As soon as, she got her first guitar, at age sixteen, Lesley began a lifetime of songwriting. It was obvious she had a natural talent for words and music. Coming from a family of visual artists, writersand musicians, living in the multicultural Cabbagetown neighbourhood of Toronto, Canada, she absorbed a myriad of influences. A former visual arts student, and practicing certified reflexologist, Lesley's talents are creatively, versatile and perceptive. She studied guitar and composition, with James Pett and Steve Briggs(graduates of Berklee School of Music in Boston), and voice with Pat Hawkeat The Kingston School of Music. Lesley has many years experience teaching guitar at The Cabbagetown Community Arts Center, and has facilitated music workshops and hosted acoustic stages. The most popular stage was Toronto’s Cafe At The Centre founded with Ken Bilton former Musical Director of The Cabbagetown Festival.
International award winning songwriter, the title track from Lesley's second album Inside, was 2nd place WINNER in The 100% music contest, in France. Inside was chosen TOP 5 finalist in the folk category for international “Song of the Year” songwriting competition, and TOP 5 finalist in the pop category for international “Songwriters Universe” songwriting competition. Jezebel, from the same album, was picked Top 5 finalist in thefolk category for The Great American Songwriting Contest. Lesley is a musician of depth and quality. A strong guitar player, vocalist, and arranger, she also produced her second album. Musical collaborations include guest players Kurt Swinghammer and Maury Lafoy. Lesley's unique sound could be well described as acoustic alternative with a twist of jazz. Her work reflects the acoustic guitar styles and musical influences of songwriters Joan Armatrading, Nick Drake, Leonard Cohen, Suzanne Vega, Joni Mitchell, and Rickie Lee Jones.
Lesley's extensive performing experience includes; musical theatre productions for Street Cry Theatre, the Third Annual Production of "Starboy" in Ottawa, Mariposa on the street’s ART BEAT Festival, and many appearances at Cabbagetown Festival, Parkdale Then and Now Festival. Lesley performed in Toronto's annual Nuit Blanche Festival and collaborated with choreographer Bayla Rae Goldman at Dancemakers and Festival of Independent dance (FIDA). She has performed solo and with band at Toronto venues including: Hugh's Room, Freetimes Cafe, The Rivoli, Lees Palace, Mitzi’s Sister, The Savanah Room. More recently The Lesley Young Trio headlined at The Gladstone Hotel Melody Bar on the hip Queen Street west strip. She has attracted praise from peers, opening up for Kenny Maclean of Platinum Blonde, Mose Scarlette, Don Ross and guest appearance with Danny Marks at Jeff Healey's Roadhouse. She has toured in Canada, UK, Germany and the Netherlands.
2010 Highlites
March - Another NYC songwriters showcase at The Bitter End.
May - The 4th Netherlands tour begins
After that The Lesley Young Duo is heading to London, England, where John and I will be making our new home. We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to live and tour in the UK. Stay tuned for more . . . !
Media Quotes for album Inside (BlueSong records 2007):
"You know that feeling you get from biting into dark chocolate, being torn between guilt and unadulterated pleasure? That’s what this second release is all about by Toronto singer-songwriter Lesley Young." ....irresistible old school tunes that boast sturdy hooks, sparse but tasteful accompaniment and a cool, clear voice that cuts through the typical tortured, “chip on my shoulder” singer-songwriter syndrome as a buoyant, uplifting alternative. The star of the show is Young’s crystalline vocal tone and soft, breathy asides..." Eric Thom, Exclaim Magazine/ issue October 2007(Toronto, Canada)
"Cabbagetown resident Lesley Young has no problem baring her soul for all to hear, and that honesty has led to new heights of success". Justin Skinner, City Centre/The Mirror 2007(Toronto, Canada)
"As well her acoustic guitar skills, her vocal and songwriting capabilities are first-class....The CD is superbly recorded and certainly will impress a wide audience which is a wonderful journey from the inside." Henk te Veldhuis, BRIDGE GUITAR REVIEWS issue May/June 2008 (Netherlands)
Media Quotes for album Symphony for Two (BlueSong Records 1994):
"a quite stunning indie offering." Kerry Doole, impact magazine
"Refreshing to hear music of such originality and quality for a change." Radio WOUI, Chicago
"Shines with inspiration...the music is rich in texture and tapestry... sultry and sparkling guitar...' Gary 17, to-nite magazine.
