At long last, we are able to announce a release date for Burned Up And Shining, Les Lokey's first release for Firefly Records. Look for it through our web site from April 1st. If it wasn't for Joe Puerta spotting Les Lokey's amazing talents, this CD might never have been made. So, we have a lot to be grateful for to both Joe Puerta and Les Lokey. Like all independent releases, this one was produced on a shoestring. Having been witness to the project from it's inception, I have been in a very privileged position these past months.

Watching the process develop from the earliest rough tapes to the fine honing and tuning in the mixing and mastering studios, and then seeing a few live performances has been a truly extraordinary experience; one, I anticipate experiencing again I might add! The shoestring thing aside, this is a work of immense creativity, quality and sincerity; way out of proportion with it's meager budget. I must quote a colleague, a record producer of great experience (over 90 albums to date). Michael Freeman, on hearing the work for the first time said, "John, this is absolutely brilliant for a first release on a new label, absolutely brilliant, a great body of work. I can compare Les Lokey to no other artist. She is unique, an immense talent".

The set starts off with the mellow 'Right Now', a crowd favorite at many a Les Lokey live performance, and eases into the explosive 'Landmine'. To see Les perform this one is a joy to behold. It's a one act play, pure theater, "Lucky little monkey!", and listen to that bass, oooee! You just gotta' get up and dance to this one!

'Burned Up And Shining'

Isn't this the perfect title track? This introspective song is Les at the top of her game: total honesty, an artist looking deep within herself, writing pure and beautiful poetry, and expressing it in song. Hear the sincerity in her voice and Peter Wellers soulful mellow trumpet playing. Listen too, for Peter Harris' lovely guitar work. The whole effect is a treat, an audiophile's delight. No need for any miracles here, this one is a winner.

If you're lucky enough to be in LA on 4/1/99, you can see Les perform this live with some very special guest stars. Stay tuned for more!!

'Being Simple', Judybats

Les Lokey knows how to write great songs. She knows how to pick em' from other artists too. This great song from the Judybats receives all of the feeling and emotion Lokey puts into her own material, a superb piece of work, you can be proud Judybats!!

'Angels Envy'

Turn up the volume on this one. Lokey's lusty vocal and ethereal lyrics combine to arouse you. With the erotic pulse of drums, and Steve Cohens prancing demon of a harp, you are released and transported to the rave rooms of Europe. Where unencumbered from the mundane, you succumb as the pounding rhythm lifts you to certain ecstasy. "Do the Angels envy us our flesh"?

'Unusual'

A classic collaboration of artist and producer. Each time you play this one, you'll hear something new. Lokey's emotive vocal treatment of this wonderful tongue in cheek lyric, punctuated with the odd giggle, will keep you guessing. This one sounds like it was a lot of fun to record. Also, listen out for Puerta's amazing bass line. It's just...unusual!

Time to hang up your hat Sir Paul, we've found a new hero!!

'Lullaby For Love'

I just love this song. Read those lyrics. This is a love letter put to music, a song that sometime in our lives we can all relate to. Les, this song brings a tear to my eye. You make chills run up and down my spine, and I hardly know you!

'Dangerous World', E.Arnold.

A change of mood, time to get up and dance again! What a statement, what a performance, what a fabulous song, and yes let's all work together to keep the "dog vomit off the radio". This should help!

'Good Day'

This is one of the first songs I ever heard Les sing. I was just swallowed up in the gut wrenching emotion of this sad but hopeful lyric. This really is a song of hope. Les can put into words what we all feel at some time in our lives, but most of us are unable to express it convincingly. This is what makes her extraordinary as an artist. Les, you transcend borders and generations. Your words are forever.

'Hollow Bodhisattva'

This haunting work by Les Lokey serves to demonstrate that she has no boundary as a writer and performer. This is a song of substance. Put on your headphones, turn up the volume, smoke something, drink something, but do nothing. Just listen and go wherever it takes you; but don't forget to come back. We still have one more!

'Mother', Lennon

Not only can Les write beautiful and meaningful poetry, she lays bare the inner depths of her soul through her music. She has proved to be an exceptional interpreter of other artists' work. For instance, on this version of Lennon's most personal song 'Mother,' she has made the song her very own. When her raw untamed emotions are unleashed, she can wring a tear from the stoniest of hearts.

Ending this first set with 'Hollow Bodhisattva', and saving Lennon's 'Mother' for an encore, will leave you crying for more. Les Lokey's first collection of recordings for Firefly Records will, with your help, create a profound impact on the music scene. Les and her extraordinary talent, combined with that of Grammy award winning producer Joe Puerta and Firefly Records together, have the right stuff to establish themselves as the benchmark musical team for the new millennium.

Wow, there it is then! Number 1 complete and more comin' soon!!

Les, we love ya!!

JW