with disco beats.

My absolutely favorite song here is Time Gone Away, a deep and beautiful ballad that sounds like it's played on baritone guitar. An instrumental tune; Time Gone Away doesn't need words to convey the sad hopefulness that runs through every phrase, passage and note Lee evokes from those six strings. Time Gone Away is a master class in emotive guitar playing. Homecoming is a fairly typical ballad that is a pleasant listen but not particularly consequential. The album closes with Student Jam; three-and-a-half minutes on what sounds like a Casio keyboard with some very funky bass interplay. This is what some folks might describe as elevator music, although a close listen reveals more complexity and diversion than is generally found in the musical Soma of enclosed places.

Jerome Lee's Life This Time is up and down throughout, running from average to amazing. Lee is obviously incredibly talented, but tends to play in a genre/era mix that has been pretty much covered many times over. When Lee really lets his creative abilities out of the box and just plays, the music is sublime. Life This Time is a worthwhile venture.




Rating: 3 Stars (Out of 5)

Review by Wildy's World Blogspot

Date - January 21, 2009

http://wildysworld.blogspot.com/2009/01/review-jerome-lee-life-this-time.html - Wildy Haskell - Wildy's World Blogspot

What if I told you that there was this guy who plays funk bass, sings like a late 1980’s R&B crooner, solos like a jazz guitarist and sprinkles his songs with European techno-pop? Would you believe me? Well, you better believe, because his name is Jerome Lee. Jerome Lee makes music that, when described, does not sound like it would be enjoyable (anyone want to go to the jazzy R&B Euro techno-pop concert?) but works, somehow, some way. His 2003 album, Life This Time, recorded in Holland, is a worthwhile – albeit imperfect – conjoining of these three styles.

The first thing I noticed about Jerome Lee on Life This Time was that he could sing – and sing well. The smooth tenor’s voice is strong and engaging, particularly in “Reach,” a beautiful, lovemaking R&B ballad. Lee’s voice mixes vulnerability and confidence –confident in his love, vulnerable to his lover. Even when he sings laughable, half-baked lyrics (“I have traveled ‘round this world / Yes, I’ve seen so many pretty girls / Some I find are far too lonely / Love is one thing for her to do only”), the sincere and passionate emotion dripping from his voice shines clearly.

The second thing I noticed about Jerome Lee was that this cat could play! Sure, he is a solid bass player, but Lee really transcends the realm of “good” bass players when he solos. Take his solo in the techno-pop inspired “Druk Op De Een.” Lee’s solo is melodic yet forceful. He flawlessly mixes engaging, sing-able melodies with thought-provoking rhythmic variations. He brings the art of the jazz solo to a style of music known mostly for its computer-generated sounds. That alone is something to boast about.

My favorite song on the album is “Time Gone Away,” a bass duet between Lee and himself. Written with exquisite melodic detail and close attention to arrangement, “Time Gone Away” may only feature bass, but it emanates a rich, full sound. Reminding me of the Victor Wooten bass ballads, Lee shows that the electric bass, if played correctly, can be as beautiful as its higher-toned counterparts.

Despite containing some great music, “Time Gone Away” is certainly not perfect. First off, as mentioned earlier, Lee’s lyrics are often generic and – dare I say – downright cheesy. Generally, the best lyrics are meaningful whether sung or spoken; “Never won a beauty contest / But she’s still the prettiest girl to me” (“Prettiest Girl”) does not make the cut. Secondly, many of the songs lack a cohesive arrangement. The George Benson influence in Lee’s composing is apparent, but many of his songs lack the practical sensibilities that made much of Benson’s music so alluring. Lastly, Lee and co-producer Nikki Buzz often choose instrument tones that substantially detract from the listening experience. This is especially true on the closing track, “Student Jam.” The sounds on this track are so wearisome and insipid that they seem more appropriate for a Casio keyboard demo song than a professional recording.

All in all, I applaud Jerome Lee for being so forthcoming in connecting jazzy R&B with techno. Lee showed me that these styles are more compatible than I had previously thought. And while some songs will move your heart and others will make your eyes roll, Lee’s music is worth a listen if only to hear him solo.

Rating: B

Review by The Daily Vault

Date - April 1, 2009

http://dailyvault.com/toc.php5?review=5987 - Michael Broyles - The Daily Vault

Oh the infamous Disney phrase. Mirror, mirror on the wall. Who’s the fairest of them all? Oh the vanity. Oh the humanity. There isn’t a soul on the planet who doesn’t wish to be desired in some way shape or form. At least I can’t imagine one that doesn’t want to be desired. What begs to be asked is why is it when a soul gets desired why it may still reject being desired. Humans are funny creatures aren’t they?

Media spends a great deal of time exploring what we find to be attractive. Visit a supermarket and you’re likely to be bombarded at the checkout stand with tabloid covers doused in images of people who are considered to be attractive, rich or powerful. The three elements that make one human desirable to others. For the fortunate few they can combine all three and it’s as if they could become a deity.

