PREVIEW: Laura Leigh Band at Caffè Lena
10/16 @ Caffè Lena, Saratoga Springs
Photo by Mary Grace Johnson Photography
“The release is a terrific example of well-arranged Americana tunes that drive ahead at a steady clip, evoking feelings of nostalgia as it moves along…For those interested in hearing the record live, the show at Caffè Lena will give audience members a chance to hear stripped-down versions of the songs.”
On October 16, the Laura Leigh Band and Marty Wendell will take the stage at Caffè Lena. The show will feature sets from Leigh and Wendell, before they join one another on stage for a few duets.
“I just love the whole family vibe about [Marty],” Leigh said. “We have great chemistry together … That’s going to be really fun for me.”
For her set, the New Paltz-based Leigh is performing with her bluegrass trio, featuring her on guitar and vocals, Michael Snow on violin and Chris Macchia on upright bass.
Over the last few years, Leigh has worked hard to get her music in front of more people. While she still considers her work as a private art teacher to be her main day job, she performs regularly — around five or six times a month.
April was a particularly busy month for Leigh. She won the local Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Award for Best Americana Artist and released the record, Late Night Laura Leigh. The title of the record came from a nickname Leigh has that was born from her reputation of staying up too late.
“[The album] was important to me because I was able to close a chapter,” Leigh said, laughing. “I was excited to get the songs out there recorded so I could write more songs!”
During the recording process, Leigh bonded with Lex Grey and Victor Deyglio; the latter worked as one of the record’s co-producers. Leigh noted how both really helped with the album-making process. During the sessions, Grey helped to keep the spirits of the band up, providing food and drinks to everyone, while also coaching Leigh on some decision-making and vocal training. The three met through Eric Delage, who does sound for Leigh’s band.
Just five songs in length, the release is a terrific example of well-arranged Americana tunes that drive ahead at a steady clip, evoking feelings of nostalgia as it moves along. One of the standout moments on the album is the violin part played by Tim Carbone of Railroad Earth on the tune “Cowboy Trade.” The violin soars throughout, tying in virtuosic lines that match Leigh’s vocal twang.
Throughout the record, listeners are met with Leigh’s strong rhythmic guitar playing as well as her skills on accordion. The other musicians — Dave Lawlor on guitar, Chris Macchia and Jon Stewart on bass and Chanda Dewey and Marty Horn on drums — deliver effective performances that really round out the EP, making for a quick, easy-to-listen-to Americana album.
For those interested in hearing the record live, the show at Caffè Lena will give audience members a chance to hear stripped-down versions of the songs.
To learn more about the show with Laura Leigh and Marty Wendell, please go to www.caffelena.org.