  Thank you for visiting our guestbook. Please add your thoughts, comments, critiques by sending e-mail to guestbook1@lessampou.com. I live in England and first heard your music on a Folk radio station. I was totally captivated and went on to buy your records. However, NOTHING can compare with 'Borrowed and Blue' - it just blew me away. I like the 'live - raw' feel to it, its not souless as traditional studio produced albums tend to be. I like it warts and all (there's no warts - you know what I mean! ) Please lets have some more of the same. If you ever come to Great Britain - I'll be the first in the ticket queue. Fantastic music! All the best, John Tradewell Wednesday, January 21, 2004 Hi Leslie! Great to read that you had such a fruitful two weeks of creativity. I am sure, without even knowing or hearing these new songs that you wrote, that they are classics. Just a feeling. This time next year; new CD, tour, press accolades, stardom, kid! See you at one of your concerts soon, I hope. Sincerely, Peter J. Downing Monday, August 04, 2003 at 09:53:36 (MDT) Hi Les, I gotta say, love your music and have most of your CDs. The "Borrowed and Blue" is a great tribute to you and others. Good old Robert Johnson, father of blues. I am wondering, where are the dune shacks, the Cape?....I live in good old Massachusetts. There is one place ya gotta go and perhaps you have been there - St. John, USVI aka Love City. Coral Bay is a great place. I was there in May and somehow hoping you would be playing there - what were the chances. They got a place down there called "Island Blues". St. John really is heaven on earth. Keep the great sounds coming. Warm regards and peace to the Earth, Mary Taeger Sunday, August 03, 2003 at 15:02:22 (MDT) saw you at Kindred Spirit Fest 2003 - and thought you were fabulous, bought Borrowed & Blue and just loved it. Looking forward to seeing you again when you are in the NJ area. Patricia Yacovone <ladypurple3@yahoo.com> Vienna, NJ USA - Tuesday, May 20, 2003 at 20:52:16 (MDT) my mother really liked the back-up vocals! bambam <dbdrum> USA - Wednesday, April 30, 2003 at 16:06:20 (MDT) Les, Saw you at the Linden Tree Coffee-House in Wakefield, MA last night(4/5/030). Bought your B&B cd, it has played through several times and I think it will be in the player for a while at least till I buy another of your discs'. First time at one of your performances and I so enjoyed it. Your talents are many...hope to see you on stage again soon. Jim Jim <Ltec69@nospamaol.com> saugus, ma usa - Sunday, April 06, 2003 at 15:22:13 (MDT) Hello. I was searching the net and came upon your site. I like your site and would love to hear your music. I am a singer/songwriter/guitarist myself. It's nice finding others like me. I hope I can find one of your cd's somewhere. LeAnna Mosley <leannamosley@stargate.net> Cedar Bluff, VA US - Thursday, March 13, 2003 at 21:33:13 (MST) About a year ago, I saw you play at UW Eau Claire and I've been a fan ever since. Just wanted to let you know that I love your music and hope you tour soon to the Madison/Milwaukee area! Angie <sabbathkp@yahoo.com> Milwaukee, WI US - Monday, February 10, 2003 at 10:55:35 (MST) Les- Thanks for a great, warm performance at Godfrey Daniels in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania last night (11-23-02). A really special evening. Can't stop listening to the "Borrowed and Blue" CD. Gar and Sandy Gar & Sandy Davidson <gwdlehigh@rcn.com> BETHLEHEM, PA - Sunday, November 24, 2002 at 10:29:49 (MST) I just hard your "home Again" tune and it knocked me out! I am a long time rock and folk player and like the way you massage your awesome lyrics with soulful melody.I'm looking forward to hearing the rest of your music.Will you be coming to Greenville SC any time soon? Ronald T. Campobello, SC - Friday, November 15, 2002 at 08:56:15 (MST) Hi Leslie, I don't know if you remember me, we went to Dover- Sherborn High School together. It looks like a bunch of us are going to see you at Rotman's in December. I hope to be able to say hello! Vickie Victoria Wittman <vjwittman@townisp.com> Shrewsbury, MA USA - Thursday, November 07, 2002 at 08:35:15 (MST) Les- Hey, this is Beth, i met you at a house concert last week in Baltimore. I have been checking out your website and some more of your music and I just wanted to write to tell you how much I like your music. You have an amazing voice, your lyrics