Album Notes
Four years after his first solo release “ Spending Time”, LeRoy Bell “Live in 3D” continues to showcase his passionate songwriting and soulful vocals. The excitement of the “Live” performance allows LeRoy Bell & His Only Friends to take the songs to new levels. Not just mimicking the lush sounds of ”Two Sides To Every Story”, the band jams, rocks, and gets funky.
The Triple Door, Seattle’s most prestigious showcase venue, and the crowd play a big part of these performances. It’s easy to see why LeRoy Bell is touring with music legends like B.B. King, Etta James, India Arie, Al Green, Los Lobos, Erykah Badu, LeAnn Rimes, Taj Mahal, Keb Mo, Leon Russell and even The Beach Boys.
Artist's Bio
In three short years singer/songwriter LeRoy Bell has built a reputation and a national fan base that eagerly awaits the release of his first full length CD, “TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY”. A year in the making, "TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY” delivers poignant songs of Peace, passion, politics, lament, love and deceit. His first solo release “Spending Time ” (2003) gained critical acclaim for the unique “acoustic soul” sound. Selling over 12,000 units independently and gaining airplay on over 100 radio stations, it set the groundwork for the current release.
The bountiful 14 tracks of “TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY” reflect LeRoy’s visions, past hopes and future promises told from the multiple perspectives of life. “TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY” brings to light social issues, concerns, and compassion for everyone. With the hopes of youth, love, lost love, and optimism for humanity, Bell speaks through his personal observations and musical lyricism. Written by LeRoy Bell over the past two and a half years, the social parallels can be drawn by the listener. The sonic stratification of multiple guitars, strings, percussion and bass, provide the lushlayers and textures that allow Bell’s earthy, soulful voice to whisper and soar with emotion. The honesty of his voice and lyrics makes you feel as if each song is being sung directly to each listener.
Also featured on “TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY” are “His Only Friends” , Bell’s trusty band of veteran musicians. The soaring cello played by Phil Peterson is a familiar element in LeRoy’s non-traditional sound. Guitar virtuoso Rick Novito , adds an uncommon approach to texture and lyrical statements ranging from folk, to jazz & rock. The heartbeat of the music is the dynamic, funky bass of Terry Morgan , paired with incredibly rhythmic pulsations of LeRoy Bell on drums, guitar, banjo,accordion and miscellaneous percussion. Multi-cultural percussionist Stan White , adds a world beat perspective to Bell’s impassioned vocals and melodies, completing the sound.
LeRoy’s first passion as a drummer gives his guitar playing a unique position in his music. It’s the basis of all of the songs providing the constant background of passion and soul for his music. It’s a rare case when the synergy of melody and lyrics meld together to form the soundtrack of a mental screenplay.
This knack for artful songwriting has a vivid history. As half of the youthful songwriting team Bell &James , Casey James and LeRoy Bell are the authors of Elton John's Grammy-nominated 1979 Top Ten hit, "Mama Can't Buy You Love," and Elton’s 2004 #1 British single “Are You Ready For Love”. Bell and James also attained top ten status with the dance hit, “Livin’ It Up Friday Night”.
For LeRoy writing became the main focus over performing allowing him to collaborate with legendary songwriter/producer Thom Bell (his uncle) and Casey James penning songs for The Spinners, The OJays, Rita Marley, The Temptations, Johnny Mathis, Phyllis Hyman and many more.
Only recently has LeRoy surfaced as the singer/songwriter he is today. Gaining early acceptanceand warm reception, he has recently performed with B.B. King, Al Green, Taj Mahal, Jackie Green, Keb Mo, LeAnn Rimes, The Temptations, The O’Jays, Mavis Staples, Colin Hay, Leon Russell, Sonny Landreth, Kenny Loggins, The Young Dubliners and others.
