Bio
From the heart of Brooklyn via the Midwestern sky comes the raw sounds of Country-Soul singer and guitarist Derek Lee Bronston. Hailing originally from Michigan and moving to New York in the 90’s Derek Lee has had a wild ride courting many different musical genres. Whether playing with Avant-Garde pianist Cecil Taylor, the Soul-Funksters Cooley’s Hot Box, Punk Rockers The Great Shakes, touring as a solo troubadour or playing beautiful and innovative Jazz with friend and compatriot trumpeter Mark Rapp. Derek Lee’s singular focus on melody and his passionate delivery both as a guitarist and vocalist have won him critical acclaim in the Rock, Jazz and Country worlds.
Empty River, released Jan.17.2007 by Paved Earth Music brings out Derek Lee's true nature and a return to his roots. Mare Warefield (Performing Songwriter) says "[Derek Lee] Bronston growls and moans like a male Lucinda Williams" in the May/June 2007 issue where "Empty River" was also chosen as one of the top 12 DIY recordings.
Empty River has also been embraced by Americana, Country and Roots radio charting for over 12 weeks on the Americana Music Association’s radio chart, debuting at 21 and climbing to 17 on the Roots Music Report as well as being featured on Knoxville's WIVX one of America's premier commercial Country Music stations and receiving airplay imternationally in: France, Scotland, Belgium, Holland, Italy, Spain, Australia, Germany and England.
Empty River which includes both solo and full band tracks, features his talents both as a songwriter and a musician. Accompanied by Gintas Janusonis (Angelique Kidjo), Brad Craig (of Chuck D’s band), Dennis Martin, Dave Phelps(Henry Butler,Phoebe Snow) and Melissa Greener singing back up vocals, Bronston delivers an excellent, honest collection of songs that express his unique personal viewpoint and singular musical gift.
Empty River, released Jan.17.2007 by Paved Earth Music brings out Derek Lee's true nature and a return to his roots. Mare Warefield (Performing Songwriter) says "[Derek Lee] Bronston growls and moans like a male Lucinda Williams" in the May/June 2007 issue where "Empty River" was also chosen as one of the top 12 DIY recordings.
Empty River has also been embraced by Americana, Country and Roots radio charting for over 12 weeks on the Americana Music Association’s radio chart, debuting at 21 and climbing to 17 on the Roots Music Report as well as being featured on Knoxville's WIVX one of America's premier commercial Country Music stations and receiving airplay imternationally in: France, Scotland, Belgium, Holland, Italy, Spain, Australia, Germany and England.
Empty River which includes both solo and full band tracks, features his talents both as a songwriter and a musician. Accompanied by Gintas Janusonis (Angelique Kidjo), Brad Craig (of Chuck D’s band), Dennis Martin, Dave Phelps(Henry Butler,Phoebe Snow) and Melissa Greener singing back up vocals, Bronston delivers an excellent, honest collection of songs that express his unique personal viewpoint and singular musical gift.
