I get the feeling that folks don’t realize just how influential Leon Ware has been to soul music. His contributions began during the height of Motown where among his credits is co-writer of Michael Jackson’s “I wanna be where you are” and the sensual Marvin Gaye album “I want you”. Still, his singing and songwriting remains relevant today. His latest release, “Moonride” is a collection of his signature compositions of melodic and lyrical love music. Leon has been quite busy recently working with the likes of Jazzanova, Liquid Spirits and countless others. Fortunately he saved plenty of good music for his own release. Leon’s falsetto voice is in peak form on tracks like “Hold Tight”, a tender, dreamy ballad that is a delightful listen. “I never loved so much” is an engaging lush down-tempo soothing track. “A whisper away” is another lush gem that features warm latin grooves that make you think of summer. The fact that this is Leon’s first major label release in two decades is a testament to his craft of creating timeless love music. “Moon ride” will certainly satisfy fans of his music as well as those that enjoy warm intimate music for the soul.
