Rainbow Deux Leon Ware SKU: BEWITH034LP Barcode: 4251648412205 28.00 £28.00 Genre: Soul / Funk Label: Be With Records Released Date: 13th September 2019 Buying Format: 2LP Gatefold Sleeve Out of stock Back Order Add to your Wishlist Description Product Info 140g vinyl, double LP, gatefold sleeve, printed inner sleeves. Co-produced by Taylor Graves, it has stellar musical contributions from the likes of Kamasi Washington, Thundercat, Ronald Bruner Jr, Rob Bacon and Wayne Linsey. The melodically adventurous soul of Leon Ware continues its expression in his final opus Rainbow Deux, released on double vinyl on September 13th. The album features new songs recorded and performed by Leon before his health turned, leading to his transition on February 23rd 2017. Taylor Graves came into Leon’s musical family in 2002 when he, his brother Cameron and the Bruner brothers Ronald Jr and Stephen (Thundercat) were playing along with their schoolmate Kamasi at an L.A. jazz club. Taylor, Cameron, Ronald and Stephen became Leon’s band for his debut shows in Japan in 2002 and Taylor continued to work with Leon as his mentor and collaborator over the next 15 years. “Leon was ALWAYS writing something or developing his musical palette” his wife Carol Ware tells us, so it’s impossible to pinpoint any single moment of Rainbow Deux’s genesis. Six of the songs go back to 2012/2013 and were released in 2014 as part of Sigh, a Japan-only CD collection heavy with Rob Bacon’s tasteful licks and Wayne Linsey’s piano vibes. The rest of the material comes from Leon’s sessions with Taylor. Describing Leon’s and his process, here’s Taylor: “We’d start by having some great homemade food! Then a glass of wine ‘to slow down time’. After we’d have our fill and smoked our joints we’d go into his studio room to listen and create.” The album was finished-up around August of 2016 in a back-and-forth between Leon and his go-to mastering engineer Toni Economides in the UK. Leon worked on Rainbow Deux with life’s greatest challenge looming over him, yet it is one of his most focused and cohesive solo offerings since the 1980s. The entire record is a vibe: mellow, deep and smooth as silk. The lyrical themes are eternal, and the music is elegant, soulful and sensual. The album opens with the hypnotic throb of “For The Rainbow”, coming on like a percussive, slow-mo house shuffle. Gilles Peterson is a fan. The exotic “Let Love In” follows, with its gradual-build Island Funk, intricate guitar picks and sassy female vocals. It explodes when it hits its stride. “Sigh” is the stylish slow jam close-out to side A. Serene guitars and polished drums create neck snapping funk, with a swaggering finger-snap strut. Side B opens with the easy-burning broken-beaty “The Darkest Night”, the centrepiece of the album. Kamasi Washington’s lurking sax, restrained and beautiful, unfurls into the dank, sticky atmosphere of Thundercat’s signature creeping bass laid over his brother’s in-the-pocket drums. Leon’s vocals are perfect, a masterclass in seductive sax-soul. “Surrender Now” conjures waves of vocals to swell and wash over the glossy piano, subtly bumping hip-hop drums and bubbling synth-bass stabs. It’s got the trademark Leon layers. “Summer Is Her Name” has Kamasi’s effortless, melancholic sunshine sax give way to rising tempos and propulsive rhythms. “Are You Ready” is a total highlight (and we’ve been playing it out for ages). It’s a nimble groove of piano and synth rolling around Theo Croker’s sensual trumpet playing. Digi-soul