Search - Leslie van Berkum :: Leslie van Berkum

Leslie van Berkum grows perennial plants for a living, yet most of her customers have no idea that she can sing like this. This is her first CD with a wide variety of songs, from folk, rock, and Celtic tunes, to blues and a couple of show tunes, including an unusual guitar and vocal arrangement of 'Send in the Clowns'. Leslie has performed music as a hobby all her life, and has been often encouraged by her fans to make a recording. She has a lovely clear voice that resembles Judy Collins or Loreena McKennitt with a touch of Sarah McLachlan. This is a compilation of some of her favorite songs, which she arranged with the talented Deerfield Band and Kent Allyn, who is an amazing 'one man band' on several of the tracks. The music is eclectic, spanning generations and musical styles; it shows off well the versatility of the singer. It includes some wonderful mandolin, both acoustic and electric keyboards, guitar, bass, drums, and a sultry appearance from a 1931 national steel guitar on 'Women be Wise'. This self-titled CD is easy to listen to, with beautiful harmonies and breathtaking vibrato. The arrangements are clear and uncluttered, not overproduced. This recording should be a 'dark horse' favorite, once folks have a chance to listen to it.