Leila Adu returns to New Zealand from an adulatory reception in Europe and the United States and a growing international reputation. With a voice like hot treacle on broken glass Leila Adu has been described as "Nina Simone for the noughties". Praised by critics and fans alike, Adu explores the dissonant edges of familiar forms with a voice that is simply incomparable.

Recently Leila recorded the anticipated follow up album to Cherry Pie (2006) with the legendary Steve Albini, (PJ Harvey, Nirvana) due for release late 2009. Seductive and sultry, her vocal range and style will produce shivers down your spine, goosebumps on your arms and draw you inexorably into a state of rarefied musical intoxication. Leila Adu returns to New Zealand from an adulatory reception in Europe and the United States and a growing international reputation. With a voice like hot treacle on broken glass Leila Adu has been described as "Nina Simone for the noughties". Praised by critics and fans alike, Adu explores the dissonant edges of familiar forms with a voice that is simply incomparable.

Recently Leila recorded the anticipated follow up album to Cherry Pie (2006) with the legendary Steve Albini, (PJ Harvey, Nirvana) due for release late 2009. Seductive and sultry, her vocal range and style will produce shivers down your spine, goosebumps on your arms and draw you inexorably into a state of rarefied musical intoxication. Leila is presenting two fantastic concerts in the Auckland Arts Festival, one solo and one with band - Together Alone.

'A unique mixture of jazz, pop, gamelan and bossa, full of striking imagery and delightful dissonant, droning harmonies,' - Sunday Star Times 

'Leila Adu is a singer-songwriter pianist with Ghanian roots, a voice of incredible depth, power and versatility, not to mention a penchant for pushing traditional composition firmly into experimental territory.' - Joe Rudkin, Flavorpill

'Avante-garde pop that recalls Nina Simone and Tim Buckley from the headliner' - Time Out

Auckland Art Festival dates:

Leila Adu Sings Solo
Sun 8 March, 9.30pm the Festival Club, Aotea Square, Auckland
Concert Pricing: $45/30 | Bookings: 09 357 3355

Leila Adu and Band - Together Alone
Mon 9 March, 7.30pm the Festival Club, Aotea Square, Auckland
Concert Pricing: $45/30 | Bookings: 09 357 3355

www.the-edge.co.nz

And

Leila Adu @ Happy with Chris O'Connor/Tom Callwood /Jeff Henderson
Wed 4 March, Happy, 182 Tory St, Wellington

www.leilaadu.com
www.myspace.com/leilaadu

18/02/09