Everyone has different things they find attractive but on the whole for guys I’m thinking there’s some women like Keira Knightley, Beyonce Knowles, Scarlett Johansson, Halle Berry, Natalie Portman, Rosario Dawson, Katherine Heigl, and so on, and so on. For women there’s some guys like Tom Cruise, Denzel Washington, Zack Braff, ok I give up. I’m not up on my hot hunks. Notice I’ve pretty much mentioned movie stars. Some how we really get taken a flutter by seeing someone up on the big screen.

That’s the concept behind today’s song, Prettiest Girl. The title says it all. From a guys perspective, unless of course you’re a lesbian and then it would apply there too. Actually while hanging out for the Super Bowl in Hermosa, I did see a female member of our group. I had met her before. The kind of attractive that makes even women turn a head and say “damn, she is fine.” She is lesbian and her partner was there too. Also attractive. So yes, it does apply.

Kick out the groove, pop in some soul and splash a little funk in there. That’s the breath behind the music. There’s an interesting mix of retro vibe combined with some modern synth elements. Along with a lot of live organic instruments groovin and funkin. I can appreciate it. It’s a fun kind of music to play. Though not a current “in sound”, that can’t stop the fact that it’s a song with some life. There’s hidden gems everywhere and even I can’t get to all of them. I’ll do my best.

Who’s your prettiest girl?

Review by Jody Whitesides at Single Of The Day
February 5, 2008
http://www.singleoftheday.com/2008/02/05/mirror-mirror-on-the-wall/ - Jody Whitesides

I liked Jerome Lee and his music as soon as I heard this Jazz/Funk/RnB/Soul release (his first, I think). The music just exudes a happy-live-and-let–live vibe that makes you want to hug the guy who made it all up.

Lee has had a peripatetic life having lived in many American cities, Japan and Europe. Like a lot of serious working musicians, he’s worn a lot of hats in a lot of different milieus. I assume his well rounded resume accounts for the cosmopolitan, man-of-the-world atmosphere of this CD.

A musician who plays a supporting instrument (bass in this case) try to prove their virtuosity by lengthy, complicated solos. Lee is too much of a professional for that. His bass work fits right into the mix without trying to overpower anyone else on the stage. The seams are invisible and the listener isn’t distracted by glaring bass passages. The production values are so good that you don’t even pay attention to them; there’s nothing that sticks out.

Lee’s voice seems a little strained at times, as though he’s singing a bit out of his range. But even this vocal style fits in with the overall feel of the release and no one but a voice nut like me would notice it.

The song lyrics are um…nice. There’s nothing groundbreaking in subject matter or style, but they’re still worth listening to over and over again. Lee speaks from the heart and you can tell he’s sincere. Listeners should go to his site and read his descriptions of the songs; there’s no canned PR blether; just honesty.

Lee is a master musician and songwriter. Why did he wait so long to produce his own CD?

Recommendation: Buy it.

Review by Jeremiah Sutherland at BullFrogMusic Reviews

Date - July 14, 2008


http://frogblogreviews.bullfrogmusic.com/?p=23#more-23 - Jeremiah Sutherland - BullFrogMusic Reviews

'Prettiest Girl' is an unpretentious cat-call ~ Jerome Lee pulls off the neo-soul sound with an outstanding blend of thick, funky, uncompromising slap and what comes off as a Vandross on Steroids approach. This is gooood stuff.

As the playlist begins to take form with 'Monkey Slide' I can see the versatility of the group. 'Monkey Slide' is a fat jazz that makes no excuses. Some might call it experimental...ahem ~ that's what jazz is in it's most pure form.

'Reach' is an endearing search for something completely external and is presented as a lovely bottom end, that would put many woofers to good use ~ and so as not to completely ignore the tweets Jerome Lee offers up some tubular bell work - this creates a great hardy tinny sweep. I absolutely dig the euphoric feel of this tune.

'In my heart' incorporates some very sweet sax and very clean bass lines ~ a touch of tamborine and some more of the delicious tubular bell accents. The guitar work rounds this piece out as complimentary and only appears where absolutely necessary.

"Druk Op De Een" or "Press On The One" ~ Yes, Yes, Yes. This song just kicks.

There are three more songs on this site...But, I am not going to spoil it for you. This is more than a listen...I highly recommend you crank this work and really get in to what is going on.

Review by FaThEaD@Fuzz.com June 10, 2008
http://www.fuzz.com/fan/FaThEaD/blog/entry/Far-Beyond-Good - FaThEaD@Fuzz.com

Very good song, good blend of soulful and latin rhythms.
Lyrics are timely, positive, and upbeat.

Staff Team
Geerayrecords Review - July 16, 2007 - Geerayrecords Review

I thought this song was excellent. Great lyrics, rhythm and beat. I like the hook and I think it will appeal to all audiences.

Staff Team

Geerayrecords Review - July 16, 2007 - Geerayrecords Review