"In her debut album, 'Storyteller', Shelley weaves a soothing tale of hope and dreams in our journey through life. Her pleasing, airy voice plus the catchy melodies and use of an eclectic mix of instruments combine to provide hours of easy listening pleasure with several tracks to get you moving. Shelley uses simple words and a certain amount of catchphrases effectively to deliver her message of seeing the better side of reality and appreciating the finer moments in life.
This album also brings together several guest performers, adding a nice touch especially to the later parts of the album with some unexpected sounds. Listen out for the Chinese flute in Crime and a mix of saxophone and double bass in 'Merry Christmas To You'. It's also interesting to note that Shelley's hit single, 'Resident Fool' was recently the second most downloaded single at Music Canteen (www.musiccanteen.com). With the exception of 1 or 2 more solemn tracks, Storyteller will perk you up and brighten your mood during the drive to work on that dreaded Monday morning. So, don't be surprised if you actually find yourself smiling at the driver who cuts u off or the boss who steps in an hour late.
To buy or not to buy? This is definitely a commendable effort and we look forward to enjoying more of Shelley's future work. Consider adding this album to your collection and support a fine local talent in the making."
- album review by www.loudmusik.com
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ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
With an unorthodox and clear voice, straightforward but crunching lyrics, strong soaring melodies - multi-instrumentalist, Shelley Leong moves surprised listeners. She is now based in the San Francisco Bay Area and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In 2005, Shelley was nominated for Best New English Artiste for the AIM (Malaysian Music Industry) awards.
She performs either as a soloist, duo or with her band. Her arrangements are a blend of contemporary styles of folk, pop/rock coupled with hints of jazz and ethnic. She also plays piano,guitar and frame drums. Her audience have often described her as having a strong presence with a warm, friendly vibe.
Shelley was recently awarded for her popular single "Resident Fool" that recently charted number two on musiccanteen.com "Top Monthly Downloads." 4 of her songs in the album have received radio airplay on major radio stations in Malaysia. Acoustic and organic, Shelley's debut album - 'Storyteller' is the latest original album to stand out from Malaysia's independent music scene.
Shelley won a scholarhip to study at the famous Berklee College of Music in 2005 and graduated with Summa Cum Laude honors. Shelley produces Songwriter's Avenue, which features upcoming singer-songwriters. Her single "Forgiveness" is currently on Malaysia's English Top 10 charts (hitz tv). "Slip Away" and "Wake" were awarded honorable mentions from the Billboard World Songwriting Contest in 2007.
With a keen interest in music education for all, Shelley also keeps herself busy with giving workshops and private lessons in voice and songwriting. She recently led a workshop for the KL SingSong Festival at the Kuala Lumpur Arts Performance Centre.
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Previous performances include:
Caffe Trieste: Songsalive! Showcase, San Francisco
Swiss Human Rights Exhibition, Logan International, Boston
Marriott Copley, Boston
La Luna Cafe, Boston
David Friend Hall, Boston
Stain Bar, New York
Alexis Ampang, Kuala Lumpur
No Black Tie, Kuala Lumpur
Avanti's, Kuala Lumpur
Penang Jazz Fest, Penang Island
Mont Kiara Jazz Fest
Heineken Octoberfest
Fete de la Musique, French Music Festival
Traxx.fm Jazz Show @ Bangkok Jazz
Launch of Chulan Square
Merdeka Celebration @ Time Square
KL SingSong Festival @ KL Performance Centre
Traubadours
Songwriters Round
Moonshine @ Laundry Bar
Paul's Place
Le Benardin
TecAsia CEO Convention, Shangri-La Hotel
Sheraton Hotel
Equatorial Hotel
Actors Studio, Dataran Merdeka
Fasta Pasta
Sunday jazz @ BSC
Sunrise Annual Dinner
Launch of Dunhill cigar @ Tamarind Hill
Acoustic Jam @ Commonwealth Club
Esplanade, Singapore
Home Bar, Singapore
Singapore Art Museum
KLUE Starbucks Series
Radio & Television Live performances and interviews:
RTM, TV3, Hitz.tv, 8TV
Traxx.fm, Xfresh.fm, Red.fm
Hitz.fm, Light & Easy, Mix.fm
The Star's - football show webcast
The Mr.Brown show - live podcast
Workshops given include:
Vocal workshop @ The Music Hut
Vocal and Songwriting workshop @ KL SingSong Festival
Organizer of Songwriters Avenue
Discography
EP 2002: Anacrusis
LP 2004: Storyteller
Album collaborations:-
Voice Improvisation:
2004 Acoustic Gestures (Az Samad)
2006 Dances of Modern Youth (The Night Visitors)
Piano:-
2006 Midnight in St. Kilda (Broken Scar)
4 singles from Storyteller played on national radio throughout Malaysia. Released in stores nationwide.
MTV for hit single "Forgiveness" is on mtv.asia.
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5v-D_e59Y0w
More AUDIO recordings available on:
www.cdbaby.com/shelleyleong
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