LESLIE VINCENT "THESE FOOLISH THINGS" PREVIEW

Have you found yourself worried, like I have, that unabashedly romantic, uncynical jazz was dead? Well, I come as the bearer of good news! Thanks to acts like Leslie Vincent and her debut album “These Foolish Things” this genre is very much alive and well. I must confess that I haven’t exactly been steeped in jazz or the scene throughout my life, however, there is something here that draws me in. Maybe it’s the fact that the album serves as an embodiment of the old Paul McCartney adage “Some people want to fill the world with silly love songs...” which this record has in spades “...and what’s wrong with that?”
At a time where so much of our existence has been filled with pessimism and negativity, “These Foolish Things” is a breath of fresh air, despite ironically planting the listener firmly in the back corner of a smokey jazz club with Vincent serving as the entertainment for the evening. The singer and ukulelist might fancy a craft beer in her free time, but make no mistake, the music is one hundred percent cocktail hour (I’m already three dirty martinis deep).
For this record, Vincent brings along with her a fantastic and tasteful band that seems to suit every movement and color of her semi-sultry voice. The pianist George Maurer doubles as the arranger for the majority of the tracks. His refined, elegant, and at times understated playing should not go unnoticed. There are many moments where he shines, but never outshines the vocals of Vincent. Another standout is Mike Lauer on guitar, watch out for his solos during the instrumental breaks of tracks like the opening “Squeeze Me” and the bossa nova inspired “Ev’rything I’ve Got.” Which brings me to the absolutely ripping sax solo on the latter, taking off like a rocket directly following Lauer’s instrumental foray, Rich Manik blasts into a dizzying but refined solo that lasts all of about twenty three seconds, but wastes not a single moment. The hook on this track is reminiscent of the song “Ain’t I Good To You?” sung by the character Tina Carlyle in the 90s classic “The Mask” and take it from me; that ain’t a bad thing.
The upbeat tracks are a lot of fun and it shows in the band’s performance, however, it’s some of the more intimate moments where Vincent truly excels. The title track is a great example, after a lively start to the album we are treated to a relaxed cut situated in the classic third slot of the track listing. Vincent shows off some Ingrid Michaelson levels of sweetness and tender sentimentality. While the arrangement falls to just her voice and guitar, it highlights the effectiveness of her vocal execution to the point that it’s quite clear that we’re very much in capable hands until the rest of the swingin’ jazz combo is back from their proverbial smoke break.
The title track plays out like the romantic and nostalgic beginning of a recent Guillermo del Toro film long before the introduction of the monsters that occupy that world. In fact, that’s not a bad analogy for the whole record. We’re able to have all the picturesque fairy-tale moments without the darkness of the outside world creeping in. And if just for a while, I’m more than okay with it. Is the record melting this sardonic heart of mine? It’s certainly giving it a good shot. Speaking of which, I’ll be back after grabbing a neat bourbon from the bar.
Admittedly, even the great Sir Paul McCartney can border on saccharine at times and when he does, I tend to skip out at that point. But after much therapy, I’m learning to be more okay with sentimentality and sugary sweet emotions - and who doesn’t love sweets? The record is a virtual candy store and I’m the kid who sneaked in after hours. There is a time to deal with the darkness of our current reality, but for now, I’m seeing the sunlight beam through the clouds. It’s a bright and beautiful day and “These Foolish Things” is the perfect soundtrack.

You can catch Leslie Vincent LIVE at Crooners Lounge Drive-in Today! (Monday, August 10th.)

<a href="http://leslievincent.bandcamp.com/album/these-foolish-things">These Foolish Things by Leslie Vincent</a>

Leslie Vincent:
Vocals & Ukulele- Leslie Vincent (she/her)
Keys & Arrangements - George Maurer (he/him)
Bass - Matt McIntyre (he/him)
Guitar - Mike Lauer (he/him)
Drums - Pete Hennig (he/him)
Trumpet - Jeff Nordquist (he/him)
Soprano, Alto, & Tenor Saxophone and Ain't Misbehavin' arrangement - Rich Manik (he/him)
Guest Vocals - Emily Dussault (she/her)

(Melodic Noise) How's your day going?
(Leslie Vincent) Oh, it’s just fine. Sitting on my front porch while my dog sleeps in a sunbeam and I drink a cup of coffee.

