27 October 2017 (released)
27 October 2017
Hackney born Leee John is an artist who managed to change the face of British music. As part of three piece soul group Imagination he had a series of hits that brought the sound to a UK home. Since then he has gone on to enjoy a varied career that has taken in everything from a Doctor Who appearance to a stint on Reborn In The USA. We caught up with him as he teams up with Imagination once again for Retropia.
Hi Leee, for those who haven't heard it yet, describe Retropia...
Retropia is a combination of soul, funk and jazz with an organic blend of the imagination sound. We use a lot of real musicians, which shows off each one of their craftsmanship as they play real music on a soul album, which finally it is.
What made you decide to return with EPs as well as an album?
With EPs you can add new mixes, versions and stretch to wider audiences and give the fans a bit extra.
You have already unveiled two songs on the EP Retropia Part 2, how do Fantasia and Make Your Mind Up exemplify the release?
Fantasia and Make Your Mind Up have been songs that I performed before and the die hard fans know them. A lot of the fans wanted me to release these songs years ago. There are different versions flying about which are sort after now. Each song shows a very different side of my personality, vocal range and style. On Make Your Mind Up I have the vocal group Voices of Soul mixed in with my background vocals to push the gospel feel. With Fantasia Robin Malarkey (who also plays bass on Make Your Mind Up) pushes the funk edge on Fantasia along with the keyboards of Mike Timothy. Wicked players.
You have got a series of shows scheduled to promote the release. What can fans expect?
The fans will see a harder edged show with a more musical outlet. I love each musician and singer to shine in their own right on my show. I work them hard to make the best show for the audience.
You also have a wealth of material from your back catalogue. How do you decide which songs to keep in a set?
Its very very hard to know which songs to play at times, but the audience are the final judge.
Are there any songs that you simply wouldn't ever wish to revisit?--
Not really. I love a challenge. To make a song sound the best.
Imagination were real forces at the forefront of UK funk and soul. How do you feel the sound has changed in the UK over the years?
With the 80s computers, sequences gradually took over, till finally for British black music you didn't recognise black musicians anymore. If you are a rock band then yes, but it became a computer on stage with a rapper. Now its coming back again where you are seeing musicians out there. Its gone full circle.
You have also dabbled in other areas. How do you define your artistry these days?
I don't define. I just do and enjoy.
Are there any upcoming artists you have a close eye on?
Too many to mention.
Who do you dream of collaborating with?
Most of them have passed, but I'm still on the look out.
Lastly, what is an unachieved ambition of yours?
To finish Flashback, my film documentary of the history of black music.
