Manchester 20 April 2004

A few days ago I received an album sampler from Polydor Records of a new young singer/songwriter called Kristien Leontiou. It was a low key affair without the pages of hype that usually accompanies new major label signings. Inside the card sleeve cover was a brief introduction to this Londoner, and son of first-generation Greek Cypriots. Included in a short biography Leontiou described his music as: “Classic songwriter melodies with beats behind them; simple songs.” The dreaded word ‘urban’ also cropped up, no doubt written by one of those ‘cool’ young record company execs….. A few hours later, I played the record and was pleased to find real talent and a couple of inspiring songs…

The sampler (I later established) contained five fully produced/mixed songs that were to appear on Leontiou’s debut album. And the opening song, Story Of My Life, is to be the first single. I immediately recognised the artist’s style and quality in a song that should launch this young talent on the airwaves big-time, and find its way into listeners’ hearts and minds. There’s enough melody to launch Challenger but most of all there’s a distinctive and mature voice that avoids the dominating trend for male solo M. Jackson soundalikes. It is one of those rare songs that will appeal to just about everybody including those that appreciate music that communicates real feelings with skill and sincerity.

The Crying closes this short sampler with a song that adroitly changes pace and could so easily be single number two. In between are three other soulful songs of which Shining can be described as an epic love song. So, on record at least, there is evidence of an emerging talent who with the right songs and major label support should make some tangible waves very soon.

But there’s nothing like witnessing a live performance to put ‘meat on the bones’, and to confirm that what you hear is really what you get. The sampler was shortly followed up by an invitation to see Leontiou perform a short showcase set at the Circle Club located in one of Manchester’s historic Victorian buildings. On the strength of the album sampler I decided to attend. After circling Manchester city centre for thirty minutes, a city suit vacated a handy parking spot, and after waiting for a flurry of police motor bikes, cars and vans to pass finally made it to the very intimate venue.

With just an acoustic guitarist/backing vocalist for support, Leontiou proceeded to perform a magical set of four songs. It was a nervous beginning from a young man keen to prove his credentials to an audience that included record company and management people. It was also an understated performance that to me sounded as good, if not better, than the record. After the four song set was concluded, Leontiou asked if he should perform another, and, with enthusiastic audience acclaim, duly provided. I was impressed by the expressive and technical quality of his voice during a set where every note was perfect. I spoke to Leontiou after the show and was struck by both his humility and enthusiasm. At one point he proudly proclaimed, “And, I’ve got a band!” I also spoke to his record company handler and it was refreshing to hear that Leontiou would be handled with care, through a programme matched specifically to his artistic and developmental needs.

Listen and watch out for Kristian Leontiou because I think you’ll fall under his musical spell, as I did.