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The Old Sycamore

by Arthur C. Lee

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about

The Old Sycamore is the second single from Arthur C. Lee’s 3rd full length to be released in 2024. It’s a wistful track about getting lost in a head of full of questions when sometimes answers are the simplest ones that are right under our nose.

Written and performed by Lee, the track was recorded at Bocce Studios in Vancouver WA, with Lee on vocals and guitar, Arcellus Sykes on upright bass and Casey Tuck on drums, with additional help from Paul Brainard (pedal steel) and Rose Gerber (background vocals). Adam Selzer (M. Ward, Decemberists, Norfolk and Western) produced, engineered and mixed.

Not your typical artist from the Pacific Northwest, Arthur C. Lee was born in the tropical island of Guam to a Korean father and a native mother who met on a farm that grew melons, mangos and avocados. Moving their family of five from the coconut trees and beaches of Guam to the tall Douglas-firs and cherry blossoms of Portland OR in the summer of 1989, his parents looked for ‘better opportunities for their family and to experience the four seasons’. It was a significant change for Lee that would forever shape him as he learned to adapt and assimilate in foreign land, all while his parents made sure he did not forget his cultural roots. Writing and performing since he was 13, his music is not unlike his move to the US. It’s an exploration of different styles and genres he’s encountered all while trying to make it his own. From blues to folk, and from jazz to rock, you can still hear the coconut trees and sandy beaches from his island roots; a vibe that permeates and runs deep in his songs.

Credits:
Written by Arthur C. Lee
Produced, Recorded and Mixed and Mastered by Adam Selzer
Artwork by Jeff Munger

Arthur C. Lee: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Arcellus Sykes: Upright Bass
Casey Tuck: Drums and Percussion
Paul Brainard: Pedal Steel
Rose Gerber: Background Vocals

lyrics

Just an old sycamore alone on a hill
Bending with the breeze passing through my leaves
Watching time stand still

Day turned into a cold night with heavens full of stars
When I woke up in the middle of a dream
With a little bird singing a song

It was singing a sad song, shaking in the wind
She flew into the bitter cold and left me all alone
with an empty hand

‘Cause I’m giving all I have don’t want anything in return
It’s a simple gesture that, now, you still have to earn
You’re gonna have to earn

‘Cause I’m giving all I have don’t want nothing in return
It’s a simple gesture that, now, you still have to earn
You’re gonna have to earn

Lasted through the long night
The sun made its way
When a birdsong returned to my arms
Taking in the day

Sitting in the shade

credits

released March 21, 2024
Written by Arthur C. Lee
Produced, Recorded and Mixed and Mastered by Adam Selzer
Artwork by Jeff Munger

Arthur C. Lee: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Arcellus Sykes: Upright Bass
Casey Tuck: Drums and Percussion
Paul Brainard: Pedal Steel
Rose Gerber: Background Vocals

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Arthur C. Lee Portland, Oregon

Surf songs from the PNW, echoing the experimental noise pop of Yo La Tengo, raw energy of Wilco, and the introspective soundscapes of Brian Eno.

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