Leela James
Thought U Knew

Leela James possesses one of the most distinctive female voices in contemporary Soul. Having made a string of good Soul albums over the past 20 years, she returns with another strong album ‘Thought U Knew, that she has co-produced with Rex Rideout’.

The title track and ‘Right Back In It’ are mid tempo R&B/Soul cuts featuring Ronnie Garrett slapping it on Bass. ‘Be Your Baby is a rhythmic stepper which along with the horn backed modern soul dancer ‘Satisfied’ will keep the dancefloors grooving. Leela’s unique gritty is best suited to the more downtempo tracks like the contemporary Southern Soul groove ‘Faded’ ft co-writers John Jubu Smith on drums and Jarius Mozee on organ. She also excels on the horn backed ballads ‘Whatcha Done Now’ and ‘When It’s Over’ which are also highlights on this consistently strong album.