Photo by Ric Kindle
Bio
COMING UP
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, Moonlight Concert Series Lee Hunter & Joey Kerr 7:00-9:00pm Nov 16, 2024, West Palm Beach, FL John D. MacArthur Beach State Park The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Lee Hunter & Joey Kerr Nov 22, 2024, 5:30-8:00pm, Jacksonville, FL The Cummer CoRK Open Studios, Lee, Joey & Walter Nov 24, 2024, 1:00-3:00pm, at Rick Weller's Studio Jacksonville, FL CoRK Arts District Private event, Dec 1, 2024, Jacksonville, FL The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Lee Hunter & Joey Kerr Dec 20, 2024, 5:30-8:00pm, Jacksonville, FL The Cummer 2025 Theatre of Memory, Lee Hunter & Joey Kerr Jan 25, 2025, Gainesville, FL Theatre of Memory Suwannee Spring Reunion, Lee Hunter & The Gatherers March 20-23, 2025, Live Oak, FL Suwannee Spring Reunion Riverside Arts Market, Lee Hunter & The Gatherers April 19, 2025, 12:00-1:00pm, Jacksonville, FL Riverside Arts Market |
Lee Hunter is a singer, songwriter, rhythm guitarist, percussionist and pianist with a passion for folklore. From 1992-2014, she worked with guitarist Arvid Smith in the critically acclaimed duo, Tammerlin. Together they placed their own stamp on folk/roots music. What you heard was exceptional guitar work accompanying clever original songs and traditional tunes pulled from the roots of American music.
In pursuing her own musical path, Lee is building on the sonic history of Tammerlin while exploring new directions and partnering with a number of talented musicians. In 2015, with a number of those folks, she created a chamber work of music and spoken word for the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens in Jacksonville, FL. Working with Charlotte Mabrey, percussionist and Associate Professor of Music at the University of North Florida and Philip Pan, concert master for the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra., the end result was a CD recording of the project.
Lee's focus remains on performing and writing songs. She and Walter Parks, longtime guitarist for Richie Havens and a fine songwriter and solo performer, were asked to open to open a series of shows for Emmylou Harris in 2015. They have since performed at several music festivals and plan to continue to collaborate from time to time. Since 2015, Lee has been working with outstanding guitarist and award-winning songwriter, Joey Kerr. Joey brings impressive musicianship and an extensive knowledge of American music to the duo's sound. In addition, Lee and Joey offer an educational program for students of all ages and two special concerts of music and spoken word-a holiday program,“Wintersong-A Celebration of the Winter Season” and “Civil War & Seafaring Songs”. Lee. along with Joey, released Lee's eighth CD recording in October 2022. It's a full band effort called Lee Hunter and the Gatherers, "Between Nothing and All". Most of the songs are Lee's with a few fun covers and a traditional tune. The core band is Lee, Joey Kerr, Darren Ronan on drums, Ernie Ealum on bass and Walter Mingledorf on organ and piano. There are a few special guests on the album, too: Byron House, Joe Craven, Joe Newberry, Lis Williamson, Lon Williamson and Nathan Ealum. Here is a link to the first review of the new CD from The Rocking Magpie, UK As part of Tammerlin, Lee toured extensively and found and continues to find her music in demand at venues across the U.S. and in Europe. She has shared the stage with The Band, Emmylou Harris, Alex De Grassi, Doc Watson, the Del McCoy Band, Dar Williams and many more. She has worked in the studio with talented musicians including Joe Craven, Darol Anger and Byron House. And so the adventure continues. 
PRESS QUOTES
In praise of "Between Nothing and All": "Even the first time I played this album, the songs felt like I'd known them forever.... Quality Americana, Folk and what we used to call 'Bedsit Music'....it makes the long hours of listening to 'average music' worth it when a pearl pops into my life like this album has." Alan Harrison, The Rocking Magpie In praise of "Between Nothing and All":"In praise of Between Nothing and All: "I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Lee Hunter for many years, all the way back to her duo days with Tory Voodoo and Tammerlin. It’s no surprise that other artists want to collaborate with her, as they do on Between Nothing and All. After all, she is a masterful singer/songwriter and a kind spirit who is generous with her talent. With The Gatherers she brings together a family of talented musicians who wrap her beautiful vocals in a lush blanket of sound. This CD currently lives in my car’s single disc player-the highest compliment I can pay an artist.” Pat Crawford, Executive Director, WUWF Media, Producer and host of Radio Live, Pensacola, FL "their fifth overall release not only picks up where Favor left off, but finds Hunter's songs basking in a magic all their own…A solid step forward." Dan Willging, Dirty Linen “…a gorgeous, poetic tapestry…Akin to Lebanese-American poet Khalil Gibran—he of “The Prophet” fame -— Hunter possesses the wisdom, and the heart, to know that joy and sorrow often walk hand in hand in this life.” Rick de Yampert, The Daytona Beach News Journal “ "No Small Thing" is surely a superior album, with very subtle arrangements and stunning performances. This album has been inside my CD player for a long time recently, an event that seldom happens to me as I receive so many CD's…” Massimo Ferro, Highway 61, Radio, Voce Spazio, Italy “Gentle shimmers of rootsy Americana…” fROOTS, London, UK “On the duo’s new CD, “One Kind Favor,” the pair is working at the top of its game. Hunter’s rich, emotive alto gleams like a jewel in sterling musical settings on her own compositions as well as on a selection of well-chosen traditional folk tunes. Smith’s musicianship is immaculate throughout…" Tallahassee Democrat “Lee Hunter has become a very strong writer, and her music fits seamlessly alongside the several traditional pieces…Great guests and excellent musicianship throughout….Excellent record.” Global Village Idiot (on-line music zine) |
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LISTEN To THE NEW RECORDING!
"Between Nothing and All" Lee Hunter, ASCAP "The Sycamores Are Turning" Lee Hunter, ASCAP "I Want To Know Your Story" Lee Hunter, ASCAP "Out of the Shadow" Lee Hunter, ASCAP "Ain't No Sunshine" Bill Withers |
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WATCH
A Little History . . . (slide show) "Ready for the Storm" Lee Hunter & The Gatherers at Suwannee Spring Reunion 2023 with special guest, Joe Craven, song by Dougie MacLean "Rainbow Blues" Lee Hunter & The Gatherers at Suwannee Spring Reunion 2023, by Lee Hunter ASCAP "The Last Dance" Florida Folk Festival 2016 with Joey Kerr and Landon Walker, by Lee Hunter ASCAP "Between Nothin' and All" with Walter Parks, WJCT Studio 5, by Lee Hunter ASCAP "I Once Loved a Lass" Stringbreak Festival 2016 with Walter Parks, traditional "When You Go" A brand new song! Lee Hunter & Joey Kerr, Florida Folk Festival, 2023, by Lee Hunter ASCAP
SPECIAL CONCERTSHoliday Concert - 'Wintersong'
Wintersong is a beautiful and unusual holiday program of ancient and modern carols, poems, readings and songs to fit the season. Wintersong is suitable for all ages and venues. The Arts Council of Greater Palatka has this to say: " 'Wintersong' is special, not only because the material is so beautiful and well presented, but because it is so different from the musical events that are usually offered during the holiday season. The music and readings are lovely, thought-provoking and inspiring. They brought smiles to our faces and the occasional tear to our eyes.” Civil War & Seafaring Songs This wonderful concert mixes songs and readings from the Civil War period with traditional and contemporary seafaring songs. The program was first developed for the Key West Art & Historical Society for their Civil War Heritage Days. |