Artist:
LEONIE PARKER
Album: SOUL & HEAL
Genre: Soul / R & B
Label
Digimix Records Ltd
Catalogue #: DGMX508
Downloads
at iTunes and internet download stores worldwide
 | LEONIE
PARKER was raised on soul music by her father an avid soul
fan. Leonie Parker’s natural strong vocal ability creates the great
atmosphere of all those fantastic recordings from days gone by to current times,
where influences of the all time great female soul artistes such as Aretha Franklin,
Dinah Washington, Roberta Flack, Etta James, Ruth Brown, etc, to name but
a few, through to the more contemporary artistes such as Beverley Knight, Rhianna,
Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Joss Stone and others, can be heard on the twelve original
unique songs on Leonie’s Soul & Heal album. Leonie Parker is set
to become one of the best selling artistes of the future. SOUL
& HEAL is the 12 track debut album from the Soul / R & B artist
Leonie Parker following on from her two successful vinyl releases released on
Real Side Records, along with two tracks also released on compilation albums from
Sanctuary Records, which have generated great attention with radio plays internationally
to support Leonie’s concerts and gigs. 
1. Still You Don’t Call Me
2. Get Your Lovekicks
3. The
River - Listen
4. Fool For
Your Lovin’
5. Even If (Your Love Is Hot)
6. Why Don’t You
Love My Love - Listen
7. Silly Love Games (Remix 2010) - Listen
8. Come On Home
9. My Love Is Gonna Get You
10. What Do I Know - Listen
11. Am I Losing You
12. All The People All The Time
All
songs written by: Geoffrey Waddington
All songs published byScamp
Music (mcps/prs)
*********************************************************************
Michael
Arens editor of Soul Train Magazine Germany
says:
““Soul & Heal” is simply a very honest and down-to-earth
piece of timeless Blue Eyed Soul-magic. Leonie Parker’s voice is a perfect blend
of Dusty Springfield, Meli’sa Morgan and the better half of Stacy Lattisaw. One
hell of a humble, yet unbelievably soulful ride…” Michael Arens, www.soultrainonline.de
Michael
Arens editor of Soul Train Magazine Germany
*************************************************************************************************
Barry
Towler of The Vibe Scribe
comments:
"Fresh,'blue-eyed'
soul from the vivacious Leonie Parker! What instantly struck me about this album
is Leonie's impressive vocals, as well as the more than soulful and perfectly
pitched musical backdrop.
Her style, her delivery and swagger encompasses
many elements of classic, traditional singers as well as some notable new ones.
I hear the phrasing of Gwen McCrae, the emotional depth of Joss Stone and the
smoothness of JC Bentley.
Musically we have a contemporary mode with a
stylish and superior UK flavour throughout. Drawing upon classier US sounds and
choice UK dancefloor echoes, this is a set to appeal to a wide spectrum of listeners.
I know that many will instantly be attracted to the brassy "Fool For Your
Lovin'" - this bounciness and hook-driven song should not be out of place
at a Togetherness event and devotees of Terry Jones' superb musical taste would
equally plumb for this - one I could imagine hearing at the hallowed Norfolk Village.
The opening song with it's piano, summery pace and George Benson styled guitar
portrays a singer comfy with a warm, southern / modern soul style and unafraid
to be smooth...yet allowing a rough edge to reveal itself...this is the mastery
of Gwen McCrae and the smoothness of JC Bentley. "Even
If Your Love Is Hot" is a line in the sand effort that harks back to the
confrontational songs of Southern divas such as Shirley Brown and Millie Jackson.
Leonie Parker is not a woman to be mucked around with, and acknowledging the highs
she is more aware of the worrying lows of a relationship and songs like this are
important as messages to the players and users out there who treat women with
little or no respect.
There is a remix here of "Silly Love Games"
which has a great uptempo Lisa Stansfield feel to it, especially where her vocals
glide effortlessly. the muted trumpet - almost Donald Byrd style - is a brilliant
addition.
As far as I am concerned the gorgeously executed ballad "Come
On Home" is a real must. Not only does Leonie sound sexy and adorable but
the musical backdrop reminds me of an early 90s Intimate Productions track - think
The Affair or Chris Ballin. For me this makes the CD an essential release.
Fans of the recent "This Is Northern Soul" compilations should take
interest in "My Love Is Gonna Get You" which contains some flavour of
the wonderful 60s sound.
The final cut, "All The People, All The
Time" is a real monster and as far as socially conscious records go one of
the most 'heart-on-sleeve' recordings you will hear. What I like about this as
opposed to many recorded in these desperate times is that Leonie and writer Geoff
Waddington acknowledge that change comes from within and not without. It's also
a top tune for the dancers too, and that's a bonus! catchy, hook-driven and a
sure-fire quality radio hit. A fresh new talent and one to keep an eye out for!"
Barry
Towler of The Vibe Scribe
**********************************************************************
Bill
Buckley of Soul and Jazz and Funk comments:
Leonie Parker is a new UK singer who was raised on the soul sounds from her dad's
collection.
Leonie cites people like Aretha, Roberta Flack, Etta James,
Joss Stone and Beverley Knight as influences and despite the odd aberration, those
old school and "proper" soul icons have clearly had an impact on the
recording of the lady's debut 12 tracker. 'Soul and Heal', you see, is a decent
little soul album – possibly veering too much towards pop for the blinkered
purists, but, as ever, that's their loss.
The set opens with 'Still You
Don't Call Me' a very sweet, catchy summer cruise and there's a lot more like
it. 'Get Your Love Kicks', 'What Do I Know' and 'Am I Losing You' ' are all very
pleasing with a real understated charm. Ballad-wise, 'Come On Home' is the best
bet – uncluttered and not making the demands on the singer which the more
intense 'The River' does. For dancers there's 'Even If (Your Love Is Hot)' and
'My Love Is Gonna Get You' . I found the former a touch too poppy but loved the
latter which has a swagger that reminded me of a restrained Tower of Power ...
if only producer Geoff Waddington could have got their horns section in! Then
there's the aberration that I briefly mentioned. It's 'Why Don't You Love My Love'.
It's one of those attempts to recreate that faux sixties sound in the Winehouse/Duffy
way. Best to skip to the album's two outstanding cuts – 'Fool For Your Loving'
and 'Silly Love Games' (a remix of one of Leonie's earlier singles).
They
represent the best of British pop-soul and to give you the flavour they combine
all the best elements of Lisa Stansfield, Swing Out Sister and Drizabone. Sure,
they're not going to set the serious soul world on fire; they were never intended
to. Rather they're crafted with care and love and have a good time vibe about
them that is quiet charming.
Bill
Buckley of Soul and Jazz and Funk www.soulandjazzandfunk.com
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