As alter ego, Paisley Beebe, Australian Professional Jazz Vocalist Leonie Smith has developed a persona on the Internet Virtual World "Second Life", Jazz Diva and Glamour Fashionista Ms Paisley Beebe. Who has made a stunning Debut since February 2007, by streaming live concerts to the best venues in "Second Life" for an increasingly large audience of Second Lifers who have claimed her as their own Jazz Diva. The Buzz around this new Second Life artist is huge!!!! with offers of appearances and media publicity swamping her. Her level of professionalism and experience of live performances have put her ahead of the crowd and this is being noticed in a big way. The lady knows how to put on a show and can actually sing!!!!
She is inviting the very best musicians to accompany her with Mr. George Golla being one of the first, and with her real life band consisting of the crème of the crop of legendary Australian Jazz musicians, Second Life is in for a real treat, the like of which has never been seen yet.
Leonie has been working on her performances for 15 years just waiting for an opportunity to show what she can do, with ever diminishing live venues in Sydney and corporate events flourishing it has been an ever increasing struggle to perform at "Public" concerts, but "second lifer's" from all over the Real world have embraced her determination and talent with open arms, big things are planned "in World" and in Real life for this extraordinary untapped talent. Including RL tours Overseas, from contacts made on Second Life and on March 14th virtual appearance in conjunction with the biggest event in Independent music the SXSW music Expo held in Austin Texas arranged by Cattle Puppy productions.
Australian Vocalist Leonie Smith's velvety smoothness can’t conceal her versatility. She effortlessly, and seamlessly, affects shifts in mood, and tempo, as she spools through her considerable repertoire of songs ‘we all know’, and love. She can soulfully tease out, say, the languid longing of Summertime, to the brink of poignancy, in a fashion that’d do even Billie proud. She can pull out all the stops for an ‘A Train’. Or with equal aplomb, bounce every ounce of wry humour out of a Cole-fired classic. From Rogers and Hart, to Monk, and all shades in-between, she can make it sing; she can make it swing! From ballads to blues, the girl’s got it covered.
Leonie has been singing professionally since 1992, with some of the Best Jazz Artists Australia has to offer, and also some of the best venues. She is in great demand for Jazz Club Gigs, jazz Festivals, Corporate events, and private functions. Her Sophisticated Style suits those who like their Jazz Shaken not stirred! Leonie Smith has been nominated for 3 musicoz Awards for best Independent Jazz Artist.
Leonie released her Debut Album in June 2003. "Sweet Jazz" was produced by Jazz Doyenne Biddell and Producer Band Leader John Morrison of the Sydney Olympics Swing City Big band fame and brother of James Morrison Australia’s answer to Louis Armstrong, two very well known names in the Australian Jazz Scene. Kerrie for her status as Australia's undisputed leading jazz vocalist, and John for his musicianship and notoriety as the leader of the "Swing City" Jazz Band.
Leonie is also presenter of the Jazz at 5 fri Afternoon Show on Fridays, on FM99.3 2NSB Northside Rhythm and Jazz where she heavily promotes local Contemporary Australian Jazz musicians and singers.
