Biography
Latest news: Russell Leon Band has completed a video for the song "The Beginning of the End", which appears on the band's debut disc, If Red Was Green. The independent CD was released in April 2007 and has received radioplay and press reviews across Canada.
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Russell Leon is an award-winning songwriter (OCFF 2007) and captivating performer who has been building a reputation on the Toronto scene. After releasing an acoustic CD, he cranked up his electric guitar and formed the Russell Leon Band in 2001. With a core trio featuring drummer Larry Kline and bassist Marcus Walker, the group has evolved into a tight six-piece unit playing bigger and better shows to a growing number of enthusiastic fans.
The Russell Leon Band is at home in a variety of musical settings, from wild rock concerts to intimate acoustic venues. Russell Leon also organizes and hosts monthly singer/songwriter nights that feature some inspired solo and duo acts. The band has finished recording a debut CD and continues to headline regularly at Toronto’s best live music clubs. Noteworthy gigs include showcases at North by Northeast and Canadian Music Week, an Amnesty International benefit, and opening slots for music legends Ike Turner and Leon Russell(!).
Making music as diverse as the city where they live, the members of the Russell Leon Band are experienced players with a flair for shifting stylistic gears. Their music is easy to categorize – you just need a different category for each song. These world-travellers are truly all over the musical map, making it difficult to define their overall sound. If you need a label, try "a unique rock band with strong blues-folk-reggae-funk-celtic-latin-jazz influences, memorable songs, and a great live spirit."
The guiding forces in the band’s intense musical mix are Russell Leon’s compelling lyrics and dynamic vocal performances. His eclectic storytelling and social commentary go straight to the head and heart, while the band’s positive energy brings people to their feet. Whether raising consciousness or raising the roof, the Russell Leon Band has a powerful presence that draws in the audience and demands repeated listening.
Instrumentation
Russell Leon - vocals and guitars
Marcus Walker - bass and backing vocals
Larry Kline - drums and backing vocals
Ansgar Schroer - harmonicas and congas
Brian Elkin - trumpet and keys
Keith Reid - saxophone and percussion
Discography
If Red Was Green (2007) - full-length CD
Russell (2000) - acoustic EP
Links
| http://www.rleonband.com |