Leo Sayer: One Night In Sydney - Live At The Basement (2006)

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Leo Sayer: One Night In Sydney - Live At The Basement (2006)

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Leo Sayer is quite an enigma. Mention his name today in most music discussions, and people look at you like you've lost your mind. Of course, anything you say after that is not likely to be taken seriously, and your friends will never let you forget it. What they probably don't know, however, is that there was a time when Leo Sayer was a very popular artist, and when you listen to the man himself rattle off the list of names he has worked with, you begin to understand that his musical influence and success is a lot greater than he is given credit for.
Born Gerard Sayer and nicknamed Leo for his lion like appearance by the wife of then manager Adam Faith, himself a former pop star, the two things that have not changed in the 30 years since his first album are his crazy clown-wig like hair, and his enthusiastic and energetic stage show. His debut album, Silverbird, was a top seller in the UK and the USA, as was the follow-up Just A Boy. Hit songs from these albums included The Show Must Go On, Long Tall Glasses, and One Man Band. His next three albums all went Top 10 in the UK, but were less successful in the States. Most of his albums since then have at least entered the UK Top 20 and have spawned nine UK and four US Top Ten hits including When I Need You (a UK and US Number One), More Than I Can Say, Moonlighting, and How Much Love (his other US Number One). Remember, too, that Sayer wrote or co-wrote most of his own songs. Further proof that the man has talent.
Leo Sayer - One Night In Sydney: Live at the Basement is a recent record of what Leo Sayer's career has become in the last ten years, and that is focused on live performances. The accompanying documentary highlights that Sayer is well aware of the fickle finger of pop and the rollercoaster nature of a career in music, and more importantly that he accepts it. Even he would probably agree that his career will never quite reach the heights it once did, but it is still fun, and he is still able to make a living from it. He is not about to complain about travelling the world, meeting people and doing the thing he loves, performing.
For those not yet aware, the Basement is a Sydney club, and the small, intimate venue has been the setting for a number of recent DVD releases. It includes its own radio station, and broadcasts some shows, such as this one, onto the Internet. The intimate setting is perfect for Leo Sayer, who obviously enjoys performing, and feeds off the crowd enthusiasm that he manages to generate. His enthusiasm is infectious, and the small but appreciative crowd were literally dancing in the aisles (well between the tables anyway) and on stage with Sayer, who obviously revels in their appreciation. Don't be put off by the nay-sayers (ooh, bad pun)… If you've ever caught yourself singing along to a Leo Sayer hit, then bite the bullet and give Leo Sayer - One Night In Sydney: Live at the Basement a look.

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Leo Sayer: One Night In Sydney - Live At The Basement (2006)

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Leo Sayer: One Night In Sydney - Live At The Basement (2006)

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Leo Sayer: One Night In Sydney - Live At The Basement (2006)

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Leo Sayer: One Night In Sydney - Live At The Basement (2006)

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Leo Sayer: One Night In Sydney - Live At The Basement (2006)

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