Philadelphia-born Amos Lee returns with a skillful performance in his fourth album, and this time he brought friends

With Mission Bell, Amos Lee continues on his journey of blues, jazz, folk and spiritually-inspired lyrics. Collaborators include Lucinda Williams and Sam Beam of Iron &Wine. Willie Nelson and Joey Burns of Calexico produced the album. While this album is familiar territory for Lee, his work is more refined and polished than ever. With his simple, intelligible words and inspiring melodies, Lee is able to get his message across while still being able to move listeners.

Mission Bell begins with ‘El Camino,’ a down-tempo song that speaks of heartbreak, redemption and gratitude. Lee speaks of a journey that moves him past the troubles of a former life, while the real story lies in the transition that he is still going through.

‘Out of the Cold’ is a somber tune that mirrors the darkness of a life without love. Lee offers no simple answers or steps to follow in this song, but instead offers up a solution that leaves us to fill in the steps in between.

The first single off of Mission Bell is ‘Windows Rolled Down,’ a powerful anthem that feels like it was made for the summer. Moving past the pain of loss, Lee continues to speak of his travels but in this part of his story you can feel the growth, change and hope associated with his journey.

This is Amos Lee’s fourth album with label Blue Note Records Mission Bell can be found in stores and iTunes now.

Windows Rolled Down can be heard on KWTS 91.1 & online at www.wtamu.edu/kwts