LEROY MARTEZ
Interview 10 November 2001
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Tell me a bit about the album, how it came about, what sort of material is it and what do you hope it will achieve?
This album was different, because for the
first time, I was writing melody and lyrics to sampled music.
In the past, I have always written the MUSIC, melody and lyrics.
I consider "Feels So Good" a stepping stone to another
solo album, one that concentrates more on acoustic guitar...more
stylized. It's been an interesting challenge trying to market
this cd on my own and sell it through the internet!
When did it come out, is it your first solo album?
1999, yes, it's my first solo album.
Now say a few things about your past and how you got where
you are today.
I started playing music when I was a kid in Germany, son of an
Army Sgt. When we moved back to the United States I played in
different club bands for awhile until my Uncle, legendary
writer/producer, Thom Bell, took me under his wing and taught me
the dos and don'ts of writing and producing. Not long after that
I joined a band and met Casey James who would later become my
writing partner....the "James" of Bell & James. We
were then under contract as staff writers for Mighty Three Music
Publishing. We wrote for many artists, including Teddy
Pendergrass, The Ojays, The Spinners and Elton John. Later we
signed our own recording contract with A & M Records and
released our first album, self-titled, "Bell &
James." That album included the top 20 hit, "Livin' it
up Friday Night." We did three albums for A & M Records
before we left. We continued writing for other artists, including
James Ingram and the I Three's (a group of singers that used to
back Bob Marley, including his widow, Rita Marley). In the early
'90's we went our separate ways musically, and I was encouraged
to do a solo album. I didn't hook up with the producers of
"Feels So Good" until 1997.
You write most of your own lyrics - do you write for anyone
else?
See above, I am not writing for anyone else
now, just concentrating on my own material.
What songs do you particularly like?
"Real Love" "All My Life"
The video enhancements are particularly good and help to
enhance what you are trying to do- both in the 'message' of the
song and the 'interview'
What about your own recording career - how has this gone and
what do you hope for the future?
I am in the process of shopping a record deal with new
material. I hope to be putting a band together so that I can
start performing.
Do you have any particular projects at the
moment ? What's happening with the album - are you touring at
all?
Still writing and will start rehearsing very soon. I am not
currently touring...hope to next year.
How's it been received in the US.. and internationally
People have ordered the cd from all over the world....Japan,
UK.....
Have you got any international deals and what are the
prospects of a UK visit
No international deals so far, but I haven't started to search
for one yt.
Who are your influences both in the past and now
Jimmy Hendrix, Marvin Gaye, Isley Brothers, Sade, Baby Face,
Seal.
Tell me about LeRoy & Casey as a writing partnership and
also as artists.
It was quite successful. As writing partners, we were very
compatible. We were good friends, but as
artists, we had some differences. I don't think we developed as
artists as well as we could have, because our bread & butter
was writing for other artists.
What about some of the people who recorded your stuff, Elton
John, Johnny Matthis, Temptations, Spinners and so on - did you
get involved with them in the production or anything.
Yes, I was involved with the production of an album for the
Ojays, background vocals, played guitar and drums. I also played
guitar on Elton John's.."Mamma Can't Buy You Love"
What made you try it on your own.
I wanted to be an artist in the truest sense of the word.
Must say something about Thom Bell - how close were you and
how did he help you 'evolve'. Did you work together?
See above......
Yes we did work together. There was always something to learn
from him, he's such an amazing talent..And I'm not just saying
that because we're related..He's my uncle..
Have you been to the UK?
No, but I would love to.
Are you working on the next one - or are you
still promoting this one?
Yes I'm always writing.. When I get a good batch of new material
I'll start focusing on my next project..
Any more comments?
I hope I've givin you some decent answers, It's been a while
since I've done an interview..I've never done one like this
before..Thank you for having me..LeRoy.. P.S. I'm sorry it took
so long..