L.A. Beat

Former Lethbridge  resident Leah Marie King is best known for playing some pretty mean blues, usually with Paul Kype and Texas Flood, but shows her more country -rock and folk side on her new CD ‘Back To The Bridge.’ The CD was recorded in Lethbridge at Crossroads Studios last year.
But considering she is best known as a sizzling blues guitarist, there is surprisingly little of it to be found  on the CD.
The First track ‘Losing Kind,’  immediately appeals to the listener and sets the laid back tone of the CD
 Instead there are plenty of slower, heartfelt, more piano-powered ballad  styled songs delivered in King’s unique wavering voice, which is  reminiscent of Buffy St. Marie mixed with Grace Slick, especially on ‘Promises Are Coming,’ which sounds like it could have come off the stage of a 60s folk festival. It also  gives a  taste of how tastefully she can solo.
“Wong One,’ is bar none  the best track on the CD for me. It has an uptempo riff and  has a lot of psychedelic Jefferson Airplane influence and some very cool soloing.
Lyrically,  ‘My World’ is  one of the most moving tracks on the CD and also features some understated soloing.
The last track, ‘Birmingham’  is another slower number which features some more of her tasteful soloing. I just wish there was more  of it throughout the CD.
 She has a pleasant, unique voices, but King should play to her strengths, which is definitely her guitar playing. If she meld that with heartfelt songs she should be set.

CD: Back To The Bridge
Artist: Leah Marie King
Genre: blues/ country/folk
Record label: none

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