A. Lee Edwards – Carolina Blue (2025)
With a career spanning over three decades, A. Lee Edwards draws together styles, genres, and an evolution in music with his moving melodies. Known for heart-warming folk-inspired tunes, listening to the US-based singer-songwriter is a comfortable hug from an old friend over a cup of tea and chocolate cookie. Despite his numerous well-received releases, features on notable publications, and extensive touring, this is my first time hearing A. Lee Edwards. Sit back, relax and take the dive with us into his tunes. First stop: ‘Carolina Blue’.
Following his critically acclaimed singles, ‘Move up to the Mountains’ and ‘Ride On’, Edwards steps into 2025 with his song, ‘Carolina Blue’. The third track from his upcoming debut solo album, Interpreting Heart Sounds Vol. I, ‘Carolina Blue’ is a reflective combination of bluegrass, folk and Americana. Joined by Julian Pinelli (fiddle), Ryan Stigmon (dobro), Matt Royal (electric bass), Amanda Neill (electric piano), and Tom Mayo (drums), there is an entwining of guitars, percussion, strings and Edward’s rich vocals.
One aspect of Edwards’ music is the emotion it evokes with each note. The soul-stirring charm of its instrumentation makes ‘Carolina Blue’ one of those tracks that simultaneously let you fly while keeping you remarkably grounded. Further duality exists in its combination of simplicity and kaleidoscopic sounds. Each instrument presents individuality in a sparse, bare-bones melody; however, the infusion of everything together makes for a harmonic twirl of sound.
So, what is my overall opinion of Edwards and ‘Carolina Blue’? Soft, soothing and elegantly sophisticated, the single is calming but with a kick of smile-inducing gallantry. As I mentioned, this is my introduction to A. Lee Edwards, and I cannot wait for more.
Find out more about A. Lee Edwards on his official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
Listen to more Americana music on The Other Side Reviews Americana playlist:
