Russell Leon - lead vox & guitars Marcus Walker - bass & backing vox Larry Kline - drums & backing vox Ansgar Schroer - harmonicas & congas Brian Elkin - trumpet & keys Keith Reid - saxophone & percussion
Influences
We (beatles) have (marley) so (stevie) many (phish) influences (police) that (dylan) it's (jimi) impossible (johnny) to (jack johnson) just (satchmo) list (santana) them (pogues) all (spirit of the west) especially (stompin' tom) since (bach) many (white stripes) of (beck) them (who) are (miles) not (meters) specific (grateful dead) people (bird) or (cat stevens) groups (stray cats) but (animals) rather (brahms) melodies (liona) and (prince) harmonies (fela) and (bela) rhythms (k-os) and (wyclef) styles (duke) and (radiohead) moods (marvin) and (jb) memories (sabbath) and (ramones) attitudes (floyd) and (dizzy) atmospheres (rem) and (coldplay) thoughts (trane) and (van) places (segovia) where (muddy waters) we've (ben harper) been (talking heads) but (bruce) hopefully (bruce) when (billy) we (billy) play (neil) our (joni) songs (jaco) for (leonard) you (raffi) some (genesis) of (chano pozo) the (acdc) other (bnl) musical (ccr) artists (mmw) we (g love) like (u2) come (zep) through (doors) subliminally.
The Russell Leon Band released its debut album, If Red Was Green, on April 26. Recorded at The Rogue Studios in Toronto and produced by Geoffrey McPeek (formerly of Daddys of Eden and Brule Sound Pharmacy), the CD features 11 original songs that take the listener on an irresistible ride through a range of musical styles and emotions.
Opening with "I Want Your Love," the band sets up a jazzy feel that melds into the blues groove of "Loopy." "Friday" is a straight-up rocker, while "The Beginning of the End" is a heart-felt folk ballad. "Cuba" spices things up with a Latin vibe and "The Wild" draws on reggae and funk to tell an environmental tale.
The Russell Leon Band has opened for legendary performers Leon Russell and Ike Turner, in addition to playing numerous festivals and benefit concerts. As well as maintaining a busy performance schedule, Russell produces and hosts Songwriters Unite!, a collective of more than 400 singer/songwriters across North America.
Russell spent his early years travelling across Canada and the USA. When he was six, he and his mother settled on a commune in the Ottawa Valley where they lived without electricity or running water. "It gave me a real appreciation for the arts," explains Russell. "I had no TV or electricity, so spending time with my guitar and friends made me a musician."
Russell moved to Toronto in order to study music at York University. Intensive studies, busking on the street, and playing in clubs immersed him in the city's cultural diversity, expanding his musical landscape and inspiring him as a songwriter. In 2000, Russell released a self-titled six-song EP.
Getting people involved with his music is key for Russell. "When you play live and connect with a person who says, 'I had that experience in 'The Beginning Of The End.' I fell in love with this girl and she didn't love me.' When you connect with people that way," explains Russell, "it's hugely rewarding." Making an impact lyrically while getting people on their feet in a live setting is no easy task, but the Russell Leon Band accomplishes exactly that.
Check out our latest video single "The Beginning Of The End" from the album "If Red Was Green". Enjoy!
I'm hitting the road in a couple of weeks to raise money for War Child, Coast-to-coast – 50 cities – ALL PROCEEDS TO WARCHILD. Why? 66% of all war victims are CHILDREN. Shocked like me? War Child helps these children that have been affected by war. Check out the new blog – the whole story is up there. Love to have you be a part of it.
You’ll find a Blog, Tour page and a Bio page. I’ll be blogging daily from the road.
IndieCan is so pleased to share music from The Russell Leon Band on episode 122 of IndieCan Radio because it's so damn cool. We're on XM Satellite Radio, a bunch of great Canadian FM stations, two internet radio stations and 120 countries find us and listen at http://www. indiecan. com/radio. htm
*Allo Russell Leon Band! I invite you to check out my solo project, my new album « L’arbre aux parfums » is now released. To hear exerts and adventure in my fragile garden, please feel free: www. myspace. com/caracolmusique Many thanks ! CARACOL*
Russell Long time no connect...Do you remember meeting me at a photocopier place on College in 2003?..You made a lasting impression. You are an indie inspiration. Thanks for sharing your passion for music... Good luck with Winterfolk. xx Makeda
Thanks for adding the power of your personal brand of magic to last year's festival. To see what we accomplished with the money we raised drop by www.jaidee.smugmug.com. Looked forward to doing it all again this year!
Best, Shawn Phelps Toronto Songwriters' Festival www.torontosongwritersfestival.com www.jaideechildrensfund.org
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