Scott Leonard

Review: TTBB Div A Cappella

Songlist: This Christmas Day, Merry Christmas Darling, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Silver Bells, Christmas Without You

Review: In the spring of 1991, a new beat arrived in the fledgling world of modern a cappella - a beat in the form of Scott Leonard. Beyond the initial impact and power of his performances on stage and on reordings, he brought arrangements full of groove and heart. Unfamiliar with the growing 'cult' of a cappella, his arrangements arrived influenced by the R&B-flavored pop of his Stevie Wonder-rich childhood, and a love for vocal groups of the past from the Mills Brothers to Bread to the Jackson Five. From the first bar of his first arrangement for Rockapella, 'Bed of Nails,' he brought a different approach. Since that first arrangement, Scott has arranged 100+ originals and covers for Rockapella. Here, finally, is an attempt to scratch the surface!

Songlist: Dance With Me, Have A Little Faith, Here Comes The Sun, I'll Hear Your Voice, Moments of You

Review: We have been a major fan for years of Rockapella's singer/songwriter/arranger/producer Scott Leonard, who puts his talent and versatility in the spotlight on this solo, all-a cappella recording, '1 man, 1 mike.' We also have an admiration for artists who push the a cappella envelope enough to include an announcement like 'This is an a cappella recording. All sounds were created vocally, or by Scott Leonard 'slapping up gainst hisself,' and wonder with the ultra-funky first cut, 'Moneyman,' how he came up with the rock-solid vocal percussion and faux synthesizer. The amazement continues with the smooth, rhythmic 'Boomerang Monkey Love' and powerful, boogying 'H'eau.' There are a pair of wonderful renditions of songs Scott performed with Rockapella, 'California Sad-Eyed Girl' and the driving '4U4Now4Life,' only he's vocally accompanying and harmonizing with himself, instead of with one of the greatest a cappella bands in the world. Included are 11 songs that need to be listened to several times to appreciate how much of a star Leonard truly is. 'Love Last,' 'Tell Me What You Want,' 'Sunset Strangler,' 'There Will Be Love'-this is all wonderful stuff. 'Impressive' is not a strong enough word for this solo CD, so we'll go with 'amazing.' Thank you, Mr. Leonard, and more, please!

Songlist: Moneyman, Boomerang Monkey Of Love, H"Eau, California Sad Eyed Girl, Love Last, Tell Me What You Want, 4U4NOW4LIFE, Sunset Strangler, There Will Be Love, Carry Me Along