Leslie Mendelson

Leslie Mendelson (born December 30, 1977) is an American singer/songwriter and pianist. Born and raised in New York, Leslie is of Russian-Jewish descent. Discovered by the late legendary jazz and R&B producer Joel Dorn, Leslie was signed to Rykodisc in 2007. Her debut album Swan Feathers will be released June 30, 2009
Early Life
Leslie was raised in South Setauket, Long Island, with mother, father Alan (a jazz trumpet player and music teacher), and younger sister. At an early age, Leslie began playing the piano by ear, and later began taking formal lessons. By her teens, she was writing personally charged songs in earnest, and recording demos of her compositions. She achieved some notoriety in her 20s when she sang lead and played piano for the now disbanded funk/R&B ensemble Mother Freedom, with which she recorded an album.
Music Career
After moving to New York City in 2002, Leslie became a fixture in Manhattan's downtown music scene, where she participated in the New York Songwriters Circle, hosted by Jack Hardy. In 2005, she independently released her first album, titled Take It As You Will. The album won considerable grass-roots acclaim. Soon after its release, Leslie began recording with legendary jazz and R&B producer Joel Dorm, who was instrumental in bringing her to the attention of Rykodisc and helping her secure her current recording deal.
For her debut album Swan Feathers, Leslie worked with veteran record producer/arranger Rob Mounsey, acclaimed songwriter Steve McEwan, singer/songwriter and guitarist James Maddock, and many others.
Collaborations
In addition to her solo efforts, Leslie has also performed on James Maddock's 2007 release Strategies for Life.
Discography
Albums
*2005: Take It As You Will
*2009: Swan Feathers

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