BOB LESLIE - In A Different World

BOB LESLIE is from Glasgow, and proud of it, if his new album, “In A Different World” is anything to go by. Most “Country” acts here depend heavily on American Country music, but this is a definate Glasgow album.
Originally from Edinburgh, Bob has been involved with music all his life. His Glaswegian mother was a professional club and theatre singer, while his father's Orkney Islands folk tradition showed itself in his mastery of piano, accordion, and fiddle. Bob started singing from the cradle and made an early mark on the Edinburgh music scene, winning his first talent show at 14 years old.
20 years as a professional musician, and many more semi-pro, have honed Bob's performance and writing skills to a keen edge. He has played every type of venue from folk and working men's clubs to festivals and theatres.
“The Cultural Imperialists Have Got Me” is a good fun number to kick things off. In it, Bob recalls a lot of musical headliners who have influenced him over the years.
He slows down on “Beans & Beer”, in a gospel sounding number (he has a good voice for gospel), before a catchy line about ducks and hens really get your attention.
There’s a good number of slower numbers, some of which owe more to jazz than country, but listenable all the same. Of the ballads, I particularly enjoyed “Time To Smell the Roses”
But it’s the uptempo numbers which really leave their mark on the album.
“The Star Harmonica Band” is a fine tribute to a guy called Jimmy Fletcher, who not only was an inspirational musician, but an inspiration to young junior footballers too. The song features some really neat harmonica too, courtesy of Fraser Spiers.
But the one that’ll get the most reaction has to be “Cowboy In The Heart Of Glasgow”, which for a few readers, may just be too close to home, but I think we all know a few candidates. It’s a good fun, inoffensive song.
As well as Fraser Spiers, Bob has amassed a good set of players in Alex Mack, Carl Esprit Bridgeman, Craig Nelson, Jim Keilt and Robin Rankin. There’s also backing vocals from Alice Leslie and Bernadette Collier.
The main project was recorded at North Glasgow College in Springburn.
I enjoyed the album. I especially liked the Glasgow aspect. That really worked for me.
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