Some people live their lives in an incredibly focused way, laser sighted on their goals. But 99.9% of us take a while to figure out what it is we’re best suited to (And some never do, which is fine). Leah Weller began modelling at 15, working with designers like Vivienne Westwood and brands like Tag Heuer. All this time on the catwalk proved however was that in her own words ‘I didn’t like doing it – and that was music was my calling’.
Once you understand that she’s the daughter of Paul (Yes, that Paul) and D C Lee, this self belief makes more sense, but even then the singer was determined to pay her dues, flogging the pub circuit as a precursor to the journey which would ultimately result in Freedom, her debut album.
Key to the process was honing material with Ocean Colour Scene’s Steve Cradock, who also took the chair as producer. But there’s a musicality to much of Freedom which goes to show inspiration sometimes lies in the genes, from the soulful flourishes a la Winehouse of Strength and Wonder to the title track’s gently danceable Latin rhythms. Elsewhere the fluid jazz of Dive In oozes the verve of Corinne Bailey Rae, a comparison which promises much for the future. As people we often don’t play to our strengths, but this time Leah Weller has chosen wisely.
You can read a full review here.
The Voice Of Unreason 