After many years as a well-known face on the band circuit, Bob Leslie’s re-invention of himself as an acoustic performer resulted in two well-received Americana CDs – In a Different World (2010) and Fat Cat (2011) – and a re-launch onto the folk circuit. There, his highly-crafted songs – some serious, some very funny indeed – had audiences showing lively appreciation. However, more and more, Bob found himself drawn to the challenge of writing in a more traditional Scottish vein – a medium, as it turned out, ideal for a musical story-teller. Land and Sea is the result: twelve narrative songs, their subjects ranging from the Highland Clearances to a Stromness witch who told Walter Scott a few tales. Bob is accompanied by some of the brightest talents on the Scottish folk scene.

“Sharply witty lyrics contrast with evocative ballads: this is one good songwriter. The one that’ll get the most reaction has to be Cowboy In The Heart Of Glasgow, which for a few listeners, may just be too close to home, but I think we all know a few candidates!” Stewart Fenwick, Celtic Music Radio

“Don’t Listen to the Ghosts Again is absolutely haunting . . . a great energy to the music, Beans and Beer and The Star Harmonica Band are real hoots.” David Harry, Americana UK

“Bob Leslie has big soul, and a voice to match. His songs run the gamut from the seriously funny to the uncompromisingly romantic, with no hint of the ironic detachment that has derailed many a promising songwriter.  My current favorite song, It Wasn’t Down in Texas, reminds us how the passions of young love can arise anywhere there beats an honest heart – the same goes for good songs. Definitely check these out.” Hector Qirko, Knoxville, Tennessee (Lead guitarist with Lonesome Coyotes, and John Prine collaborator, RB Morris)

“Twelve months on from his last offering, Fat Cat is the latest CD from Glasgow based singer-songwriter, Bob Leslie. Featuring some of Glasgow’s finest session players, the musical styles range from the ragtime feel of One Size Don’t Fit All  to the mid tempo slide-guitar driven It Wasn’t Down In Texas.  I am reminded at times of the work of US singer songwriter Bob Cheevers, whose strapline, “I don’t know if these stories are true, but they happened to me”, could well apply here. No bad thing as far as I’m concerned. ” Tim Clarke – Little Roots, November 2011

“This guy is in a different league altogether. Knows his way around a guitar, writes smashin’ songs, and delivers them well. ” Kenny Caird, former President, Star Folk Club, Glasgow

Birnam CD Online Shop | iTunes | Apple Music | Amazon Music | Amazon UK | Amazon US | Google Play | Spotify | In stores through Highlander Distribution | www.bobleslie.scot

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