are so original and narrative, and I admire your unique guitar work. It meant so much to me that you took the time to jam with me and my guitar teacher after your show. I have been working on my music and trying to use my 4- track to record some stuff, so maybe i'll have some tracks laid down in the next weeks. hopefully i can see you perform another time and thanks again for jamming with me. Beth K. Baltimore, MD - Saturday, October 26, 2002 at 12:23:08 (MDT) Hi Les: I just "discovered" you with "Borrowed and Blue". WOW! I grew up on the Mississippi River in northeast Louisiana and have had blues music in my life for a long time. I am a big fan and player of acoustic blues. I love the fire in your guitar playing and your voice is (as we would say down south) "just eaten up" with the blues. Also, I thought your original songs fit right in with the concept of the CD, even though many of the non-original songs were written long, long ago. Based on this CD, I have to say that you rank right up with the best I have heard in this style. Two questions: (1) Your guitar tone is incredible. I understand that you play a Larrivee C10 and a Guild D52 with a Fishman Blender. Which guitars were used on particular songs? What kind of strings? What kind of slide? Any other tricks on getting that tone? (2) Do you ever get down to the Mid-South? Would love to see you in live performance! Thanks from a new fan! billy AR USA - Tuesday, October 08, 2002 at 13:35:11 (MDT) just a quick note to say how talented you are after hearing you for the first time online, but i am wondering where you are coming from when in your song on america you say we have gathered to pray for the dead when indeed only the living can be prayed for because the dead have met their fate one way or another . hope you dont see me as mean! i beleive it is a valid question. jon hudson <jonhuds@attbi.com> south yarmouth, ma. - Friday, September 27, 2002 at 16:18:50 (MDT) Most of the people creating or publishing about 9/11 are hooked up with the Homeland security gravy train. It revolts many of us because we think water runs downhill and you can't fool all the people all the time. Les' tune is not about who's to blame or what we should do and how much it costs, but rather about the sincere heartfelt dispair experienced by many Americans after you- know-what. Once I get past who was behind it, I too feel this grief; a girl I graduated from Westwood High School with, Daphne Polletsis died in the WTC; For a year, I've been looking for the voice that could say the words I feel. Once again, Les's got my tongue. Good on you , Les, as our friend Richard Thompson would say. Time may be the only true healer, but your song sure eases the pain for now. Walter Smerek <wsmerek@optonline.net> Westwood, NJ Bergen - Wednesday, September 25, 2002 at 20:43:19 (MDT) I just heard some tracks from "Fall From Grace" on a friends car stereo - fantastic. Are there any plans to publish Guitar Tab, especially for Home Again. Larry <white.mntnhkr@verizon.net> Springfield, MA USA - Saturday, September 21, 2002 at 07:59:10 (MDT) Hi Leslie, I have now added you to my favorite list & I signed up on the "Les Express". I will get the rest of the Jennings to do the same! Maybe I'll see you in Phoenix or Montana someday. Wow,I sure do appreciate your gift. Your'e Sept. 11 piece was very beautif Helen Jennings Siemers <helensiemers@aol.com> Chandler, AZ USA - Sunday, September 15, 2002 at 17:04:53 (MDT) Touching! Just to say that in our town (Gubbio, Central Italy) we have made a human chain on Sept 11th and it would have been more touching if we could have sung your song. All the best. Giancarlo Paoli, Gubbio, Italy giancarlo <giancarlopaoli@libero.it > Gubbio, ITALY - Sunday, September 15, 2002 at 12:15:04 (MDT) Hi Les: I saw you perform at the Albany & Syracuse, NY blues fests this summer. WOW! I'm embarrased to admit that I never heard of you until these shows (doubly so since I'm originally from the Boston area), but I'm hooked. I love the "Borrowed & Blue" CD, especially Lorraine and Holy Land. Keep up the great work. I hope to see you at the Boston Blues Festival. Dave Windsor, CT USA - Monday, September 09, 2002 at 10:34:13 (MDT) BOUGHT FALL FROM GRACE C.D. ABOUT A YEAR AGO NEVER BEEN OFF THE C.D. PLAYER SINCE. SUBERB ALBUM BLUES WITH BALLS PLEASE GIG IN ENGLAND SOON YOU WOULD GO DOWN A STORM. ROB ORR <roborr@aol.com.uk.