About Lee Zimmerman
Humor, heart and an eclectic mix characterize cellist, singer and songwriter Lee Zimmerman.
The traditional role for cello players in pop music is mellow background for the occasional ballad, Lee Zimmerman brings the cello into its own. Classical roots support stylistic influences from american pop music, swing, jazz and world music. He may surprise you with a 16th century dance tune from the courts of Europe, a jazz number with vocals, or one of his own songs from the heart. He is an innovator both musically and technically and a master of improv.
"I approach the cello as If I had never seen or heard it before though I've played it almost as long as I can remember, exploring both its sonic as well as it’s percussive qualities.” He has performed from NY to Alaska in such diverse venues as Seattle's Bumbershoot festival, the O’Shaunessy theatre in Whitefish, the Symes Hotel, Firstnite Missoula and the New Directions Cello Festival in Connecticut. Lee plays from the heart and lives on the edge.
Boundaries dissolve when singer Lee Zimmerman picks up his cello. Roots in classical music support stylistic influences from pop, swing, jazz, world and gypsy music; his rich baritone voice and innovative bowing and pizzacato techniques weave a deft tapestry of sound.
“Zimmerman’s hands draw strength and weather and dreams from his cello, even as he softly speaks and sings”
- Poet and Playwright McCarthy Coyle
“The effect of Zimmerman’s tender cello is startling and fresh”
- Susanna Sonnenberg, the Missoulian