New CD From Heart Guitarist Howard Leese July 3rd; Audio Samples Availalble
Frontiers Records is excited to announce the European release of the brand new HOWARD LEESE album “Secret Weapon” on July 3rd 2009.
Best known as guitar player for Heart which he joined in 1975 and with whom he stayed for 22 years, Leese co-produced some of their 13 albums. Heart had 20 top 40 singles, 3 International n. 1 singles, a n. 1 album (“Heart”) in 85′, has received 4 Grammy nominations and has sold 40 million records worldwide. Following his decision to leave the band he put together a group in Seattle called “The Brigade”, a band playing some old Free classics and where he could express at best the various influences that shaped up his guitar playing: from Dick Dale (the first live experience that he had) and Mike Bloomfield to Keith Richards, Peter Green from Fleetwood Mac, Jeff Beck, Hendrix, Eric Clapton and of course Paul Kossoff of Free.
In 1997 the legendary Paul Rodgers (Free, Bad Co, The Firm with 
Jimmy Page, Queen) had moved from England to Vancouver and was looking for a U.S. back-up band. Intrigued by how well Leese could play Kossoff’s particular style and licks, he asked him to join his band. In 1998 Howard Leese joined The Paul Rodgers Band and more recently became touring member in the reformed Bad Company line-up. “For the last 10 years, every summer I play shows with Paul Rodgers” says Howard. “But 3 years ago, Paul was doing a QUEEN tour, and I had the summer off. So I decided to record a solo CD. I had just put a studio in my home, and knew it was a perfect time to express myself as an artist”.
Howard Leese has often been called “Heart’s secret weapon”. His debut solo record, aptly titled “Secret Weapon” is an effort that’s sure to thrust him into the spotlight he so patiently has watched dance around in front of him for decades. “”Secret Weapon ” has a wide range of styles. It can go from heavy power trio rock to full symphony orchestra to tender acoustic passages, and that’s just in one song!” says Howard, who offered up such Rock giants like Joe Lynn Turner (former Rainbow and Deep Purple singer), Paul Rodgers, Keith Emerson or Jimi Jamison (ex Survivor), to have their spotlight turn on his record.
Howard Leese takes great pride in having his work heard from the dark depths that linger behind the spotlight. The only difference now is that the secret is out, so he might simply be a weapon – one hell of a weapon! “My fans mean so much to me, they have changed my life” concludes Leese, “Secret Weapon” was a labour of love for all of you, and I hope that you all will love it”.
Tracklisting of “Secret Weapon” includes: Alive Again (vocals Joe Lynn Turner); Heal The Broken Hearted (vocals Paul Rodgers); Hot To Cold (vocals: Deanna Johnston & Joe Lynn Turner), French Quarter (instrumental feat. Keith Emerson); 33 West Street (instrumental feat. Paul Reed Smith), The South Summit (vocals Duke Fame), Rada’s Theme (instrumental), The Vine (vocals Jimi Jamison), In These Eyes (vocals Keith St. John), Vermilion Border (instrumental), I’ve Been Leavin’ You (vocals Andrew Black), Somewhere (Theme From West Side Story) (instrumental).
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Very, Very underrated guitar player. He did most of the background work with Heart and let everyone else take the credit. Heart has become an unbearable listen without you behind the scenes making everything fit.
Howard, you are a genius….I saw you June 23, 2009 on Raleigh NC// I have not seen such a perfect show and how the highest adoration and respect for all the great things you have done from producing to writing to playing guitar and now with Paul, the man Rodgers….I love the silk shirt you threw at me…I will always keep it as a treasure…..I would love to hear from you and send you some great photos of you and the rest of Bad Co.
I think Howard has traveled through this area a lot, possibly lots of times with, which I have seen 6 times. Just recently seen them at the Tennessee Theater on May 22nd. They’re good, but not the same. I wonder why?
Can’t wait for Howards new CD to come out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Howard, You were the best Guitar Player Heart ever had! I saw you close up at a Johnson City, Tennessee Concert in the 80’s with Cheap Trick. I starred you right in the eyes for a very long time. I was a small blonde in white. Do you remember?