> england - Monday, September 02, 2002 at 13:52:37 (MDT) Thanks for the show at Johnny D's 7/3. I do believe Borrowed and Blue is the best damn album to makelove to since Donna Sommer got religion. Robert B. Boston, MA - Monday, July 08, 2002 at 08:24:47 (MDT) Hi Les! I saw you at Slates, performing without your shoes, which we loved! You were great, it was the first time I saw you and I loved your voice and guitar playing. I'm going to pick up some of your CDs today! Keep me on the Les Express and I"ll see you again soon! Elissa elissa sharpe Hallowell, ME - Monday, July 01, 2002 at 12:02:21 (MDT) Hi les we were sitting up front (at WUMB Concert) .. right in the front row!! And after listening to this album everyday!!! I had to tell you that Boy YOU have really come into yourself!!! I listened to the first one that we bought at the Bread and Roses where we frist heard you and WOWOWOW what a difference. Your voice, the guitar, everything is just getting better and better!!! Keep growing and going.. We love it!!! Thankyou for great listening,,,Sue and Gary :)) Sue and Gary MA - Sunday, April 28, 2002 at 09:18:30 (MDT) Les hit a high spot at here recent concert in Amherst WI. WOW - I had to say she was smokin' - and what a joy to hear her live like that -- If you're in Duluth or near the Telemark Resort in Wisconsin and you're thinkin' about it still - Take my advice and get down to your local "barrelhouse" and catch the show. Ask for her new one -"Bob Moore" (Hope I got the name right!) - It is very good and and an intensely personal song. John Gable <john.gable@uscellular.com> Madison, WI - Thursday, March 21, 2002 at 15:34:17 (MST) A big "thank you" to Les as well as those of you who came out to see her this past Saturday at the Chicago Street Theatre. I knew we would be in for an evening of excellent music when I booked the show, and Les did not disappoint. I know Les enjoyed herself as well. Thanks again for taking a chance on someone new... Paul Braun Paul Braun <pbraun@ctgonline.org> Valparaiso, IN - Tuesday, March 19, 2002 at 15:56:49 (MST) I was fortunate to her Les perform in Elmira. It was a vey enjoyable, but far too short an evening. Borrowed and Blue is in my CD constantly, but hearing hre sing live was many times better. I will keep up on the tour info, and reccomend anyone looking for great blues to go visit her show. Thank you Shane Stahl <SStahl21> Corning, NY USA - Sunday, March 17, 2002 at 09:49:24 (MST) So I read about Les's upcomming concert in our local newspaper (Elmira, NY) and she mentions how much she enjoys singing "Statesboro Blues". When I am reading this I am listening to "Statesboro Blues" sung by Rory Block off the first J-Band CD. As I believe in serindipity, I know that I have to see her in concert. Also the fact that it is in our local Psych Center, doesn't hurt. During the concert she mentions that the night before she had performed with Annie Raines and Paul Rishell who both play with the J-Band. I enjoy those type of connections almost as much I I enjoyed Les's performance! First rate! Dave Frey <DF97@aol.com> Pine City, NY - Monday, March 11, 2002 at 15:39:43 (MST) THANK YOU!couch clicking around landed me on KET and a taped show of you at a kentucky festival. Have not been so entertained since the 80's & early 90's when i frequented the Twin City clubs where my freind "baby Doo" (Leonard Caston) improvised on a B3 i gave him.Looking forward to Catching you"live" around Louisville or New England area soon. "KNOCK A HOLE IN IT" Steve Steve Tilton <stevet@tiltonequipment.com> jeffersonville, in u.s.a. - Wednesday, February 13, 2002 at 09:40:47 (MST) My friend and I saw you in concert at the Watchung Arts Center, Watchung, NJ in January. I am such a big fan of yours. Your concert was superb. Looking forward to seeing you again in concert. Your music touches my soul. Jennifer C. North Plainfield, NJ - Monday, February 11, 2002 at 15:39:43 (MST) For those of you in the NW Indiana/Chicago/Southern Wisconsin/Southern Michigan region, I invite you all to come experience Les live in Valparaiso at the Chicago Street Theatre on March 16th. Valparaiso is roughly 45 minutes East of Chicago, and it's a snap to get to us from any of the major regional interstates. Those of you in Milwaukee, come see both shows. You know you want to.... Our theatre is a 140-seater, with real theatre seating, no smoking, no alcohol. It's a clean, comfortable