Leon Jean Marie - from support to stadiums
Wednesday, 04 Jun 2008 17:40
Leon Jean Marie - from support to stadiums
Following up on his Mark Ronson-produced single Bed Of Nails, east Londoner Leon Jean Marie releases his debut album at the end of June.
The album, entitled Bent Out Of Shape, also features Marie's new single Bring It On, due out June 30th through island Records.
Bent Out Of Shape, released July 7th, is a stunning debut featuring 13 diverse tracks that draw on 80s era Prince, ska and indie for inspiration.
And showcases the superb vocal and production talent of the Londoner who was sleeping on the streets not so long ago.
The LP was recorded over 18 months in London and New York, and boasts production from Bloodshy, the Rural and Mark Ronson. Mixing was handled by Jason Cox who has worked with Gorillaz and Jamie T.
Bent Out Of Shape opens with the funky Fair before segueing into the melancholic East End Blues and the dancey Glow.
This, in turn, is followed by the beautiful vocals on You Must Know which effortlessly gel with delicate piano and a hypnotic trip-hop beat.
The Mark Ronson-produced Bed Of Nails, a Radio 2 A-list single, is a musical homage to the bittersweet days of the late 60s, evoking the Move at various times.
New single Bring It On could very well be a lost Steve Miller number with echoes of 10CC in Marie's assured vocals and the playful, laidback beat.
Marie has opened for Amy Winehouse, Mika and the Roots, and has had his fair share of slumming it in old Transit vans and draughty dressing rooms.
However, it appears those times are behind him now as he been confirmed to perform at the Lovebox Weekender, Glastonbury and the Wireless 02 Festival this summer.
Marie's career started to take off when, inspired by Beck and Radiohead, he regrouped after an unsuccessful stint in the world of R 'n' B.
He was working as a runner in a recording studio and while there he learned his way around a mixing desk, and experimented with his own tunes.
However, his parents thought he was wasting his time, and they encouraged him to go to college and get a degree.
Marie replied by quitting university and moving back home; moving out again; living at various mates' houses and sleeping in his car before finally sleeping rough.
These were dark times for Marie, who found himself in a spiral of drugs, sex and depression. Although, creatively, he was bubbling with ideas.
After his dad had a major health scare, Marie knuckled down and began writing and recording at a dizzying rate.
Word of his talent spread and he was approached by Mark Ronson. A while later he was also working with Robbie Williams, Amy Winehouse and Lily Allen.
Bent Out Of Shape illustrates Marie’s ability to overcome adversity and deliver a modern classic.
Lee Davis