Bill Leslie - Paradise (2025)

On the 14-track album, Bill, a multi-instrumentalist, performs on lead guitar, piano, flutes, Celtic whistles, keyboards, and harmonium. Joining Bill on the album is Jennifer Curtis on violin and guitar (track 3), Bill Covington on piano (tracks 2, 6 and 9), Nancy Green on cello, and Melanie Wilson on oboe. The songs are based upon some of the happiest and most joyful places Bill has visited in his lifetime, such as the delightful “Autumn in Vermont” which opens this gorgeous collection of music. All this makes for a rich, multi-layered tapestry of sound throughout.

From the very opening notes of “Autumn in Vermont” we seem to be transported there. Personally, I’ve not experienced this season in Vermont, but the imagination easily conjures up scenes of colorful maple trees dancing elegantly in the soft breeze. This is ultra-relaxing, flowing, and melodic.

“April in Asheville” is brimming with the beauty of tulips and azaleas in full bloom at the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina. Mellow strings and piano flow nicely together in perfect harmony.

I wish we could address every track here, but space does not permit. However, I will say there’s nothing not to like here and everything to love. You will want to get the whole thing because it’s impossible to choose a favorite. Some things I like best and some highlights: In addition to the soft guitar, I love the sweet flute on this album, as well as violin, cello and, well, just all of it. It’s superb. There’s a quiet and jubilant feel to every track, reminding us of the celebratory aspects of life in all its goodness.

“Oregon” has some lovely ocean sounds and a delightful Celtic ambiance. Here, we have sound effects from Cannon Beach and the waterfalls of Wah Keena and Watson. Very enjoyable. “Lofoten” was inspired by an early morning rainbow Bill had the pleasure of seeing in Norway. This is lighthearted and beautiful.

Soft piano, strings, and flute, weave nicely together to form an ongoing southern festival of flowers in “Blowing Rock.” Just gorgeous, and again, quite transportive. Ditto for “Tuscan Trilogy” sans flute. This song celebrates the beauty of the Chianti wine region of Italy.

“Shenandoah” is an exceptionally beautiful song. This is tender, romantic, and sweet with a gentle folk ballad kind of feeling. Quite lovely and memorable.

There certainly are some astoundingly beautiful places in the world. Bill found “Banff” in Canada to be one of those breathtakingly beautiful places. And we can travel there vicariously through this gorgeous track. Here in the dreamy instrumentation and melody, we can easily envision shimmering glaciers, turquoise lakes, and towering mountains.

The harmonically pleasant, “Fiordland” takes us on an enjoyable hike on Milford Track in New Zealand. Soft bird sounds along with a happy melody and Celtic influence relax the mind and body and bring right into the present moment. This is grounding and centering as well as fun.

“Paradise” closes out with the hauntingly beautiful track, “Hebrides,” which speaks to an island chain off the northwest coast of Scotland. This is soft, slow, and meditative with its compelling flute, Celtic whistles, and heavenly atmosphere.

Its own mini travelogue, the entire album is like light, bubbly champagne in a sparkling crystal glass. Look no further. Paradise found.