intimate room where you can really pay attention to the music, and Les will really be able to get the vibe coming back at her. This is going to be a special evening. If you have any questions, feel free to email me, or check out our website at www.ctgonline.org/sampou.html. I'll see you on the 16th. Paul Braun Chicago Street Theatre Paul Braun <pbraun@ctgonline.org> Valparaiso, IN - Wednesday, February 06, 2002 at 18:07:57 (MST) Hi, Les I operate an on-line blues radio station & site www.dirtyblues.com One of my station features primarily the guitar slingin' blues women. I'm also listed at WindowsMedia Radio Tuner. (mostly the reason of the good number of listeners). http://windowsmedia.com/radiotuner/default.asp search for Blues Magic Women in jazz & blues format. I just want to let you know that I(really)enjoy and play your music in my stream. Keep bluesin' Sly Sylvain <charsyl1@videotron.ca> Cantley (near Ottowa), Qc Canada - Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at 14:56:39 (MST) I heard Les Sampou on the radio last month and visited her site. I ended up buying all four CDs and they've taken over my CD player ever since. I love them all and can't wait to see her when she comes to NY! Alexis, a new fan. Alexis T. Albany, NY - Friday, December 28, 2001 at 08:15:44 (MST) I just have one word.... WOW!!!! I was introduced to Les' music through a very dear and wonderful friend and I had the extreme pleasure of finally getting to see her perform live last night in Princeton. Although it was a VERY noisy bar, it did not take away from the amazing performance that I had the pleasure of hearing. Listening to your CD's as I drive to and from work is great, but seeing you live and in person was truly a wonderful experience. I bought your new B&B CD last night (thank you for signing it for me!) and I had it playing when my Mom came to visit with a friend today and I'm pretty sure you have two new fans! It was a pleasure meeting you in person and it was very nich chatting with you between and after your sets. I also want to thank you for singing "Afraid of the Dark" for me last night as well! I can't wait until you are back in the NJ/NY area so I can see you again. Hopefully in one of the "pin drop" enviroments you spoke of! Thank you for sharing your beautiful music and amazing talent with us all! Happy Holidays! Christiane Christiane Velez <alexasmom@hotmail.com> Old Bridge, NJ USA - Saturday, December 08, 2001 at 20:34:13 (MST) Just found out about your upcoming gig in PA from Mojo Stu, your opening act. Wanted to let you know I've added your gig to our Central PA Blues Calendar. You can find it at www.delta-blues.com Looking forward to hearing your music. gary <pablues@delta-blues.com> PA - Tuesday, December 04, 2001 at 19:25:44 (MST) Hi Les It was so good to see you the 24th,hope you had a good time. I promise I am going to come to one of your performances in the area the next couple of months. Your new CD is great keep it up girl. Have a Very Merry Holiday Season Roger Roger Billings <rcb310mdtm@aol.com> Millis, Ma usa - Thursday, November 29, 2001 at 17:47:57 (MST) Hello Les, I`m going out right now and purchase your CD I know it`s terrific already, your terrific! you go girl, Love and Light David david Jackson <davidj@thecia.net> Sagamore Beach, Ma usa - Monday, November 26, 2001 at 13:55:19 (MST) Hi Les: I was talking to my dad Bob Rudary who stayed with your grandfather back in the early 40's. He was supprised to see your name on an e-mail that our cousing sent us from RPI where you were playing last week. It's a small world, if your ever in Cleveland we can catch your show. Happy Holidays Dave Rudary David Rudary <RudaryW@aol.com> Independence, oh U.S.A. - Friday, November 16, 2001 at 14:57:29 (MST) I saw Les last night in Woods Hole. It was my first time hearing her live. The evening was great and Les sounded wonderful weaving her voice with the beautiful sounds coming out of her Laravee cut-a-way. I was surprised, though, that the audience was only "quietly polite" and didn't quite get the house rockin' a bit more. I think Les picked up on that and was probably wondering why half of them came. I bought the new cd and played it as soon as I got home. It was like being back in the hall. Les, her guitar and some great honest playing. Thanks Les, and thanks to WHFMS for inviting her down. Chuck Cape Cod, Ma USA - Monday, November 05, 2001 at 