Leslie took up guitar at the age of eight. Struck with the idea that singing other people's songs was stealing, she started writing immediately. She studied classical guitar and voice from her mid teens through college and, at 18, was tapped by hit songwriter Mort Garson ("Our Day Will Come") to be his lyricist. Famed Broadway coach David Craig put a polish on her performing skills, and she was off on a journey around the world playing and writing music. She has performed at Folk City, P&Gs and other clubs in New York, and did three tours in Japan as a single act in clubs. She has played in Paris’s Latin Quarter in the ‘passé le chapeau’ tradition. She has sung in an ashram in southern India.
During those years, commercial success eluded her. Agents made grand promises that didn't pan out, and industry contacts told her to write songs that sounded more like the current top 40. With the industry dominated at that time by the major labels, she decided to relax and enjoy music on a smaller scale.
In the early 90s, a chance meeting with guitarist Mike LeDoux, former session player for Phil Spector, resulted in a 3-year partnership as a coffeehouse duo, a collaboration that Leslie credits with the maturation of her guitar work. At the same time, she became engrossed in study of Eastern religion, particularly Hinduism. This tour through spiritualism led to the release of her CD "Light" and the 9/11 single "Sky Was Full of Angels".
By 2005, the music industry had changed. There had been an emergence of indie artists as a result of the Internet revolution and accessibility to distribution channels that hadn’t been there before. Armed with a portfolio of strong original songs (thanks to the fact that she had disregarded the industry suits who told her to write like other artists), Leslie went after making the highest caliber CD she was capable of making.
Her new release Dream is the result. The title is used in the sense of the Sanskrit word “Maya” meaning that life is a Divine dream or play, to be enjoyed rather than suffered, our parts played well.
Leslie performs life with the Roland RC-50 Loop Station. She is adept at laying down live harmonies and vocal textures, and guitar loops to enhance her songs.
To buy single song downloads or the full CD, go to www.leslieclark.com or www.CDBaby.com..leslieclark.
Thanks Leslie for being a friend your music is beautiful, Great lyrics, arrangements, harmony,and melodies. I performed with S O S A for about 7 years in southern Oregon. Had to leave in 2004 and I sure miss it. Best wishes Mickey Foster
Not that you EVER check this page, but so that you don't just have one lonely comment, I thought I'd just take up a bit of space on here. Just as well that you don't spend endless hours on here, such a waste! Hmm, what am I doing then? See ya! x
...and so begins a long journey. Whether it be strange, exciting, sour, or outrageously hilarious, we all know that there will be bounteous passin (especially the musical variety). May your experiences be delightful and enlightening! :D