at its finest. With lush G-Funk sensibilities “Streets (Keep Me Runnin’)” sounds like a lost Dam-Funk produced gem. All tough kicks and snares and street sounds. Leon’s hood pass will be forever intact. “Samba Dreams” is the first of two tracks that bring a little Rio magic to Rainbow Deux. Leon created a whole body of work in partnership with Brazilian legend Marcos Valle that includes “Rockin’ You Eternally” – a hit for Leon – and “Estrelar” – a hit for Marcos. Leon channels his obvious love of Brazilian music here through more of Croker’s sumptuous trumpet, played over loose percussion. “Let’s Go Deep” is next up. A dreamy between-the-sheets quiet storm anthem and a real showcase for Leon’s vocals. The dripping, honeyed harp-funk of “We Should Be Laughin’” marks the star turn of the brilliant Kimbra. Leon first met her on-stage to do an impromptu duet of “Inside My Love” during an open-air celebration of Minnie Riperton in July of 2014. Kimbra was working with Taylor on her music and he brought her to Leon’s house to do some writing. This was the result. Warm synths radiate shuffling samba soul on “Wishful Thinking” as those Brazilian rhythms return to bring Rainbow Deux to a close. During an apartment move Leon and Carol rediscovered some watercolours Leon had done years ago. One of these paintings had been dubbed “Deux Hearts” and Leon decided it should be on the cover of Rainbow Deux, getting as far as approving a draft concept for the artwork. Carol has overseen developing that draft into the final gatefold sleeve. It brings together quotes, photographs and tributes in what is a reflection on the music, relationships and philosophy of the sensual minister. Gerry “the gov” Brown, Leon’s long-time sound engineer, was by his side throughout the project, recording and mixing. The album was mastered by Toni Economides and Simon Francis’ additional sensitive work makes sure this double LP sounds like it should on vinyl. Be With’s first ever release was Leon’s eponymous LP. Re-issuing that album planted the seed of a relationship that has grown to grant us the privilege of presenting his crowning achievement. We know that Leon’s fans all over the Earth will love Rainbow Deux. But we also hope that this album, the final entry in a phenomenal body of work, will reach new fans and find fresh conduits for the spirit of this oft-unsung hero of Soul. Leon always said “they will get it when I’m gone.” He also said that “the spirit never dies”… Artist Leon Ware Genre Soul / Funk Label Be With Records Buying Options 2LP Gatefold Sleeve Format 2LP , Gatefold Sleeve Condition New Country UK Track Listings A1 : Rainbow Deux (6:57) A2 : Let Love In (6:14) A3 : Sigh (4:08) B1 : The Darkest Night (7:32) B2 : Surrender Now (6:08) B3 : Summer Is Her Name (4:37) C1 : Are You Ready (3:18) C2 : Streets (Keep Me Runnin’) (7:00) C3 : Samba Dreams (3:20) D1 : Let’s Go Deep (5:27) D2 : We Should Be Laughin’ (3:45) D3 : Wishful Thinking (4:00) Share this On Facebook On Twitter Via Email More from Leon Ware and more from Soul / Funk View Product Quick View Leon Ware Leon Ware Soul / Funk | Be With Records | 1LP Released 27th May 2014 £19.00 Back Order View Pre/Back Orders Leon Ware Leon Ware £19.00 Genre: Soul / Funk Label: Be With Records SKU: BEWITH001LP Formats: 1LP Released Date: 27th May 2014 Read More Back Order View Pre/Back Orders View Product Quick View Ponderosa Twins Plus One 2+2+1= Soul / Funk | Numero | 1LP, Coloured Vinyl Released 22nd April 2022 £24.00 Select options