Release Date: November 1, 2025
Label: Independent
“Autumn in Vermont” is a song that resonates with me as a New
Englander, especially with the Vermont border so close. It’s the best time of
year, with the trees (Mid-September) starting to turn into the colorful and
fiery displays they will become. This familiarity brings a sense of connection
and nostalgia to the listener.
The tracks feature a rich variety of instruments, including
acoustic guitar, piano, flute, Celtic whistles, harmonium, keyboards, oboe,
cello, and violin. This diversity of instruments keeps the listener intrigued
and engaged throughout the album.
The wind blows to start the track as you imagine the leaves
flying everywhere. It carries a sweet melody as the cello, flute, and acoustic
guitar gather to paint that landscape in your mind’s eye. The track sets the
tone for a journey of relaxing and healing sounds.
Then we switch over into another season, the end of winter and
the beginning of spring, with “April in Asheville.” The birds are singing their
song as the piano begins its serenade. The cello carries a Celtic melody as the
piano’s keys continue in the background, allowing the instrument to take the
lead as another change occurs, and the magical flute begins its song. The piano
is a constant accompaniment as they take their turns, giving you, the listener,
every opportunity to enjoy the simplicity and healing powers of this music.
“Oregon” starts with the sound of water, creating a vivid
auditory image. The violin and flute join, maintaining the music’s flow. This
combination of sounds and melodies transports the listener to the scenic beauty
of Oregon, creating an immersive experience.
“Lofoton” is the sound of seagulls as images of the ocean enter
your mind. The acoustic guitar and violin begin, with the flute adding another
layer of sound and color to this dance of music. There is a feeling of freedom
and joy in the notes being played. Like being in a boat in the vast open space
of the ocean, there is a sense of limitlessness to that space and a feeling of
being unattached to physical things back on land.
“Cinque Terre” is a string of centuries-old seaside villages on
the rugged Italian Riviera coastline. This is the first track that does not
begin with a natural sound. The music evokes the scenery of this old seaside
village with its lovely acoustic guitar and cello, accompanied by the flute.
The piano and guitar are harmonious and clear, serving as the lead and
supporting elements when the other instruments take the forefront, such as the flute
or cello. I find this aspect of the compositions captivating. The music
beautifully captures the essence of this picturesque European village.
“Blowing Rock” starts with a sound of water rushing through the
rocks of a cliff as the piano gently brings you into the scenery. The flute
carries a harmony (Celtic flavored) as the violin joins in, adding its beauty
and ambiance. I felt a sense of wanting and sadness in this music, although its
beauty is stunning, as the wordless vocals, like a choir, give it an ethereal
atmosphere.
“Ocracoke Winter” sounds like an old folk song, as the sound of
ocean waves gives you its introduction. The flute, acoustic guitar, and violin
add their touch, while another keyboard is also subtly heard. This music transports
you to another time and place, and it feels genuine.
“Tuscan Trilogy” begins with the sound of church bells as the
piano notes lead the way. The more I hear this music, the thought of a walk
back in time comes to mind, and all the meaning and history that kind of
journey would hold—the violin and piano partner with all the grace and elegance
of a picturesque European view.
“Shenandoah” has flowing water through your speakers as the
piano’s gentle accompaniment falls in sync. The cello sings its song with hints
of sadness (which the cello is well known for). The harmonium makes a brief
appearance, and then all the main instruments converge, sounding like a mini-orchestra. Quite beautifully done.
“Banff” is a town in Alberta, Canada. Although this is related
to Canada, I could hear a brief Irish jig with the violin at the outset of this
track, as it transitions to other sounds and textures. Simple acoustic guitar
lines with the violin, flute, and cello joining in to create more atmosphere
and feeling. Towards the end, there is a short burst of wordless vocals before
the sound of waves comes in as it fades out.
“High Cascades” features the sound of water running and a bird,
creating a sense of walking along a stream in a wooded area, with the
birdsong echoing through the trees. There is a consistent acoustic guitar and
violin, and some orchestration mixed in. This all blends for a soundtrack of
being somewhere where the air is pure, and the water is clear.
“Fiordland” is once again filled with the sounds of birds. These
snippets of nature are something that give the music a definite organic feeling
of being there before the music starts. The harmonium, violin, and acoustic
guitar blend nicely (and the cello is added eventually) as you imagine yourself
on a boat moving through the fjords.
“August in Maine” evokes the sensation of walking through water,
as the echoing bird sounds (a loon?) transport you right there, allowing you to
experience it firsthand. Maine is vast and beautiful. I used to go there with
my family years ago every year, but then everyone moved away as they became
adults and started living their own lives. I will never forget those vacations.
With those thoughts in mind, it feels bittersweet, yet also sad. The music
became the catalyst for that whole thought process for me, so it moved me as
any artist would want a listener to experience. All the instruments that are
used consistently match the previous tracks.
The “Hebrides” is the largest archipelago in the United Kingdom
(Scotland). As the curtain falls on this journey through nature and the various
areas where it all unfolded, you can sense the emotion and elegance in the
music. The music takes the listener on an emotional journey, from the peaceful
healing settings of Paradise to the bittersweet memories of “August in
Maine”, and finally to the graceful conclusion of “Hebrides.”
Subtle layers of ambiance with keys in the background take their
place as the flute and guitar remind you of their importance for this recording
and the constant thread that knitted this musical quilt together.
Bill Leslie has created his own Paradise in the music for us all to enjoy. There was a great deal of instrumentation involved, and I am sure I missed mentioning all of it within the tracks; however, you will get the idea of what to expect while listening.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Founder
October 10, 2025
Credits:
Bill Leslie-acoustic guitar, piano, flutes, Celtic
whistles, harmonium, and keyboards.
Bill
Covington-lead piano on tracks 2, 6 and 9
Jennifer
Curtis -violin
Melanie
Wilsden-oboe
Nancy
Green-cello
Thom
Canova-recording and mixing engineer
Steve Fallone at Sterling Sound-Mastering Engineer
Tracks:
01. Autumn in Vermont
02. April in Asheville
03. Oregon
04. Lofoton
05. Cinque Terre
06. Blowing Rock
07. Ocracoke Winter
08. Tuscan Trilogy
09. Shenandoah
10. Banff
11. High Cascades
12. Fiordland
13. August in Maine
14. Hebrides