(MN) What is your formed/origin story?
(LV) George and I met doing a show at History Theatre called Teen Idol: The Bobby Vee Story. He essentially took me under his wing and showed me the beautiful and wild world of music making. From there, I met everyone else, either through gigs with George or gigs around town. Emily who does guest vocals on the album is one of my best friends and my jazz partner. Together, we are The Champagne Drops.

(MN) Genre?
(LV) Jazz

(MN) What is the story behind the name album title?
(LV) I’m pretty self-deprecating. These Foolish Things is one of the tracks on the album and I knew I wanted it to be the title. It’s like “yeah these songs are just some foolish things”.

(MN) What was the inspiration behind the album?
(LV) I wanted to make an album. Hahaha what a great answer. No, honestly I wanted to have a legacy of what I’ve done. And the more gigs I do, the more people want something tangible to take home with them. I thought it’d be cool to give them something.

(MN) What do you hope people take away from the album?
(LV) I hope people can see the universality in these old standards. The human emotion expressed in the album is timeless, whether it’s longing, finding love, reminiscing, or making puns. I hope listeners hear a tune in a brand new way, or discover a song that speaks to them.

(MN) Is there something that connects the songs together?
(LV) Each song represents a piece of my heart. When I was putting my list together, George, who also arranged and music directed the album, encouraged me to find songs that represented my personality, and who I am. And so, I did. Some of the songs are hopeful, one is angry, some are sad, and some are joyful. Each one connects to pieces of my life, my experiences, and my journey both as a musician and as a human.

(MN) Are you locals or transplants?
(LV) I’m a transplant, by way of Washington, D.C.

(MN) What are some of your influences and Minnesota influences?
(LV) Ella Fitzgerald, Julie London, Amy Winehouse, Norah Jones, Judy Garland, Melody Gardot to name a few.
Minnesota influences - Judy Garland for sure. Theo Langason, Katy Vernon, Faith Boblett.

(MN) Who are some of your favorite current Twin Cities artists?
(LV) Lizzo, of course. Theo Langason, Katy Vernon, Faith Boblett, Kiss the Tiger, Annie and the Bang Bang.

(MN) What is your favorite venue to play and see shows at in Twin Cities?
(LV) I love seeing shows at Icehouse and Crooners. And I loved performing at the Turf Club.

(MN) What can fans expect when they come to your shows?
(LV) Humor and humanity. I wear my heart on my sleeve, and usually say whatever pops into my mind. I always strive to create a sense of community at my shows. I want it to be an experience that’s memorable, and that makes you feel connected to something. Oh, and beautiful solos from my band. Listening to them is one of my favorite things to do when I’m performing.

(MN) Do you have a favorite or crazy memory of playing a show?
(LV) So many. One of my favorites was a wedding I played. It was outside on a farm, and the bride and groom had forgotten to get lights. Soon we were playing in complete darkness (minus the light of the iPads). It was weird but also kinda intimate and beautiful.

(MN) Who are your dream tour-mates?
(LV) Neko Case and everyone who plays for her.

(MN) Other hobbies?
(LV) I’m an actor, so when I’m not making music I’m usually rehearsing or performing plays. Other hobbies include reading (I love Stephen King) and being the loudest laugher in a theatre.

(MN) What do you like about living in the Twin Cities?
(LV) I love the community I’ve found here. Craft breweries. The proximity of nature at all times. I grew up moving around all the time, and I love how people from Minnesota love that they are from Minnesota. The commitment to Grey Duck. I love it here.

(MN) What are your favorite places to grab food or drink in the Twin Cities?
(LV) Anywhere that has a good craft beer.

(MN) What are the band's plans for the future?
(LV) I think we’ll have to see what performance venues look like over the next few months. Of course, I’d love to tour and play around the state but it might be a long time until I get to do that.

(MN) Is there anyone you'd like to thank or shout out?
(LV) My whole band. Oh, I love them all so much. And my fiance Allison who supports me constantly.

You can catch Leslie Vincent LIVE at Crooners Lounge Drive-in Today! (Monday, August 10th.)
“These Foolish Things” will be officially released this Friday, August 14th.

Follow Leslie on Facebook, Instagram, Bandcamp, and lesliedellavincent.com.

Review by: Eric Addams, Writer
Interview and edited by: Andrew Perrizo, Owner @PlaylistTC