Ponderosa Twins Plus One 2+2+1= £24.00 Genre: Soul / Funk Label: Numero Formats: 1LP, Coloured Vinyl Released Date: 22nd April 2022 Read More Select options View Product Quick View Naomi Shelton & The Gospel Queens Cold World Soul / Funk | Daptone | 1LP Released 28th July 2014 £16.00 Back Order View Pre/Back Orders Naomi Shelton & The Gospel Queens Cold World £16.00 Genre: Soul / Funk Label: Daptone SKU: DAP033LP Formats: 1LP Released Date: 28th July 2014 Read More Back Order View Pre/Back Orders View Product Quick View Al Green I’m Still In Love With You Soul / Funk | Fat Possum | 1LP, Coloured Vinyl Released 28th October 2022 £20.00 Back Order View Pre/Back Orders Al Green I’m Still In Love With You £20.00 Genre: Soul / Funk Label: Fat Possum SKU: FPH11363 Formats: 1LP, Coloured Vinyl Released Date: 28th October 2022 Read More Back Order View Pre/Back Orders View Product Quick View Boney M The Magic of Boney M Soul / Funk | Sony | 2LP, Coloured Vinyl, Gatefold Sleeve Released 18th March 2022 £25.00 Back Order View Pre/Back Orders Boney M The Magic of Boney M £25.00 Genre: Soul / Funk Label: Sony SKU: 19439934431 Formats: 2LP, Coloured Vinyl, Gatefold Sleeve Released Date: 18th March 2022 Read More Back Order View Pre/Back Orders Nearly New View Product Quick View Tymes, the People (stereo) Soul / Funk | Direction | 1LP Released 7th May 2013 £20.00 Add to basket Reserve View Reservations Tymes, the People (stereo) £20.00 Genre: Soul / Funk Label: Direction SKU: NN57403 Formats: 1LP Released Date: 7th May 2013 Reserve View Reservations Read More Add to basket Nearly New View Product Quick View George Clinton The Cinderella Story Electronica | Paisley Park | 1LP Released 15th February 2024 £14.00 Add to basket Reserve View Reservations George Clinton The Cinderella Story £14.00 Genre: Electronica Label: Paisley Park SKU: nn280998 Formats: 1LP Released Date: 15th February 2024 Reserve View Reservations Read More Add to basket View Product Quick View Bastien Keb The Killing of Eugene Peeps Soul / Funk | Gearbox | 1LP Coloured Vinyl Released 9th October 2020 £22.00 Back Order View Pre/Back Orders Bastien Keb The Killing of Eugene Peeps £22.00 Genre: Soul / Funk Label: Gearbox Released Date: 9th October 2020 Read More Back Order View Pre/Back Orders View Product Quick View Anita Baker Rapture Soul / Funk | Music On Vinyl | 180g, 1LP Released 10th June 2013 £20.00 Back Order View Pre/Back Orders Anita Baker Rapture £20.00 Genre: Soul / Funk Label: Music On Vinyl SKU: MOVLP809 Formats: 180g, 1LP Released Date: 10th June 2013 Read More Back Order View Pre/Back Orders View Product Quick View Aretha Franklin Lady Soul Soul / Funk | Rhino | 180g, 1LP Released 15th January 2018 £17.00 Back Order View Pre/Back Orders Aretha Franklin Lady Soul £17.00 Genre: Soul / Funk Label: Rhino SKU: 0603497864522 Formats: 180g, 1LP Released Date: 15th January 2018 Read More Back Order View Pre/Back Orders View Product Quick View Marvin Gaye Marvin Gaye Volume 3 1971-1981 Soul / Funk | UMC | 8LP, Box Set Released 27th May 2016 £93.00 Back Order View Pre/Back Orders Marvin Gaye Marvin Gaye Volume 3 1971-1981 £93.00 Genre: Soul / Funk Label: UMC SKU: 5353422 Formats: 8LP, Box Set Released Date: 27th May 2016 Read More Back Order View Pre/Back Orders See more in Soul / Funk Start again
View Product Quick View Leon Ware Leon Ware Soul / Funk | Be With Records | 1LP Released 27th May 2014 £19.00 Back Order View Pre/Back Orders Leon Ware Leon Ware £19.00 Genre: Soul / Funk Label: Be With Records SKU: BEWITH001LP Formats: 1LP Released Date: 27th May 2014 Read More Back Order View Pre/Back Orders
