Leela James thrills fans at Jazz Cafe

She translates classic soul into her own contemporary style 8th July 2009: For her latest album “Let’s Do It Again” Leela James was determined to make music the old-school way, just like they used to do at Stax, Motown and Muscle Shoals, recording live in the studio to capture the spontaneous magic and raw emotion that can only come by recording an in-the-moment performance where the singer feeds off the energy of the musicians.  She translates classic soul into her own contemporary style with unique interpretations of a wide-ranging set of songs. She appeared on hip hop legend Pete Rock's SOUL SURVIVOR II album and has opened on national tours by The Black Eyed Peas and Macy Gray so while her critically-acclaimed debut album A CHANGE IS GONNA COME seemed to come out of nowhere, to those in the know, it was one of the most anticipated albums of the year. With production by Kanye West, Raphael Saadiq, Wyclef Jean, James Poyser and Chucky Thompson, and Executive Produced by Commissioner Gordon, A CHANGE IS GONNA COME, boasted a striking slate of original songs co-written by Leela as well as impressive interpretations. Dubbing the raw, soulful sound of her music "back porch soul," Leela has been compared to such luminaries as Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan and Mahalia Jackson.  She has appeared at the Montreux Jazz Festival twice and on one of those occasions, was handpicked to open for BB King during his “Farewell Tour.” Has duetted with Ray Charles and performed with John Legend. Leela’s shows are at once a celebration of the enduring power of soul music and an assertion of its contemporary relevance for a new generation. LEELA JAMES Jazz Cafe 5, Parkway, Camden, London, NW1 7PG Tuesday 14th July 2009 Doors 7pm Adv £17 Ticketmaster: 0844 847 2514