Background Singer |
Vocalist - General
Leslie Zimeis musical journey began with the timeless voices of Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Nancy Wilson artists whose phrasing, emotion, and elegance shaped her early sensibilities. As a young adult, she embraced the British Invasion, absorbing the melodic storytelling of the Beatles, Dusty Springfield, and nearly every import that hit American shores. Her influences expanded over time to include Bonnie Raitts grit, James Taylors warmth, Kenny Rankins finesse, Van Morrisons soulful mysticism, and later, the raw emotional power of Amy Winehouse whose artistry resonated deeply with Leslies own love for jazz-infused storytelling. Her reverence for Sinatras phrasing continues to deepen a lifelong study in nuance and emotional truth. Leslies performance career spans decades and genres. She opened for Peggy Lee and Petula Clark at the Empire Room in 1976, and later shared the stage with Bonnie Bramlett and Dave Mason at The Downtown in Farmingdale (2003). With Cadillac Moon, she performed at the Atlanta Blues Festival (2002) and Riverhead Blues Festival (2003), blending blues and jazz with her signature vocal style. She also contributed background vocals for Ben E. Kings Beginning of It All, adding her voice to a legacy of soul. Leslies versatility and stage presence have made her a sought-after collaborator from intimate jazz sets to high-energy horn bands. Now based in New York and Connecticut, she is available for select performances in the region, bringing decades of experience, emotional depth, and musical joy to every stage she steps on.
Soulful 60s & Jazz Vocalist With Rock Edge