On Doniphan Nights, Lee Simmons moves beyond his singer-songwriter roots to bring a more expansive sound than previously explored in his work. Crafted over the course of seven months, the record was primarily tracked at Simmons’ home studio with a cadre of Austin’s best musicians, including Ramy Antoun (Seal, Goldspot), JJ Plasencio (Sixpence None the Richer), Kullen Fuchs (Ian Moore), John Leon (Roky Erickson, Summer Wardrobe), and Derek Morris (Bob Schneider). Simmons aimed to combine the b...
On Doniphan Nights, Lee Simmons moves beyond his singer-songwriter roots to bring a more expansive sound than previously explored in his work. Crafted over the course of seven months, the record was primarily tracked at Simmons’ home studio with a cadre of Austin’s best musicians, including Ramy Antoun (Seal, Goldspot), JJ Plasencio (Sixpence None the Richer), Kullen Fuchs (Ian Moore), John Leon (Roky Erickson, Summer Wardrobe), and Derek Morris (Bob Schneider). Simmons aimed to combine the best elements of classic, melodic songwriting with more collaborative, full-band sonics. The resulting album presents a broadened range of musical styles, from the plaintive ukulele strums of “City Lights” to the sparkling pop of “Doniphan Nights.” Beginning with his 1999 debut e.p. Depot Park, Simmons has been crafting melodic songs that Performing Songwriter describes as “calling to mind the breezy, smart pop of both the Finn brothers (he has the worldly-wise eye of Tim and the melodic breadth of Neil), Michael Penn and Glen Phillips.” His music has equally been welcomed by audiences, with Simmons sharing the stage with the likes of Hanson, Nellie McKay, Alexi Murdoch and Jon McLaughlin.
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