Lee Simpson

From the sun and sand of Orange County to the Sierra foothills of Chico to the art and culture of San Francisco, comes an artist who truly embodies the spirit of California. Simpson's songs traverse the rock and roll, folk, country, bluegrass, and jazz easily and gracefully. Guitar stylings call to mind the best of Knopfler, Frisell, Atkins, Gilmore, and Morse while holding tightly on to a unique signature. It is a rare treat to hear work so firmly rooted in tradition and so unapologetically breaking new artistic ground. Like an Italian cab-driver, Simpson has torn of the rear view mirror forging confidently ahead without looking back.

Guitarist/Songwriter Lee Simpson is originally a Northern Californian from the Chico area but was raised down on the beaches of Southern California. Years of touring and making records with his and Jason Fletcher's original act Blue Dye Fire honed a life long love of the craft of songwriting, resulting in several recordings and a record single Thank You For Being Alive and Roadburger produced from 1993 to 1995. The release of these two records led to heavy touring of the West Coast culminating in a San Diego to Seattle circuit and several overseas tours of the European continent.

After much change Blue Dye Fire's songwriting members settled in the San Francisco area and through several incarnations including local SF favorites Mobius later to become King Harvest.

As a player Lee is strongly rooted in the bluegrass style and tradition with strong disciplines in jazz improvisation and the classical. This is fused together in an original American Roots songwriting technique that offers a tip of the hat to those who have come before as well as a uniquely wooden sound all it's own. Lee has since headed out on his own with the release of his self titled CD on Vina Loam Records © 2004. The “LS” record showcases the very best of his songwriting and live performance abilities.