Listen to the album on iTunes
 Buy our CD So Blue

On August 6, 2001, after working for years as a political journalist and songwriter/recording artist, Sandy LeonVest was diagnosed with a sub-type of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (NHL) considered clinically 'incurable.' In December, 2004, just before Christmas, her husband and songwriting partner James Vest was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) - also a hematological malignancy - and also considered incurable.

"We don't see this as a Big Tragedy," says Sandy. "We see it as more of a wakeup call...that we need to spend our time and energy being who we really are and doing what we love." It is in this spirit that the songwriting duo has made songwriting their mission. In Sandy's words, "Everyone is terminal...we just have a more acute awareness of it."

Today LeonVest's primary source of hope and inspiration is each other, their music and their band. The duo believes they can best "save their lives" through the performance, recording and subsequent sales of their original music. "We have a lot of faith in ourselves, the universe, our friends and families, our karma, and most especially our music. We continue to believe that our hard work, determination and love will see us through...and that attitude seems to be paying off - Big Time.

"In March, 2006, we were amazed when our single, "It Would Be You" defied all industry convention, skyrocketing up the national ACQB charts to #6! Now there's a message from the gods(!)"

When she was first diagnosed, a group of friends from her community in Bolinas (West Marin, CA) set up a special account for Sandy's uninsured health expenses. She credits donations to "Friends of Sandy LeonVest" with helping save her life. But these days LeonVest would prefer to garner support through their music. "The donations have been overwhelming," says Sandy, "but it feels so much better to work...and LeonVest has a beautiful gift to offer."

LeonVest's new CD is scheduled for release this Summer, 2006. "The new record, ALIVE BY REQUEST takes a huge leap, musically and stylistically and we all think it is the best work we've done," says James Vest.

The album features (again) blues guitarist Garth Webber and drummer Brent Rampone. "We think once people listen, they will want to have both CDs - and the added satisfaction of knowing that by purchasing these CDs, they are quite literally keeping the music alive."

LeonVest's first album, SO BLUE can be purchased now at www.cdbaby.com.

If you do want to donate, checks can be sent to:
Friends of Sandy Leon Vest,
Box 734, Bolinas, CA 94924 Checks made out to: Friends of Sandy LeonVest.


Review appearing in the local "Bolinas Hearsay News":

LEON VEST AT SMILEYS FRIDAY NIGHT

In the world of music, the songwriting team of LeonVest is nothing less than a breath of fresh air. Whether you're already a diehard LeonVest fan or only recently heard the buzz, you won't want to miss LeonVest at Smileys on Friday night. Once you've experienced the compelling sounds of this original songwriting team and their remarkable cast of musicians, you'll know why their grassroots fan base in West Marin has blossomed into a local phenomenon. Together with their band, Sandy Leon Vest and songwriting partner James Vest have managed to create a sound that sparkles with originality, yet waxes evocative of the idealism and romanticism that graced the music of the sixties and seventies. LeonVest's songwriting has been finely crafted over their years of performing and playing in Marin County, and it shows - more today than ever before. The songs of LeonVest are lyrically poetic, while at the same time reflecting a fiercely political point of view.

Sandy LeonVest's melodies, lyrics and whimsical vocal style supported by a driving percussion section of world class musicians (see flyer above) simply deliver the goods. LeonVest offers much more than a musical performance of the highest order. Their music produces an undeniable high that transforms the room - and the people in it. See you at the show!

Derek Tracy (DTI Records - President)


A Word from Sandy Leon Vest:

I think probably the most compelling thing about LeonVest is our unabashed originality and our love for playing the music...we dont pretend (nor aspire, for that matter) to be anything other than who we are - and who we are is a diverse group of SF Bay Area musicians who love the songs and love playing them together - and our sound reflects exactly that...we all grew up with the (Marin-based) Sons of Champlin, the Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Miles Davis, Hendrix, Dylan, Chrissie Hynd, Fleetwood Mac, Traffic...

LeonVest - and the material - is quite literally in a class all by itself but I think what resonates with our fans is that while LeonVest's songs are uniquely original, they hearken back to a more idealistic era - melodic and even romantic, yet with a great groove. We've been described as 'psychedelic, hard-driving and idealistic all at the same time,' and I think that's accurate...

These days I listen a lot to Cold Play (love Chris Martin), MJ Blige, Dave Matthews...I like Sara McLaughlin, Alanis Morissette, of course, U2...

Enjoy the CD!

Sandy Leon Vest

 Buy our CD So Blue