Uncommon Ground ^ Leslie Bowe

Leslie Bowe
"Gypsy" Review - Dec, 2006
www.minor7th.com

If Donny Hathaway had played guitar rather than piano, he may have made music like this. Especially on "Here With Me" Leslie Bowe channels a hint of Hathaway's soulful spirit. Others might likewise draw comparisons to Sam Cooke. "Gypsy" is Bowe's third singer-songwriter release, and is totally earnest and genuine.

© Alan Fark

Leslie Bowe – Gypsy / 2006 Arro / 10 Tracks / http://www.lesliebowe.com / Reviewed 08 November 2006

www.neufutur.com/ James McQuiston
The title track shows Leslie Bowe as a singer that is in the Edwin McCain style of indie rock. There is a certain timeless nature to their music that will increase listenership, for sure. However hopeful and smooth Bowe’s vocals are on this track, the fact remains that Bowe brings a delightful despair for anyone that is listening to the disc. This same soulful sound is present during “Fall”, which has more of a vocals on the vocals of Bowe than the instrumentation that plays an integral part in the background. The track positions itself in a smooth jazz meets adult contemporary vein, and even though the song is about six minutes, Bowe makes the time go by quickly.

The more direct approach done by Bowe during “Mr. Man” keeps things interesting. The production of the disc allows for individuals that might pick up this album to go forth and stick this on a radio station or their iPod. There are a lot of individuals that are trying to do exactly what Leslie Bowe is doing on “Gypsy”, but Bowe surpasses all of them with a strong yet flexible approach to the creative process. One has to stick with the track for a few minutes, but “Mr. Man” has a shift in Bowe’s sound that allows for a layered vocal approach to really wow listeners.

One should just keep listening to the entirety of “Gypsy”, starting at track one and listening to the rest of the disc. Each subsequent track on the disc is a stronger effort by Leslie Bowe, and he just is more and more impressive with each minute that ticks by. There are few direct comparisons that one can make to other artists during the runtime of “Gypsy”. Individuals just need to listen in to the smooth pop, jazz, light rock approach of Bowe and be swept away for the better part of forty-five minutes. Hopefully the right people find this disc and can give Bowe the publicity that ey deserves. I know, after listening to this disc, that I will be paying much more attention to the travails of Leslie Bowe. Here’s to hoping that ey can cut a few more albums that share the same quality of “Gypsy”. The talent and skill is present, but success on Bowe’s part is dependent on whether ey can come up with the same inspired music that is created with every track on “Gypsy”.

Top Tracks: It’s You, Mr. Man

Rating: 7.3/10

[JMcQ]

"Gypsy" Reviewed by Laura Turner Lynch
www.Kweevak.com

LESLIE BOWE – GYPSY: Leslie Bowe started singing both harmony and melody at an early age. In college, he learned piano and song craft. Today, Bowe is a performer, producer and writer.Gypsy is Leslie’s third release featuring ten soft rockers. His music is acoustic based in settings that are laid back and enhanced by potent piano parts. Bowe’s thoughtful lyrics are based on personal experiences adding to the sincerity of his songs. Leslie has a silky, soothing vocal style. Clearly, he is a soulful singer committed to his art. The CD as a whole is good but I particularly like the dramatic and sad ‘Fall’ and the piano and expressive vocals on ‘Borderline’. Gypsy is crisp and clean with no need of overdubs as Leslie’s voice and mellow music strikes just the right note!
• Recommended Tracks: (2,8) [USA/IL 2006 - web]

(Review by Laura Turner Lynch for Kweevak.com)

CoffeehouseTour.com
A. Warner Entertainment

Leslie Bowe - "Through My Eyes" - From the opening track of this 10 song CD, "Mr Man", I was incredibly impressed with the soul and lyrical intelligence of Leslie Bowe's music. It's clear that the human condition drives the music in the project, and Leslie has become the very first Native American to arrive in my mail with a CD and WOW! As I listened further, I was absolutely entranced with his sensual, melodic vocal expression. The whole CD maintains an earthy, soulful, relaxing and enticing mood. This is a project of great taste and expertly engineered instrumentation. And, is clearly a production of great worth to the world...period. The cut "Freedom" was deliberately thought provoking..almost to tears, and I actually listened to it twice before proceeding through the remainder of the disc. Leslie Bowe is one of many passionate songwriters that attempt to speak to the heart, but one of even fewer that actually reach it. I want more.

CHT pick: "Freedom" Reviewed By Annette Warner

"Through My Eyes" CD Review
WWSW 94.5 FM & WBGG

"The first time I heard Leslie's music I knew it was something special. His vocals have so much emotion you feel the words. And the music has a smooth groove that draws you into it. Leslie should be a star!"

Greg Gillispie
Program Director
WWSW 94.5 FM & WBGG
Clear Channel Communications, Inc.

"Through My Eyes" CD Review
Artist Management & Media

"...What a complicated, amazing gift is Leslie Bowe. I am so pleased to have found his music and look forward to knowing and hearing so much more..."

Sherry Harvey
Artist Management & Media Relations

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