The Joel Dorn Sessions From Leslie Mendelson Set For Release
11/09/2009
.
(PR) On November 17, 2009 Ryko will release The Joel Dorn Sessions, six songs culled from an early studio session with Leslie Mendelson and Grammy Award winning producer Joel Dorn. Comprised of everlasting covers and original songwriting, this six-song EP harkens back to a classic era which Joel Dorn helped define and which Leslie Mendelson masters so effortlessly.
The legendary jazz and r&b producer Joel Dorn (Apr. 7, 1942 � Dec. 17, 2007) initially heard Mendelson's first self-released solo CD in 2005 and was sufficiently impressed to offer his expertise. Before he passed in 2007, Dorn was instrumental in landing her current recording deal with Ryko, and they worked hand and hand in the studio on these 6 tracks. Leslie went on to record her Ryko debut, Swan Feathers with Rob Mounsey producing.
Together, Dorn and Mendelson created a collection of the pristine songs filled with timeless splendor. Mendelson's stunning song craft and heartfelt lyrics stand out on original songs like "I Won't Tell", "Last Goodbye" and "I Know You Better Than That". And with effervescent soul and pure subtlety, Mendelson and Dorn recreate Rolling Stones' "Waiting On A Friend", George Harrison's "Beware of the Darkness" and The Ronettes' "Be My Baby".
"The original version of 'Be My Baby' has always been one of my favorite records," Mendelson notes. "When Joel suggested I cover it I thought he was crazy. But I have to admit it worked."
At a time when so many of today's young artists simply follow the latest trends, Leslie Mendelson describes her music as "Heart and Soul" evoking classic sounds from great songwriters like Carly Simon, Laura Nyro and James Taylor. Joel Dorn, who helped cultivate the careers of recording artists such as Roberta Flack and Bette Midler, was the perfect match to capture the essence of this sound.
"Rediscovering these songs brought back some great memories that Joel Dorn and I shared. He was one of the smartest and funniest people I have ever met. I'm so glad I got the chance to master the songs that he and I had worked on together. Joel's left quite a legacy and I feel honored to have been a part of it," Mendelson concludes.
Track Listing
1. Waiting On A Friend
2. Beware of the Darkness
3. I Know You Better Than That
4. I Won't Tell
5. Be My Baby
6. The Last Goodbye
Click here to read today's full Day in Pop report
Preview and Purchase Leslie Mendelson CDs
Leslie Mendelson MP3 Downloads
