Artist description Leslie Berry's sound is piano-based pop/rock with classical and folk influences. She calls her style "progressive pop". The album features Leslie on piano and vocals. The CD contains 14 tracks written in collaboration with producer/engineer David Berry.

Music Style pop/rock

Musical Influences Tori Amos, Sarah McLachlan, Joni Mitchell, Elton John

Similar Artists Jane Siberry, Joni Mitchell, Tori Amos, Paula Cole, Sarah McLachlan, Natalie Merchant

Artist History Singer-songwriter Leslie Berry is often described as progressive pop. But upon closer listen, you hear many influences in her music. Atlanta's Creative Loafing describes her music as modern songwriting with elements of classical and folk that simmers with an understated unrest. Southeast Performer described her self titled debut CD as Paula Cole in a polite catfight with Tori Amos, calling the project as a whole a well produced adult contemporary showcase. The Hickory News says that Leslie drives a mean piano. All of these ingredients are what have made Leslie Berry a promising new artist on the Southeast music scene. Originally from the metro Atlanta area, Leslie has been playing and singing in ensembles for twenty-two years. She holds a degree in music performance and has appeared with symphony orchestras, the Spartanburg Repertory Company, Theatre Converse, and at the Brevard Music Center. Fact is, eclectic could be a middle name for this classically trained artist, whose performances might include covers from The Rolling Stones to Joni Mitchell to Billy Joel. Add in her original songs and those of partner David Berry, and the mix just keeps getting broader. David, whose writing has received national recognition and was described by Billboard as well crafted and solid, often accompanies Leslie on guitars and synthesizers. Leslie Berry has appeared at such notable venues as The Handlebar, Coffee Underground, Red Light Cafe and Eddie's Attic, and was a featured artist on Oprah Winfrey’s Oxygen Network Tank Tour. She has performed at many festivals and conferences across the Southeast as well, such as Cape Fear Folk Fest, First Night Asheville, Spring Fling in Spartanburg, and Brown Bag Lunch in downtown Marietta, GA. She is a performing member of Indiegrrl and Just Plain Folks, both organizations founded to promote independent artists. Leslie is also a member of DryRidge Productions, a non-profit organization promoting acoustic music in Upstate S.C. She is currently completing her second CD, No Cinderella, to be released in May, 2002.

Group Members Leslie Berry - vocals, keyboards David Berry - guitars, synths, producer Jenni Thompson - percussion

Instruments piano, vocals, guitars, percussion, synths

Albums Leslie Berry - self-titled, 1998; Leslie Berry - No Cinderella, 2002

Press Reviews Spartanburg SC singer/songwriter Leslie Berry and her partner David Berry have released a charming and well produced adult contemporary showcase... Album highlight Promise, a wedding song in which a haunting cello shadows her solemn, white-lace delivery, has the potential to become a staple at ceremonies nationwide if party planners pick up on this disc... Like Paula Cole in a polite catfight with Tori Amos, Leslie Berry's music offers more than meets the eye and ear upon just one listen. Behind that Mona Lisa portrait there's some subtle punk anarchy goin’ on here, yet it remains safe for all ages. — SOUTHEAST PERFORMER Magazine ...variety and contrast...engaging and interesting... — SPARTANBURG HERALD-JOURNAL Sometimes somber, sometimes politely simmering, South Carolina songwriter Berry's intense delivery forces listeners to pay attention. Her occasionally provocative material is witty, edgy, and stares unblinkingly at a variety of unusual topics. A captivating entertainer. (Smith) — CREATIVE LOAFING, Atlanta As far as regional music goes, Leslie is one of the most knowledgeable people I know. She and her band have been playing around the Southeast for quite a while and have built a very good name for themselves...always a good show. — DRIPS’, Hickory, NC A young songwriter/vocalist who drives a mean piano. — THE HICKORY NEWS South Carolina-based pop pianist Berry offers a selection of modern songwriting with elements of classical and folk that simmers with an understated unrest. Polished and easy-to-swallow inner confrontations... — CREATIVE LOAFING, Atlanta ...a poppy mixture...Abba-like harmonies...a unique selection — GET FANCY Magazine ...vocally and lyrically intriguing... — WRITER’S BLOCK, WDVX Live, Berry's unique take on the often-tired singer/songwriter approach includes a refreshingly well-crafted and diverse set. Danceable tunes with occasionally provacative lyrics and themes are bookended with catchy instrumentals that should hold the attention of the most jaded concertgoer. Her varied tastes in music mirror the style of her own genre-bending material. -- Lee Smith

Location Spartanburg, SC - USA

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