07:54:18 (MST) I was among those priveliged to see Les last night in Tarrytown NY. What a pleasure. I wasn't even sure I wanted to see Richard Thompson, so Les' warmup worked wonders on me. What album is the String of pearls number on? This tune was so powerful... Dare I confess that it made me cry? Sometimes we lose track of the things we're passionate about, and its great when someone like Les (is there anyone else like her?) can come around troubador style and remind us how we feel. Keep it up and let me know whats going on with that Morristown show, OK? Thanks and lots of love from my heart. Walter Walter Smerek <wsmerek@optonline.net> Westwood, NJ USA - Friday, November 02, 2001 at 14:39:50 (MST) Just wanted to say, that in the wake of September 11th, I have been unable to listen to the light, over-produced pop music on WBOS and the River..But I can't stop listening to Les's CD...it is real, honest and deep. Thanks for helping me through, Les! I highly recommend buying the CD and getting it out to friends too! Gina Gina Hunter Boston, Ma - Tuesday, October 23, 2001 at 08:39:46 (MDT) I want to say hello to Les. I met her some year ago in Italy ( Verona)to our friend Donato. I love her music very much. I'd like to have the chords of her song " Bootleg Blues". Is it possible? I hope to meet her again when she'll go to Italy. Thank's and kisses. Caterina caterina <cate_cat@yahoo.com> padova-italia, italia Italia - Wednesday, October 10, 2001 at 11:18:32 (MDT) "WE" (Liverpool, Juan; Cindy; June; Laurel; Patsy; RCB310MDTM@aol.co; Roger; Stevie and Carol (E-mail); Trippi (E-mail); dgmailman@earthlink.net) are trying to plan our long over due High school reunion - and want LES to be included. This is Pam Smith - Please give her the message and ask for her email address - We are thinking of Saturday November 24th. Pam Smith <pambo@110.net> Ashland, MA 01721 - Tuesday, October 09, 2001 at 15:37:38 (MDT) Hi, Les! B&B is a great CD! No kiddin'! There's not a song on it that I don't like... they're all good. Actually, it was sent to my wife, Cookie Holley... but we're both DJs. She likes it, too. You can bet we'll be playing tracks on our upcoming shows. Cool blues! Keep on kickin' ass! Midnight Rider <midnightrider@tymewyse.com> Tiller, OR USA - Wednesday, October 03, 2001 at 17:26:20 (MDT) Hi Les, Great show in Nelson on Saturday... incredibly small world isn't it? Don't forget to say hi to Carolyn for me (Class of '78!) and I'll give your regards to Gwen. I've shared your (latest) CD with a couple friends already. Hope to catch you again. Take care. -Jim Jim Piper <pipersfour@yahoo.com> Swanzey, NH USA - Tuesday, October 02, 2001 at 15:39:14 (MDT) Hey Les...I was hoping to catch your gig in Nelson Center tonight...(ain't happening...thesis due and i'm behind..but almost done and back to having a life! ahhhhh!)..been looking forward to seeing/hearing you again since catching you at the crossroads coffee house in north andover last fall...saw you're playing in londonderry 11/03...see ya then...can't wait to hear the new CD... peace... dale dale <larry_reynolds> lawrence, ma - Saturday, September 29, 2001 at 13:05:04 (MDT) I also went to the CD release at Passim and was blown away by Les' performance. Although she's been around the Boston scene for a while, I had never heard her before and now I know what I missed. I bought Borrowed & Blue and have been playing it regularly since that night. She's terrific. Mark Kaufman Swampscott, MA - Tuesday, September 25, 2001 at 21:08:18 (MDT) The morning after my first(defintely not the last) Les Sampou CD release party at Passim last night,I find myself in awareness and awe of what I believe is a great talent. Not only did I find Les's renditions of some of the great blues tunes refreshingly new in her great pick and slide style but found it hard to differentiate the greats from her own compositions. To name just a few Lorraine,Chinatown,Weather Vane, Sweet Perfume and the mezmerizing story in her encore this evening,String of Pearls. I also have to mention Les's great takes on Dylans Meet Me In The Morning and Robert Johnson's Traveling Riverside Blues were enough to turn on the goose bumps. Oh yah, the best You Are My Sunshine (Les's version of the way it was intended be) and I'll second that for whatever it's worth. This is the first time Ive been compelled to write so at length about any artist but this is for all