George Golla, Leonie Smith - Never The Less (2006)

George Golla and myself met up for the first time during the recording of my first Album “Sweet Jazz” in 2003. George was called in at the last moment to complete the album after a few tracks previously recorded were ditched. We recorded five songs in about 45 minutes, and out of all the songs on “Sweet Jazz” the four tunes eventually added to the Album proved the most popular for radio play and download.

George and I decided we would love to record together again for purely selfish reasons... because we like to play music together, and to have something to keep of our time together. For my own part, George is now a great friend and mentor, and we enjoy each others company, also outside music, and for me it’s the best fun I ever have musically and socially. Those that know George personally, know that he is a wonderful raconteur, and joke teller, as well as being a wonderful guitarist. Our collaborations are always fun in fact he has me laughing on the floor often! (not a good look in a sparkly gown I assure you).

We recorded our new Album now entitled “Never the Less” (named after a punch-line of one of George’s fine anecdotes) one May 2006 night in John Morrison’s home Studio, on 2 tracks Live, with only two 2nd takes, in about 2 hours, including chatting, laughing with John and various anecdotes being recounted. In recording, I wanted an honest portrayal of our live performances, and it was a huge leap of faith on my part, as I tend to want to fiddle with the vocals and am never really happy with them. But I figured that if I can’t live with them, I shouldn’t be singing live! Of course I think George with his experience as an accompanists of many vocalists in the past and his collaboration with Don Burrows is the most supportive accompanist you could have, and he really made it very easy for me as he always does. I’m sure he is telepathic !!