John Lee - The Artist (CD)

Release Date: 05/06/22

The debut from one of the most talked about young bassists in jazz, feat legendary drummer Carl Allen, pianist Miles Black, & Cory Weeds on saxophone

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.

Bonus Materials

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