Two Sides To Every Story

LeRoy Bell | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 13, 2006)
• Original Release Date: June 13, 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Martez Music
• ASIN: B000FL6YCW
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #150,289 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Voodoo (3:50)

2. You Lied To Me (4:15)

3. Still Not Over You (3:59)

4. Father to Son (5:07)

5. Waiting (3:48)

6. 21st Century Man (3:48)

7. I Want You to Know Me (4:39)

8. Every Touch (4:22)

9. Mexico (5:58)

10. I'm In Love (4:15)

11. Once Upon A Time (4:06)

12. He Can't Hold Her (3:53)

13. Dream of Peace (5:24)

14. 20 Years From Now (4:34)

Editorial Reviews

About the Artist

In three short years singer/songwriter LeRoy Bell has built a reputation and a national fan base that has eagerly awaited the release of his first full length CD, "TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY". A year in the making, this album delivers poignant songs of peace, passion, politics, lament, love and deceit.

The bountiful 14 tracks reflect LeRoy’s visions, past hopes, and future promises told from the multiple perspectives of life. "TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY" brings to light social issues, concerns, and compassion for everyone. With the hopes of youth, love (and lost love), and optimism for humanity, Bell speaks through his personal observations and musical lyricism. Written by LeRoy Bell over the past two and a half years, the social parallels can be drawn by the listener.

The sonic stratification of multiple guitars, strings, percussion and bass provide the lush layers and textures that allow Bell’s earthy, soulful voice to whisper and soar with emotion. The honesty of his voice and lyrics makes you feel as if each song is being sung directly to each listener.

Also featured on "TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY" are "His Only Friends", Bell’s trusty band of veteran musicians. The soaring cello played by Phil Peterson is a familiar element in LeRoy’s non-traditional sound. Guitar virtuoso Rick Novito adds an uncommon approach to texture and lyrical statements ranging from folk, to jazz & rock. The heartbeat of the music is the dynamic, funky bass of Terry Morgan, paired with incredibly rhythmic pulsations of LeRoy Bell on drums, guitar, banjo, accordion and miscellaneous percussion. Multi-cultural percussionist Stan White, adds a world beat perspective to Bell’s impassioned vocals and melodies, completing the sound.

This knack for artful songwriting has a vivid history. As half of the youthful songwriting team Bell & James , Casey James and LeRoy Bell are the authors of Elton John's Grammy-nominated 1979 Top Ten hit, "Mama Can't Buy You Love," and Elton’s 2004 #1 British single "Are You Ready For Love". Bell and James also attained top ten status with the dance hit, "Livin’ It Up Friday Night".

For LeRoy writing was his main focus over performing allowing him to collaborate with legendary songwriter/producer Thom Bell (his uncle) and Casey James, penning songs for The Spinners, The O’Jays, Rita Marley, The Temptations, Johnny Mathis, Phyllis Hyman and many more.

Only recently has LeRoy surfaced as the singer/songwriter he is today. Gaining early acceptance and a warm reception, he has recently performed with B.B. King, Al Green, Taj Mahal, Jackie Green, Keb Mo, LeAnn Rimes, The Temptations, The O’Jays, Mavis Staples, Colin Hay, Leon Russell, Sonny Landreth, Kenny Loggins, The Young Dubliners, and others.

