Sam Lewis
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Sam Lewis

Nashville, TN | Established. Jan 01, 2011 | INDIE

Nashville, TN | INDIE
Established on Jan, 2011
Band Americana Soul

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"No Depression - Waiting on You - Review"

Sam Lewis is a hard act to follow. On his sophomore effort, Waiting On You, he's outdone himself. For his eponymous 2012 debut, Lewis's country roots were packed with Al Green-style soul. His latest is still soaked with soul, but more in a wistful, Van Morrison mode. The opener “3/4 Time,” shimmers with laidback optimism, bolstering Lewis' glide-along philosophy, taking on his days in ¾ time.

“She's A Friend” is silky, soothing soul with a country accent, a perfect candidate for entry in the swamp pop sweepstakes as well. Like any true soul man, Lewis's soul seems to ooze out of his pores, never sounding forced or contrived.

He shifts gears for “Things Will Never Be the Same,” galloping along a country path, sounding like Van Morrison channeling Jerry Lee. He revisits Van again on “Talk to Me,” capturing Morrison's understated power and glory with churchy soul in the style of “Saint Dominic's Preview.”

Marty Stuart's Fabulous Superlative guitarist Kenny Vaughn was the bandleader and primary guitarist on Lewis's debut release and is back here again, only providing some laid-back licks as the guest guitarist on “She's a Friend.” Oliver Wood (Wood Brothers) is onboard as producer on this one, picking up the slack on electric guitar.

This is really impressive stuff. “Talk To Me” drips with Van Morrison-style soul, with Gabe Dixon's burbling B-3 in the background, surrounding the McCrary Sisters' gospel chorus.

Lewis also has folkie roots entangled with his soul persona, as he exhibits on the John Prine-flavored “I'm Coming Home.” But, as with everything Lewis takes on, not just one style prevails. Jano Rix's piano adds a country gospel flavor to the mix.

If you're not already a fan, one listen should get you onboard. He's just waiting on you. - No Depression


"PopMatters - Waiting On You - Review"

There’s a lot of responsibility that comes with being the new shining star on the horizon, but it’s to Sam Lewis' credit that he hasn’t let that luster blind him to the basic tenants of his profession: to come across as soulfully honest as possible and not elevate the music to levels of detachment. Only two albums in, Waiting on You packs a powerful punch and affirms the reasons why the positive press has been so fast and furious of late. It’s a muscular set of songs in a properly nuanced sort of way, but the strains of southern earnestness and a Van Morrison-like bearing create the perfect crosscurrent, one that suggests no particular place in particular, but rather anywhere that might find a sense of wistfulness a reaction to all the accompanying travails.

Lewis’ sincerity and sentiment suggest there are no airs about his demeanor and no pretension when it comes to his subjects. He wields a voice as rich as molasses one moment, rumbles with deliberation the next, and sings soulfully and serenely in between. His is a vocal that echoes the ages, one that’s instantly striking and yet seems like it’s been making its imprint forever. It’s true, tempered emotion, as authentic as the moan of the delta, or multiple geographical settings where a softer hue is required

On the surface, some might mistake him for a country crooner, if for no other reason than the album’s first track, “3/4 Time”, gives every indication he’s a committed heartland troubadour. However, that notion is quickly dispelled as the album unfolds, it’s back porch flavor allowing the possibility that he’s inhabiting the high plains and glancing towards the distance. The same can be said of songs such as “Reinventing the Blues”, “Texas” and “Little Time”. Yet Lewis’ material reach deeper into the psyche than any one genre might allow. The lovely “Never Again” boasts a melody that brings to mind Jesse Winchester’s “Brand New Tennessee Waltz”, with the singer offering an ode to a dearly departed. “I thought I’d see you one more time before never again.” Here, the pain and regret are all too obvious in equal measure.

Likewise, the two tunes that end the album, “Virginia Avenue” and “I’m Coming Home”, address a universal emotion, that of the need to embrace hearth and home, or more specifically, the places and things that draw us closer to our roots and those who nurtured us so early on. The lovely refrain of the latter provides an especially touching final coda, one that elevates the album to an even higher plain. It’s further indication that Lewis knows how to tap into those same sensibilities that inspire us all.

Of course, initial notoriety doesn’t necessarily translate to ongoing success. The music biz is fickle, and no matter what the level of adoration, it’s the ability to sustain that leads to success. Either way, Waiting On You is the kind of album that resonates well and will likely be a listening staple for some time to come. - PopMatters


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