Debut album from soulful singer Leslie Casey displays exhilarating versatility

March 29, 2011 (Pittsburgh, PA) Written by Robert Sutton. Versatility is the X factor is separating the good from the great. On her debut album Let's Play, vocalist Leslie Casey sings the blues on "In a Sentimental Mood" with bruising, exhilarating passion; exhibits the self-confident strut of an ice-cool jazz chanteuse on "Off My Mind"; and boldly charges like an R&B diva on "Stuck on You."

Each side of her talent is expressed with equally impressive skill. Versatility? Casey has mastered the word.

First records from most artists do not usually display such ambition and fulfilled potential; often the musician is still fumbling for an individual voice. Casey, however, displays the polish and creativity of a seasoned veteran.

In "Summertime," Casey's booming, soulful voice conjures a specific time and place. This is where Casey's Pennsylvania roots kick in. Her vocals echo the grit and spiritual fervor that cemented Philadelphia soul in the history of music. Enveloped by thick, heavy bass lines and scorching saxophone, "Summertime" blares with youthful spunk.

After hearing "Summertime," it's no surprise to hear what inspired Casey to begin singing. "I wanted to become a musician because I use to love singing songs from Motown," Casey recalled. "My mother would put a record on and play it over and over again. I liked how it felt when I would sing. It was something in my soul that wanted to come out."

Casey's commanding range gives the CD added depth. On the slow-burning "In a Sentimental Mood," the sultry romanticism of Casey's vocals has a hypnotic pull while the funkiness of "Stuck on You" radiates infectious energy.

And the enthusiasm that Casey reveals in her music is not studio trickery, either. Not at all. "I really felt like I was on cloud nine when I recorded a song," Casey said. "I know it was something I wanted to do."

More Information: http://lesliecaseymusic.com

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