the new fans she will gather in person or in front of your stereo. I strongly encourage a live performance. There you will see a great blues artist because she sings from the heart and has the presence and personality (your face will be facing the ceiling roaring with laughter at her incredible sense of humor)as you witness the REAL thing. NO DOUBT ABOUT IT. Jim Harper <Harp55@aol.com> Oak Bluffs, MA USA - Sunday, September 09, 2001 at 11:02:02 (MDT) Les,I downloaded all the originals of the blues songs from B&B....I can't say that I liked any of them, but I had an increased appreciation for your versions. My fiancé Michael has an extremely deep and vast appreciation for music....we have very different tastes, but some great overlaps where we have stretched one another. To my delight, since it happens infrequently, the times that I have played your CD's (most recently when I was playing B&B) and Mike walked into the room, he always asks "who is that?" and follows with, "she's really good." If Mike says anything is really good when it comes to music, I know I am biased, but Les, it means that it is really damn good. Maybe I can get him to Morristown if we are around. Grace Brooklyn, NY USA - Tuesday, September 04, 2001 at 15:56:24 (MDT) I just heard you on the radio for the first time and traced you to here. Heard a bunch of clips and that was enough for me--I'm a new fan! Just ordered the CD and can't wait to get it! Come to Detroit soon! Home of Prince! Tim Gleason Detroit, MI - Tuesday, September 04, 2001 at 15:30:30 (MDT) (oops, I guess I don't know how to work this thing; here it goes again, Les) "I've been working in the kitchen this morning....cleaning of the oil build up on the cherry counters.....they've been so sticky in this damp weather.....lots of gunk....and what's kept me going is your CD .....I've played it at least 5 times......continuously....I LOVE IT!!!!!! See you next week.......MOM" MOM - Wednesday, August 29, 2001 at 08:35:57 (MDT) (I had to add this for my mom--she doesn't know it--Her email to me this morning was so cute, I just had to post it to share with everyone else. What's a mother for if not to love her daughter's CDs enough to play it five times in a row?? :-) Les) > Elsa Sampou (via Les) Cape Cod, MA - Wednesday, August 29, 2001 at 08:34:27 (MDT) WHEW....that long awaited day has finally come!! My new Les Sampou CD arrived in the mail at just the right time! In it goes into the CD player of my brand spankin new car and the Bose system comes alive spouting out some of the most incredible blues and slide guitar ever!! The live bluesy Les that we know and love kickin some serious butt!!! This one is a keeper...the one that you can never tire of!! GREAT choice of covers, but I still love the originals! It deserves to be heard by all and played often. Congrats Les on another wonderful accomplishment! Borrowed and Blue should do ya proud!! Jodi Sussman <folkushc@home.com> Marlton, NJ - Tuesday, August 28, 2001 at 20:11:21 (MDT) Les, I really like the new cd. Have played it many times. And.....son Jason called from the other room "who is this you are listening to?" "She is really good" That is a really kick in the butt. Karie Miller, First Encounter Coffeehouse Eastham, MA - Tuesday, August 28, 2001 at 10:14:21 (MDT) Hi Les! Got the CD last week and have been playing it daily--my morning shot of coffee! I love the blues and am so glad you're doing just that on Borrowed & Blue! Come down to the City soon! Your fan, Cindy Cindy Moore New York, NY USA - Monday, August 27, 2001 at 12:25:15 (MDT) Les! Been spinning your cd since I got home from work. What a treat to receive in the mail at the end of my work week. Becky and I love it!! It has instantly become my favorite. The only thing better than listening to this CD is seeing you perform live. It will be my featured CD this weekend on Urban Folk. John PS Tell J.P. Jones he did a fabulous job. John Gronguist, KFAI Radio <gronq001@tc.umn.edu > St. Paul, MN USA - Friday, August 24, 2001 at 08:26:49 (MDT) I previously sent the following email to Les, and she suggested I post it here: Hey Les: Just got B+B in the mail yesterday and have had it playing in my computer's CD-drive all morning. Great Stuff!! I know even less about the blues history/traditions/styles than you claim to in your liner notes, but I know I like what I hear. Of course I've been waiting nearly a year to hear "Lorraine" again (I know - get out of the house once in awhile and catch a show...), and "Holy Land" is definitely one of my favorites from your previous CDs. Everything else in-between is just icing on the cake, or maybe "sweet perfume" in this case. Interesting reading the liner notes - although some of 'em make me think of the line, "Mama warned me about girls like you..." ;-) Best of luck with the new CD - hope people sit up and notice! John PS: Tell your husband that while he might not be too worried about love going "out of tune", I speak from soon to be 11 years experience: While I can't say for certain that being romantic and adoring will keep things always in tune, I can see that it doesn't hurt... :-) John <jswartz@mitre.org> Winchester, MA USA - Thursday, August 23, 2001 at 06:04:24 (MDT) The CD I've been waiting for Les to make for a long time now. Thanks. David Bushman Montvale, NJ - Tuesday, August 21, 2001 at 18:59:33 (MDT) B&B sounds totally professional in the way it was recorded. It's like Les is playing in person at my house. Great job! I want to listen to the CD a bunch more before I comment on songs, etc. So far, "Lorraine" and "Meet Me in the Morning" are my favorites... Bruno Degrassi Mount Vernon, NY - Tuesday, August 21, 2001 at 18:46:31 (MDT) “Borrowed and Blue” is an exceptionally well made, high quality production. Les’s performances just flow so naturally. She intricately entwines her vocals with crystal clear guitar picking and seamless transitions and guitar slides. She firmly yet softly captivates with the pure, simple elegance of her “plug and play” clarity and perfection. When you listen to Les on this CD, you feel like you are sitting with her (where she made the CD) in a quiet living room. The mood is peaceful as Les effortlessly delivers a seemingly private performance that you know comes straight from her heart. This CD offered the perfect showcase for Les’s god-given talent for expressing deep and broad ranges of emotion in music and poetry, be it her own or of other great masters. It centers on the solo feel of just Les and her guitar and gives her performances an entirely noiseless backdrop. The result is a listening experience so personal that you may be prompted as I was to put on headphones. You can’t help, but feel that you want an equally noiseless backdrop within which to hear Les’s sublime gifts as a guitarist, vocalist and clever, rich, and profound lyricist. Les’s transcendent vocals are perfectly blended with her syncopated guitar style. You can almost feel and visualize her fingers picking and travelling effortlessly and seamlessly up and down the chords and chord changes. Her perfect guitar playing from picking to sliding to strumming, was splendid with its upright, melodic inflections and tones. Her accompanying vocals are of a sophisticated, albeit white palette, but she “must have paid her dues” ‘cause Les performs her own amazing slice of soulful blues here. On “Borrowed and Blue” Les Sampou delivers a “bassy”, heartfelt, emotive, and often “tuneful”, tapping collection of blues songs. This is a “must have” CD for anyone who has ever sung or even had the slightest inclination towards the blues. Once in a "blue" moon, music comes together so beautifully and feels so right that it makes me howl out loud. Les hit those same chords in me with B&B, but so soulfully, like a "howling moon" that moves you deep inside. Grace <wishingonastar111@yahoo.com> Brooklyn, NY USA - Monday, August 20, 2001 at 19:15:52 (MDT) I'm not a musician, and I'm obviously biased, so when I gave Joe the quote (reprinted below) for the Les Express, my strong feelings of how much I liked "Borrowed & Blue" overcame any thoughts of "what do I know about music" or "do I love this CD just because my wife put it out?" The many wonderful emails Les received, about B&B, confirms in my mind that I would think this CD was excellent even if I didn't know who Les Sampou was. Keep the feedback coming, it means a lot to Les!!! :-) From the Les Express: "This new CD, Borrowed & Blue, is quickly
becoming my favorite CD of Les's. I always loved her live performances
best; the emotion and music that could come out of one person always
blew me away. I also love watching her play guitar; she makes difficult
arrangements look so easy. These parts of Les's performances come
across beautifully on this new CD. It ain't Les LIVE, but comes darn
close to it." |