2005 Best New Artist (NAR) and 2005
Best Holiday CD composer Bill Leslie is back with another
blockbuster album. “I Am a River” is a compilation of 15 new and
original songs inspired by Bill’s love affair with rivers from the
mountains to the coastal estuaries. Bill’s smooth, evocative and
highly melodic songs are enhanced by swelling orchestral strings
particularly on “Tall Ships,” the official song of the 2006
America’s Sail Maritime Festival. The overall mood of the album
brims with nostalgia, sentiment, intimacy and anticipation. 12
tracks are instrumentals featuring Bill on Celtic whistle, acoustic
guitar and grand piano along with Juilliard sensations Jennifer
Curtis on violin and Susan Babini on cello. Three outstanding vocal
tracks add a rich new dimension to this album including the title
cut “I Am a River.” Back-up vocalist Marty Suttle Long and Bill’s
son Will Leslie on percussion round out the rich reservoir of talent
on this truly stunning collection dedicated to Bill’s musical mentor
Mícheál Ó'Domhnaill (1951-2006) of Ireland. |