Connye Florance's - self-titled release on Leon Russell Records -is nearly an hour's worth of bewitching jazz vocals and masterfully crafted contemporary jazz arrangements. Slow, soulful grooves, engaging melodies wrapped in sexy funk, quiet moments of alluring simplicity and Connye's rich, warm sound highlight this eleven song collection. Featured in this mix of great new tunes in an old familiar favorite...a sort of hip-hop groove ballad style remake of the Leon Russell song that rocket-launched guitarist George Benson into popular fame, "This Masquerade."

A chance meeting through a mutual acqaintance brought Connye, arranger and co-producer Kevin Madill and industry legend and label owner Leon Russell together. The decision to work out a deal for a national release was not long in coming.

"Working with Leon has been incredibly exciting", says Florance, who co-wrote all but one of the songs on connye florance, along with Russell and Madill. "Leon is a master at what he does, and he definitely isn't afraid to try something new. His sense of what strikes the common heart is what has made him a legend. I couldn't have asked for a more creative and enlightening experience."

Released on September 11, 2001, connye florance is distributed nationally by Navarre distributors.