View Product Quick View Ponderosa Twins Plus One 2+2+1= Soul / Funk | Numero | 1LP, Coloured Vinyl Released 22nd April 2022 £24.00 Select options Ponderosa Twins Plus One 2+2+1= £24.00 Genre: Soul / Funk Label: Numero Formats: 1LP, Coloured Vinyl Released Date: 22nd April 2022 Read More Select options
View Product Quick View Naomi Shelton & The Gospel Queens Cold World Soul / Funk | Daptone | 1LP Released 28th July 2014 £16.00 Back Order View Pre/Back Orders Naomi Shelton & The Gospel Queens Cold World £16.00 Genre: Soul / Funk Label: Daptone SKU: DAP033LP Formats: 1LP Released Date: 28th July 2014 Read More Back Order View Pre/Back Orders
View Product Quick View Al Green I’m Still In Love With You Soul / Funk | Fat Possum | 1LP, Coloured Vinyl Released 28th October 2022 £20.00 Back Order View Pre/Back Orders Al Green I’m Still In Love With You £20.00 Genre: Soul / Funk Label: Fat Possum SKU: FPH11363 Formats: 1LP, Coloured Vinyl Released Date: 28th October 2022 Read More Back Order View Pre/Back Orders
View Product Quick View Boney M The Magic of Boney M Soul / Funk | Sony | 2LP, Coloured Vinyl, Gatefold Sleeve Released 18th March 2022 £25.00 Back Order View Pre/Back Orders Boney M The Magic of Boney M £25.00 Genre: Soul / Funk Label: Sony SKU: 19439934431 Formats: 2LP, Coloured Vinyl, Gatefold Sleeve Released Date: 18th March 2022 Read More Back Order View Pre/Back Orders
Nearly New View Product Quick View Tymes, the People (stereo) Soul / Funk | Direction | 1LP Released 7th May 2013 £20.00 Add to basket Reserve View Reservations Tymes, the People (stereo) £20.00 Genre: Soul / Funk Label: Direction SKU: NN57403 Formats: 1LP Released Date: 7th May 2013 Reserve View Reservations Read More Add to basket
Nearly New View Product Quick View George Clinton The Cinderella Story Electronica | Paisley Park | 1LP Released 15th February 2024 £14.00 Add to basket Reserve View Reservations George Clinton The Cinderella Story £14.00 Genre: Electronica Label: Paisley Park SKU: nn280998 Formats: 1LP Released Date: 15th February 2024 Reserve View Reservations Read More Add to basket
View Product Quick View Bastien Keb The Killing of Eugene Peeps Soul / Funk | Gearbox | 1LP Coloured Vinyl Released 9th October 2020 £22.00 Back Order View Pre/Back Orders Bastien Keb The Killing of Eugene Peeps £22.00 Genre: Soul / Funk Label: Gearbox Released Date: 9th October 2020 Read More Back Order View Pre/Back Orders
View Product Quick View Anita Baker Rapture Soul / Funk | Music On Vinyl | 180g, 1LP Released 10th June 2013 £20.00 Back Order View Pre/Back Orders Anita Baker Rapture £20.00 Genre: Soul / Funk Label: Music On Vinyl SKU: MOVLP809 Formats: 180g, 1LP Released Date: 10th June 2013 Read More Back Order View Pre/Back Orders
View Product Quick View Aretha Franklin Lady Soul Soul / Funk | Rhino | 180g, 1LP Released 15th January 2018 £17.00 Back Order View Pre/Back Orders Aretha Franklin Lady Soul £17.00 Genre: Soul / Funk Label: Rhino SKU: 0603497864522 Formats: 180g, 1LP Released Date: 15th January 2018 Read More Back Order View Pre/Back Orders
View Product Quick View Marvin Gaye Marvin Gaye Volume 3 1971-1981 Soul / Funk | UMC | 8LP, Box Set Released 27th May 2016 £93.00 Back Order View Pre/Back Orders Marvin Gaye Marvin Gaye Volume 3 1971-1981 £93.00 Genre: Soul / Funk Label: UMC SKU: 5353422 Formats: 8LP, Box Set Released Date: 27th May 2016 Read More Back Order View Pre/Back Orders