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She isn't a blues singer/ guitarist but the feeling's there…despite
the classification on the sleeve, she isn't a jazz singer/ guitarist
or for that matter Indie pop or worldbeat artist either…but
the feeling's there.
Born in Germany Leni formed her own acting company there before
returning to her first love….music…in 1977. Moving to
New York shortly after, Leni soon became involved in the jazz
and rock community , gaining critical acclaim for her guitar playing.
She recorded 12 guitar albums before her first vocal album "Black
Guitar" in 1997.
During this period she was also heavily involved in film scoring.
Leni's latest release "Finally The Rain Has Come" showcases
her singing and guitar on 11 melodically distinctive songs, all
original compositions except for " Bury Me Standing".
In fact it was Leni's elegantly swinging guitar on that song that
made me decide to include the CD in Blues Corner.
I had to smile, though, when I read the accompanying biography
which recommended that the listener file under jazz. Maybe we
could invent a special "Outside The Square" category.
Of course Leni has the chops and creativity to perform whatever
she chooses and the personnel roster includes some of best jazzers
around; Bill Frisell on guitar; Zakir Hussain on tabla, Michael
Brecker on tenor sax or John McLaughlin whose guitar sprays the
title song with his trademark machine-gun fireworks.
Even so Leni's music keeps the songs firmly in her sights with
a fully, developed vocal style that subsumes her guitar and the
influences that swim around her. If asked, I would describe "Finally
The Rain Has Come" as consummate song-craft with Irish/Celtic
leanings. A great record whatever the category. Richard
Jasiutowicz
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