In a world of chaos, fire, brimstone, and insanity in every corner of our globe, it’s important to embrace the joy and laughter that surround us. Equally important is finding what keeps us sane, helps us thrive, and brings a smile to our faces. For me, that's music. My sanity is in witnessing a performer so joyous in their craft that their passion spills over, showering those around them with a sonic embrace of love and friendship. With a that bit of poetic reflection, I will now introduce you to singer-songwriter Leslie Mendelson—a 2009 Grammy nominee with four albums to her credit, known for her striking honesty and genuine presence on stage.
Mendelson hails from New York and boasts a career marked by highs and lows, including signing and subsequently parting ways with a big label. Defiantly, she forged ahead, signing on to independent label Royal Potato Family and releasing multiple albums, including her latest effort, After The Party. This collection not only speaks to personal perspectives but also touches on universally relatable themes.
Mendelson hails from New York and boasts a career marked by highs and lows, including signing and subsequently parting ways with a big label. Defiantly, she forged ahead, signing on to independent label Royal Potato Family and releasing multiple albums, including her latest effort, After The Party. This collection not only speaks to personal perspectives but also touches on universally relatable themes.
After The Party Album Cover Credit: Mary Ellen Matthews
The album opens with "Have A Little Heart," setting a tone of old-timey Americana infused with deep emotion and stunning musicianship. Mendelson’s clear, high voice urges, "don’t write me off cuz I’m down on my luck," while piano and harmonica weave around her lyrics. "Other Girl's" picks up the tempo with a rhythm guitar-driven exploration of open sexuality, declaring, "if it turns you on, it turns me on." The title track, "After The Party," vividly captures the aftermath of a good time with friends you never want to end, with the lyrics stating, "I’ll sleep when I am dead." On "My Own Worst Enemy," Mendelson reflects on self-sabotage with the realization, "I can’t run away from myself, no matter how I try." Despite its newness, the album feels like a timeless classic, offering familiarity and comfort from the very first listen—a hallmark of lasting music.
After The Party was produced by the legendary Peter Asher (James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt), up and coming wunderkind Tyler Chester (Madison Cunningham, Sara Bareilles) and the multi-talented Steve McEwan (Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill, and Keith Urban.), who also plays on and lends his vocals to the album as well as co-writing all the songs with Mendelson The album also hosts a plethora of mighty and talented session players including guitarist Waddy Wachtel (Linda Ronstadt, Beth Hart, Stevie Nicks), John Jorgensen (Desert Rose Band), bassists Leland Sklar (James Taylor) and Derrick Anderson (The Bangles, The Smithereens, Matthew Sweet), and drummers Jim Keltner (Delaney & Bonnie, Joe Cocker and George Harrison) and Abe Rounds (Meshell Ndegeocello, Seal and KD Lang). The album was recorded at Jackson Browne’s studio Grove Masters in Santa Monica, CA.
After The Party was produced by the legendary Peter Asher (James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Bonnie Raitt), up and coming wunderkind Tyler Chester (Madison Cunningham, Sara Bareilles) and the multi-talented Steve McEwan (Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill, and Keith Urban.), who also plays on and lends his vocals to the album as well as co-writing all the songs with Mendelson The album also hosts a plethora of mighty and talented session players including guitarist Waddy Wachtel (Linda Ronstadt, Beth Hart, Stevie Nicks), John Jorgensen (Desert Rose Band), bassists Leland Sklar (James Taylor) and Derrick Anderson (The Bangles, The Smithereens, Matthew Sweet), and drummers Jim Keltner (Delaney & Bonnie, Joe Cocker and George Harrison) and Abe Rounds (Meshell Ndegeocello, Seal and KD Lang). The album was recorded at Jackson Browne’s studio Grove Masters in Santa Monica, CA.
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Currently on tour to promote After The Party, Mendelson recently graced the intimate stage of Sweetwater Music Hall, which Mendelson affectionately dubs "The House Of Bob" after its owner, Bob Weir. Clad elegantly in dress slacks and a matching coat over a graphic tee of a boombox, she exuded a blend of class and cool. Her onstage presence was joyful and spirited, embodying a serene charisma that spoke to her deep connection with her craft.
Eschewing a full band, Mendelson and McEwan opted for a simpler approach during the tour, using two-part harmony, acoustic guitars and harmonica to showcase the album's songs. This stripped-down format highlighted Mendelson’s lyrics, her voice, her easy banter with McEwan, and her infectious sense of humor.
She punctuated the evening with poignant covers of Paul McCartney’s "Every Night," Roy Orbison’s "Blue Bayou" (which she nailed!), and concluded with "All Come Together" from her 2020 release If You Can't Say Anything Nice, singing, “just stand, stand your ground, you can be the one who turns it all around,” fitting words for a world in chaos. But with Mendelson’s talent, music, warmth and humor, this chaotic world can quite possibly be tamed.
More about Leslie>
Eschewing a full band, Mendelson and McEwan opted for a simpler approach during the tour, using two-part harmony, acoustic guitars and harmonica to showcase the album's songs. This stripped-down format highlighted Mendelson’s lyrics, her voice, her easy banter with McEwan, and her infectious sense of humor.
She punctuated the evening with poignant covers of Paul McCartney’s "Every Night," Roy Orbison’s "Blue Bayou" (which she nailed!), and concluded with "All Come Together" from her 2020 release If You Can't Say Anything Nice, singing, “just stand, stand your ground, you can be the one who turns it all around,” fitting words for a world in chaos. But with Mendelson’s talent, music, warmth and humor, this chaotic world can quite possibly be tamed.
More about Leslie>
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