Neal and Leandra on Friday the 13th
 by Kathy S-B  ·  14 October 2006

Neal and Leandra haven’t appeared at the me & thee for four years. A lot has happened since that time we were reminded by this lovable couple of folksingers from Minnesota. They’ve recorded at least two albums since that time, including their tribute to Perry Como and their beloved daughter, Madeline, is four years older (and much more verbal). I still have to chuckle about the Perry Como album—who else do you know who would have the courage to record a tribute to Perry Como, King of the Cardigans? You have to love these guys for being so different but yet at the same time for being so….so…so NORMAL!

Part of Neal and Leandra’s charm is their obvious love and affection for each other which is very evident on stage. Their banter between songs is natural. Whether they’re laughing about Leandra’s dad who fell off his stationary bike or about Neal’s recent 25th college reunion or who the new dog likes best… it’s all very real and comfortable. Then there’s the music. What more can be said about Leandra’s voice? Their website describes it as “husky and lustrous” but I might suggest “luscious,” which, to me, is a tad more tantalizing. Leandra’s vocals beguile the audience into listening to every word, every syllable. Neal’s songs are memorable and thought-provoking. These two on one stage is a real winning combination. We hope it’s not another four years before they return again.