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Leslie Sanazaro
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Cheers one and all! Thanks for taking the time.
I’m a singer/songwriter/pianist and touring, recording musician. I believe in live music. I believe people want to hear something better than what they’re used to. Music can change a point of view in a moment.
I grew up in a VERY small town in rural Missouri and spent a summer in high school studying jazz at Berklee College of Music in Boston. That’s when the bug really bit me, I think. I went to several universities after in search of information, exposure and my teacher. I ended my college tour (ha!) in Philadelphia at University of the Arts where I got a degree in Jazz Vocal Performance. Immediately upon graduation I started losing interest in jazz (naturally, right?) and went in search of something original...
I played the next few years in Philadelphia with a trip-hop band called Saigon Slimm. This was an awesome experience and the first band I co-wrote music with. I also started recording some Bossa-Nova inspired trip hop with producer Rich Crawford which is still waiting for release. I was also lucky enough to work with one of my favorite Latin singers Vanessa Santi on the project. I’m honored to call her a collegue and a friend.
Eventually I left Saigon Slimm in search of a solo career and spent the next couple of years writing and listening to other songwriters and teaching to make ends meet. Eventually as I continued to develop my solo material and after playing with Chris Schutz of Philadelphia based The Tourists, I moved to St. Louis to be closer to home and get back in touch with my roots, so to speak. It was here that everything really began to grow. The material got stronger, I recorded my first EP ’Stars in the Attic’ which has gotten a great response in St. Louis, and began playing weekends with local rockers ’Polaris’ made up of some of the city’s best rock musicians. Through their skill and genius the first record was made and I began promoting it. Playing 3-5 nights a week in St. Louis and by touring internationally in May of 2007 with the Green Light Tour, an environmental tour of 3 solo musicians (myself, Jen Woodhouse and Todd Sapio), doing a triple cd release tour. It was an incredible experience and changed my life. Literally.
Having received some label interest on the tour and with all the shows booked for 2007 I began really thinking about the art of my music more than before. The tide was high, I guess! Simultaneously being influenced by St. Louis’ rich Blues tradition I began making plans for the second record, my first full length. Still in the process of being recorded it promises to be my best work to date, and I can’t wait to get on the road for the promotional tour of it’s release!
Currently I am playing solo shows six nights a week in Seoul, Korea (fast forward to now) from February until May, 2008. I’ll return to St. Louis in May for a few shows and to finish the cd. Pressing, then touring are in the works. I’m considering seeking a label for distribution in the meantime I’m a grassroots, indie girl and a BIG do-it-yourselfer.
My influences include Nancy Wilson, Chet Baker, Aimee Mann, Joni Mitchell, Rickie Lee Jones, Tori Amos, Fiona Apple, Regina Spektor, Rufus Wainwright, Bjork, Portishead, Dee-Lite, Paul Simon, Sting, Peter Gabriel, Ray Charles, The Beatles, The Eagles, Southern Rock, 70’s Rock, Cool Jazz from the 50’s, classical composer Gustav Mahler, Leon Redbone, St. Louis Blues, Philadelphia singer/songwriters and too many more to list, which just confuse the question at a certain point.
I’m excited for what 2008 is bringing and what I’m bringing to it. Thanks for being on board. None of this matters without you.
Sending love, music, encouragement and wink with a smile-
Leslie Sanazaro
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