Influenced by her father, a trumpet player and music teacher, Leslie became passionate about music during her early childhood. She starting singing some of her original music with Mother Freedom, a Long Island funk-rock combo with whom she recorded an album. Then, in the Spring of 2002, Leslie relocated to New York City beginning her songwriting career. There, she became a part of Manhattan’s downtown music scene and participated in the New York Songwriters Circle. In 2005, she self-released her first solo CD Take It As You Will, attracting the help of jazz and R&B producer Joel Dorn, who helped record her next batch of demos. Dorn helped her win her current recording deal with Rykodisc. Her newest album, Swan Feathers was released June 30, 2009 under Rykodisc. This debut album called upon producer/arranger Rob Mounsey, who has also worked with Madonna, Paul Simon, Diana Krall, Steely Dan and Brian Wilson. The album’s supporting cast also includes songwriter Steve McEwan, who plays guitar and co-wrote several of the album’s songs with Mendelson; James Maddock, leader of the English band Wood, who also contributed guitar work; bassist Rich Hammond, who’s worked with the likes of Nellie McKay and raul midon; and drummers, ex-Spin Doctors sticksman Aaron Comess and freelance percussion player Ben Wittman. Additionally, Leslie was iTunes’ featured artist for the Discovery Download program the week of June 30, 2009 |www.myspace.com/lesliemendelson |
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