Binder to celebrate new album with a party
By GUY D’ASTOLFO
YOUNGSTOWN
Leanne Binder will release her fourth studio album this weekend and is throwing a party as a way to say thanks to her supporters.
The veteran Valley rocker will take over B&O Station on Saturday from 7 to 11 p.m., where she will perform her new release, “On the Inside,” in its entirety, plus favorites from her back catalog.
“It’s going to be a great party,” she said. “I have invited some amazing people to help me perform the album, and it’s free to the public. It’s my way of thanking everyone.”
Music will begin at 8:30 p.m.
The new album has nine songs: eight originals and a cover of Bob Seger’s “Hollywood Nights.”
IF YOU GO
What: Leanne Binder album release party
When: 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday
Where: B&O Station, 530 Mahoning Ave., Youngstown
Admission: free
The album shows off Binder’s vocal range and bluesy chops. Her affinity for classic rock is also on display, especially on the cuts “Old Black Cadillac,” which has a Rolling Stones vibe, and “He’s Still Fire,” which channels Led Zeppelin.
While Binder has a powerful voice, her favorite song on the album is “On the Inside,” a personal singer-songwriter number in which her singing is low-key.
“It sums up how I feel and what I wish for everyone,” she said.
The message of the song is don’t give up on your dreams. “You might have to refocus your energy, re-look at where you are sailing, but don’t give up on the things you love. That’s why it’s called ‘On the Inside.’ There are a lot of personal, heart stories there.”
The album will be available for purchase at Saturday’s release party as a CD, and – for the first time for Binder – on vinyl.
She actually prefers the vinyl for its warmer and more authentic sound and musical range.
“I made this record to be played on vinyl,” said Binder. “It sounds great on vinyl... there is a warmth to it that you don’t get anywhere else. If I hit that high note, I really hit it, and it comes across on vinyl.”
Vinyl album purchasers will also receive a digital download.
A Canfield native, Binder splits her time between the Mahoning Valley and Nashville. In fact, she co-wrote most of the songs in Music City with Nashville songwriter Ford Thurston, who will be part of Binder’s band Saturday as a guitarist.
The band will also include Rajma McKenzie, with whom she often performs as a duo, on guitar; Lake Baum (guitar), Gregg Horvat (bass), Roy Guerrieri (bass), Patsy Palombo (drums), Joe Falleti (drums) and Kevin Mazey (keyboards).
Binder’s schedule for the rest of the year includes a few highlights.
Her high-energy side project band, Rock Generation, will open for the Clarks at the Rock and Ribs festival in the Southern Park Mall parking lot in June.
She is also pursuing a return appearance at the New Orleans Jazz Fest, which she played last year, as well as dates in England and also the motorcycle rally in Sturgis, S.D. She last toured Europe a decade ago, and still gets some airplay there from her bluesy early albums.
Binder also keeps busy with her music publishing and management company, Lady Moon.