Spotlight: Leif Vollebekk

(Photo credit: Caroline Desilets)

I remember when I first saw Leif a little over a year ago, opening for Busia Bulat at Cafe Alternatif at the University of Ottawa. He was a native of the city and already established with the undergrad population, who had seen him play the area before. I'd never heard of him, so their enthusiasm for him, which matched their enthusiasm for the headliner, was a little confusing -- until I saw him perform.

Leif's sound is musically, and even geographically, eclectic - he combines his love of past legends, such as Dylan, Young, Piaf, Charles and McLaughlin, with the bravado of more recent acts like Buckley, Radiohead, and Sigur Ros. Leif’s debut Inland was self-released in 2008 and recorded at Breakglass Studios in Montreal, where he now resides. Inland is a mix of blues and folk. The complexity of each arrangement varies from full-bands to simple guitar and vocals. Leif also employs his multi-instrumental skills to create full soundscapes made up of violins, bowed-electric guitars, harmonicas, and pianos. The variations don’t stop at the instruments, as Leif also sings in both French and English. The dynamics of the album at times can demand a 'headphone-only' listening approach, but it can also be the perfect album to compliment the country-side drive.

Leif has spent the majority of 2009 performing around Ontario and Quebec, with some appearances out East, and even in the States. He's has opened for notable acts like Serena Ryder, Elliot Brood, C.R Avery, Royal Wood, Apostle of Hustle and recently Justin Nozuka. Leif also performed at Ottawa Bluesfest, NXNE, and at Pop Montreal with his backing band Rosemary & The Jack of Hearts (who I am hoping he can bring on tour in the future)

A key factor to Leif's live performance is variety. Often by simply changing a melody or playing an arrangement differently, he makes the moment, and the performance as a whole, supernaturally special. His skill as a multi-instrumentalist and ability to arrange on the go set him apart from many performers.
"Here is an electric version of the song on the record..."

Leif was recently recorded at his favorite venue, The Blacksheep Inn, in Wakefield, QC for the CBC. So, to get a small glimpse of live Leif, you can stream the entire show here.

Nevado Records will also be re-releasing Inland on January 19 of this year on CD and 12 inch vinyl. A live recording of "Don't Go to Klaksvik" and an unreleased track "Te og Kaffi" will be available on itunes. Leif has a string of dates, including a trip out East, opening slots for Basia Bulat, and more dates and a West-coast trip to be expected.

Jan. 16 @ Cafe Deckuf, OTTAWA
Jan. 19 @ The Mansion, KINGSTON
Jan. 21 @ Phog Lounge, WINDSOR
Jan. 22 @ Cameron House, TORONTO
Jan. 28 @ In the Dead of the Winter Festival, HALIFAX
Jan. 29 @ Cafe Aberdeen, MONCTON
Jan. 30 @ Cafe Ampersand, CHARLOTTETOWN
Feb. 6 @ Blacksheep Inn, OTTAWA (*In the Dead of Winter Festival)
Feb. 12 @ L'Astral, MONTREAL (w. Basia Bulat)
Feb. 13 @ First Baptist Church, OTTAWA (w. Basia Bulat)
Feb. 27 @ Casa Del Popolo, MONTREAL

While his live slate is full, his creative fervor has not ceased. He is still premiering new material during his live shows, including a personal favorite of mine, Takk Sömuleiðis.

You can keep up with Leif on

Myspace

Facebook

Nevado Records Page