(May 20, 2018) Thanks to the monster hit Broadway musical, Hamilton, Leslie Odom, Jr. is now a household name. Yet this is not his first exposure to our First Listen pages, as this already accomplished recording artist was previously spotlighted for his re-released track, the percussive layered, soul filled, “The Guilty Ones,” from his self-titled 2014 debut. Most recently, the New York born and raised Odom, Jr. was spotlighted on PBS’ long-running series, Live at Lincoln Center, interpreting material from jazz, pop, soul and stage with an angelic voice that holds every note captive.
One highlight from L.A.L.C. was his moving rendition of “Without You” from another Broadway treasure, Rent. For those who may have missed that L.A.L.C. performance, “Without You” will also appear on Odom Jr.’s upcoming CD for S-Curve Records. With Odom Jr.’s immaculate phrasing and voice control, the story about emotions wrestling about a special love is gut wrenching from the get go: “The world revives / Colors renew / But I know blue / Only blue / Lonely blue.” From the orchestration of acoustic guitar, pulsating snares and everything in-between, Odom Jr.’s “Without You” paints an enticing dramatic picture, highlighted by his remarkable instrument.
By Peggy Oliver
Leslie Odom Jr. – “Without You”
