ALBUM REVIEW: Leon Jean Marie
- Posted on July 8, 2008 6:16 PM
- 0 comments
LEON JEAN MARIE
Bent Out of Shape :Island/Universal
Review by Peter Coulston
Leon Jean Marie is an artist that I have seen and heard many times before, most recently at the 12 Bar Club about a month ago. On each occasion, he has been working solo with his acoustic guitar, covering many of the songs on this album. I have often felt that the songs would benefit from a little more production and that is precisely what they get on this album. There is some excellent material here, well produced; unfortunately, I don’t have any production details as I am working from a promotion copy which does not have that information on it. I really like this album and have listened to it several times already.
Full of opportunities to experience the varied influences of Leon’s music, the album opens with “Fair” which has some funky percussion, all the fun of the fair and gets you in the mood for much of which is to follow. Leon likes his funky beats and hooks that you can dance to, and you will find them on “Bring It On”, “Stay Right Here” and “Scratch”, which has urban, rock, rap, hip hop and a bit of jazz all rolled into one. He has a bit of an affair with the sixties as well, and I absolutely love “Bed of Nails” with it’s chord driven riffs and solid structure. If you want ballads there’s “Gotta Have It” which rocks and “Beg” which doesn’t, but does have a great hook and a Bacharach and David quality to it. He moves in and out of ska and jazz and throws in some quality pop like “Jumping At the Block” for good measure. This is a favourite album of mine right now, and I know that you will love it too. So go to www.myspace.com/leonjeanmarie. and live the experience.
Related links:
Concert tickets.
Check out our Leon Jean Marie exclusive tour blog.
Leon Jean Marie interview.
Leon Jean Marie's MySpace.
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