Leon Rubenhold - A Close Circle of Friends Finally! Here it is the first solo CD by Leon Rubenhold, a singer/ songwriter/ performer whose "virturosity has dominated the etherium spectrum of Soul, Blues, Rock and R&B" for the last four decades. OK, all B.S. and jive aside, Leon's been around. Originally from London England and raised in Los Angeles California, he has toured and traveled the world with some of the greats as you will read below. Drawing from all his influences and experiences, Leon as a singer/songwriter has chosen from his catalog twelve tunes he thinks you'll love. "Life is Like a Slow Blues" recollects his years with "The Outlaw Blues Band" backing up Blues legends John Lee Hooker, Jimmy Reed, Lightnin' Hopkins, Bukka White, Taj Mahal, Freddie King, Bo Didley and many others on West Coast Dates. The band recorded two albums for ABC "Bluesway". The first album received a favorable review in DownBeat Magazine. "Deep Gully" from the second album was sampled by the English Rap Group De La Soul and was a hit for them in 1993. These two albums are again available on CD and vinyl through the internet. "Lyrics and Poems" a "What's Going On kinda thang" is evocative of the grooves he played working as lead guitarist with the legendary Bobby Womack, David Ruffin and many other great soul artists. "Walkin' Away Lonely" and "Workin' Hard to Make It Easier" two R&B /Soul type tunes remind us of the sounds Leon heard for many years when playing guitar with Wilson Pickett. (On "Workin' Hard" you may recognize the voice of P.P. Arnold, who is likely to be found in your record collection. She sang on Peter Gabriel's "Sledgehammer".) "Let's Go Driving Tonight" a lively shuffle, features a great slide guitar solo reminiscent of the period Leon spent playing in an original recording band produced by slide guitar master Lowell George of Little Feat. "Funky Situation", a dance groove with elements of "Sly and Prince" and the only instrumental on the CD, may yet find itself part of a movie soundtrack; as have a number of Leon's other works. Leon's many years of playing as well as listening have had a great influence on his styles of songwriting. His sense of a well crafted pop song akin to the English influences are evident in the Beatle-esque "Let It Roll On". A song he first heard in a dream. A tune about having faith that it will all turn out alright if you just keep your vision and Let It Roll On. Leon's love for big arena rock sounding guitars comes through in his song "Can't Get Past One". A tune suited for a band like AC/DC. When first heard played live Andy Frasier the bass player for the band Free ("All Right Now") got so excited he jumped up to the mic and sang along not knowing the words! If you like rock anthems, then you are sure to love the Haunting melody of "I'll Love You Forever". A song that everyone agrees Eric Clapton should cover. Leon said "I don't have a problem with that" It was said at one time "play accordian, go to jail" but on the song "My Little Baby Girl", a Cajun influenced number the accordian played by Doug Lacey (who was called on by none other than Sir Paul McCartney) makes you start thinkin' about getting some Gumbo! The mellow pop ballad "Love You In Every Way" with Leon's acoustic guitar sounds and beautiful background vocals and synth work by Reseda Mickey will definitely have you reaching for the light dimmer when you're with your "sweetie"! The lyrics in the chorus of the up tempo countryrocker "Tell Me You Love Me" say, "action speaks louder than words, but there's something I still haven't heard"and with like any music words only go so far. You have to hear it to know it. So we suggest you do yourself a favor and check out the CD Leon Rubenhold,A Close Circle of Friends as soon as you can. While your at it tell your circle of friends about it too!