::BEHIND THE SCENES:: with Leela James

Photo by Stevie Soul

Late last summer Gypsy Soul had the pleasure of coordinating media for Leela James when she closed out the final season of Jazzy Summer Nights.

So of course I was psyched to hang out with her back stage before her performance last night in Baltimore.

I was able to catch her sound check, which was pretty simple and gave no real indication of her show that night, as I would later learn. After sound check, what I did learn is that this chick is pretty cool! Not only is her shoe game AMAZING but shes funny as hell! Over red curry tofu, salad, salmon, rice and green beans we (her, the band, label rep, and I) all had big laughs and a relaxing time before she hit the stage.

What I dig most about Leela's show is her interaction with the crowd. Homegirl kicks off her fly shoes and gives it to you barefoot! Whats different about her is that she doesnt just let one person on stage but a fan club of audience members fill the stage. She dances with her new stage-mates and at this show started a soul train line. The crowd loved her! Leela played a couple of new songs from her upcoming album My Soul on May 25th and let me say...ITS HOT! ...Maybe Gypsy Soul will be able to do the listening party for her album in Baltimore...Im just sayin.

Fans on stage with Leela

After her set I watched as she received a fan who was interested in offering her make-up services. She was super cool and polite...I say all that because Ive seen some artists who are ungracious and dont appreciate their fans and believe me it was great to see her interact with fan.

I also got to meet a rising idependent artist, Ms. Gloria Ryann, performing as back up for Leela. She was personality was just as pretty as her person and she had talent to match. You may see her at an Ear Candy soon so look out!

Gypsy & Gloria

I had a wonderful time with Leela and I look forward to her coming back to the area. Thanks to Universal for supporting such great artists musically and personally!