“Isle of Hope” to lift your spirits during these hard Economic Times: – Written by Carol Noelle Rice

  After numerous successful album launches, amazing support from both the media and the general public around the country to co-inside with some Guest appearances with the top people in folk music, the eagerly awaited album “Isle of Hope” will now be released in “HMV, Tesco, Golden Discs, Tower Records, Erin Gift Store and select independents throughout Ireland”.  Stephen Leeson is an extraordinary Irish Folk singer, songwriter, musician, who’s new album “Isle of Hope” will be in shops from Friday February 24th 2012.

“One of the nicest young lads in the business, I wish him the very best of luck with his new album “Isle of Hope” some lovely songs of here and Stephen gives a very good rendition to each and every one of them.  Keep her goin”. (Patsy Watchorn of the Dubliners)

An artist who is receiving great acclamation from some well renowned musicians in the folk industry according to Irish Folk Legend Davey Arthur, “Stephen Leeson is one of the nicest young men on the Irish music scene today and his debut album “Isle of Hope” will in time assure him his rightful place as one of the new crop of talented ballad singers emerging from Ireland today”.

Stephen’s album “Isle of Hope” contains a variety of meaningful Irish folk ballads combined with a mixture of original melodies including two uplifting blues tracks to add a little creativity to the album.  Some of the songs supplied to Stephen from various songwriters around Ireland, as well as, Stephen’s own original track “Walk Tall Blues”, tells inspirational real life heart filled stories which will embrace the people who will connect and relate to the songs on this album both at home and abroad.  Another prime example of this would be the underlying story behind track number four, “Sky Over Ireland”.

“When I first heard Stephen Leeson sing his voice was so instilled with emotion it blew me away.  I was so happy to get my hands on this long awaited album which fills me with emotions of tears and smiles when I listen to it.  The songs have great stories attached to them and that’s what makes the Irish songs/music so special, so romantic in my opinion.  The album reminds me of my childhood days spent in the countryside in Ireland, sitting in the pubs with my parents and singing an Irish song or two.  It is great to see that the album contains original material as well, including a blues track penned by Stephen Leeson himself.  The tempo through the album is quite varied, some of the music is really uplifting and would make you want to get up and dance a jig…..it is an outstanding album and well worth the purchase”. (Emily Jackson from Ireland)

There is a real sense of charisma and character about this album as Stephen take songs like Beautiful Affair, Clare to Here and recreates them into his own style making them unique.  There is a lot of emotion underlying each track on the album and listeners can experience this first hand when they listen to the soulful voice of Stephen Leeson who sings the songs with pure heart and true feelings.  The variety of instruments used to in the melodies of each tune ranges from the Guitar, Harmonica, Banjo, Fiddle, Mandoline, Flute, Whistles, Piano, Bass, Keyboards, in order to set the scene that takes its audience back to their roots, back to an era when these songs had true meaning for the Irish who appeared to have lost their identity during the Celtic Boom but are gradually returning to their old ways as Folk Music reignites their spirits during these struggling times.

The title of the album “Isle of Hope” has very symbolic meaning for Stephen Leeson who after spending a number of years abroad, returned home to live in the Dublin with, a lot of prosperity and hope in his heart despite our current economic crisis.  With Ireland symbolizing Stephen’s “Isle of Hope” it therefore proved to be a perfectly fitting title for his album.

With a total of thirteen tracks, Stephen has been working hard on this Album for the past two years.  He was blessed to have the ability of forming an alliance with such a variety of  talented musicians on the album and carefully selected songs which inspired him on this courageous move to fly solo during these hard economic times, whilst adding his own culture and flare to each given track.  A lot of hard work, effort and endless long hours were put into the creation of this album but it was a journey and endeavour which Stephen Leeson whole heartedly pursued in order to produce this labour of love.

“Very nice choice of songs from this up and coming folk singer Stephen Leeson, have a listen for yourself” (The Furey’s)

Your browser may not support display of this image. “Isle of Hope” (2011) is now available to purchase in the following shops nationwide from Friday 24th February 2012.

HMV,
Tesco,
Golden Discs,
Tower Records,

Erin Gift Store

Select Independents.

For more information on Stephen Leeson go to www.stephenleeson.com

Or contact:  Carol Rice – c.ricemanagement@gmail.com

Phone: 00353 89 4384175