Howard Leese – Secret Weapon

Releasedate: 03-07-2009; Label: Frontiers Records
By: Nina Mende

Howard Leese spent his career putting others in the spotlight and making sure they stay there, often being called Heart’s “secret weapon.” His first solo record, aptly entitled “Secret Weapon” is an effort that’s sure to thrust him into the spotlight he so patiently has watched dance around in front of him for decades. Howard Leese offered up legends like Joe Lynn Turner (former Rainbow and Deep Purple singer), Paul Rodgers, Keith Emerson or Jimi Jamison (ex Survivor), for the space, or better yet, the lesser known talents of Deanna Johnston or Andrew Black. Howard Leese takes great pride in having his work heard from the dark depths that linger behind the spotlight. The only difference now is that the secret is out, so he might simply be a weapon – one hell of a weapon!

Another CD that sounds like 70s or 80s music. I would say its en vogue right now, but Howard Leese is a 70s child, so he’s not trying to copy it, no, but instead he is living it. With acoustic guitar and several guest vocalists he is putting his heart and passion on this CD. The songs go deep and won’t let go of you. The guitar riffs are legendary and so are the vocalists. The song “French Quarter” has some really great piano play, but it only lasts for not even 50 seconds, so does the song itself. “33 West Street” is an instrumental with the main focus on guitar. “Rada’s Theme” is another instrumental on this album. “The Vine” begins with some blues guitar before it reminds you of a Whitesnake song. “Vermilion Border” is another instrumental on this album. “I’ve Been Leaving You” has more of the blues sound, including the slightly smoky voice. “Somewhere” has piano and some violin playing (or synthesized violin) on it and is the closing instrumental on it. A very melodic and melancholic piece with some great guitar riffs.
 

 
Links:
Howard Leese MySpace
Howard Leese Official