Product Description

In three short years singer/songwriter LeRoy Bell has built a reputation and a national fan base that eagerly awaits the release of his first full length CD, “TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY”. A year in the making, “TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY” delivers poignant songs of peace, passion, politics, lament, love and deceit. The bountiful 14 tracks of “TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY” reflect LeRoy’s visions, past hopes and future promises told from the multiple perspectives of life. “TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY” brings to light social issues, concerns, and compassion for everyone. With the hopes of youth, love, lost love, and optimism for humanity, Bell speaks through his personal observations and musical lyricism. Written by LeRoy Bell over the past two and a half years, the social parallels can be drawn by the listener. The sonic stratification of multiple guitars, strings, percussion and bass, provide the lush layers and textures that allow Bell’s earthy, soulful voice to whisper and soar with emotion. The honesty of his voice and lyrics makes you feel as if each song is being sung directly to each listener. Also featured on “TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY” are “His Only Friends”, Bell’s trusty band of veteran musicians. The soaring cello played by Phil Peterson is a familiar element in LeRoy’s non-traditional sound. Guitar virtuoso Rick Novito adds an uncommon approach to texture and lyrical statements ranging from folk to jazz & rock. The heartbeat of the music is the dynamic, funky bass of Terry Morgan, paired with incredibly rhythmic pulsations of LeRoy Bell on drums, guitar, banjo, accordion and miscellaneous percussion. Multi-cultural percussionist Stan White adds a world beat perspective to Bell’s impassioned vocals and melodies, completing the sound. This knack for artful songwriting has a vivid history. As half of the youthful songwriting team Bell & James , Casey James and LeRoy Bell are the authors of Elton John's Grammy-nominated 1979 Top Ten hit, "Mama Can't Buy You Love," and Elton’s 2004 #1 British single “Are You Ready For Love”. Bell and James also attained top ten status with the dance hit, “Livin’ It Up Friday Night”. For LeRoy writing became the main focus over performing allowing him to collaborate with legendary songwriter/producer Thom Bell (his uncle) and Casey James penning songs for The Spinners, The OJays, Rita Marley, The Temptations, Johnny Mathis, Phyllis Hyman and many more. Only recently has LeRoy surfaced as the singer/songwriter he is today. Gaining early acceptance and warm reception, he has recently performed with B.B. King, Al Green, Taj Mahal, Jackie Greene, Keb Mo, LeAnn Rimes, The Temptations, The O’Jays, Mavis Staples, Colin Hay, Leon Russell, Sonny Landreth, Kenny Loggins, The Young Dubliners, and others.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars LIVIN IT UP AND DOWN WITH LEROY, June 14, 2006

By 

Robert H. Garcia "Pyrenees Doggie" (la) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Two Sides To Every Story (Audio CD)

This is a very musical album from a very gifted Pacific Northwest artist. A staple of the Seattle music scene - LeRoy Bell's latest indie cd is all over the map stylistically mixing hints of rock, jazz and pop--but always kept Individual by this artist's unique vocal line. A far cry from Bell's initial r n b stylings for Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss' A&M record label when Boogying with partner James gave him his first chart hit --Bell is now a solo act whose work conjures up memories of the great analog sounds of balladeers Cat Stevens, Murray Head, Shawn Phillips, Richie Havens with a bit of mid career Seal thrown in for good measure. Bell rocks (Voodoo), lectures (Father to Son), loves (You Lied to Me), Beachboys (21rst Century Man), and pleas and begs in Universal Speak (Dream of Peace). Support musicians include the best on the Seattle musical scene: jazz, rock and classical mavens all. Try this one and support vibrant songwriting, playing, vocals and production. You could like it.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars REAL ARTIST - REAL MUSIC, July 6, 2006

By 

Eric J. Davis "SeattleFan" (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Two Sides To Every Story (Audio CD)

LeRoy Bell is one of the very few artist who can translate their music from CD to stage or vice versa effortlessly. He has such a real, raw voice that will sooth and rock you. On his new CD, TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY, he incorperates great songwriting with catchy vocals that will keep you listening through all 14 tracks! This is a must own for any fan of real music and real artistry. Some highlights on the CD are: Father To Son, Dream of Peace, Mexico, Voodoo, and I'm in Love. Be sure to catch him on tour this summer/fall as well -- he can really put on a great live show!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Leroy and Friends have got what it takes!, July 1, 2006

By 

Jan (Washington) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Two Sides To Every Story (Audio CD)

Leroy Bell and His Only Friends have a great new sound with wide appeal and lyrics that touch the heart. I really enjoy the addition of the cello in the mix and Rick Novito on guitar. They are all outstanding musicians who have the kind of synergy to be big!