Solo

By the late 90's, Les was working on his first solo record (Walk That Walk). Les recorded the record at Sound Of One Hand in Ottawa’s east end. Les worked day and night on the project in order to get everything in place to prepare to record the new record. All the staff at S.O.O.H were just great people to work with from John Dooher who just made the process so easy and enjoyable, considering everything that was going on, Ross Murray at the board with his inspirational rockin' to the tracks, Marty Jones who's final mix was exactly what I was shooting for, a country/rock record with a little edge. I'd like to thank all the musicians on the record once again, it was a pleasure working with you all. Many thanks go out to All Bragg who produced the record. His experience at the board, as a musician and his ear were a God send. One of the things I learned from Al was focusing on the sound of every single note and more so on the vocal tracks, I was truly amazed at his ability to get things just right, no matter how big or small. Al also brought in some great guests such as Steve Piticco, one of the worlds great pickers and Suzie Vinnick's harmony tracks are as sweet as sweet can be.

Les met up with Ralph Carlson at his home on more than one occasion to shoot the shit on music, recording and sit around jamming to some old tunes. Les has known Ralph Carlson since the late 1970’s when Les would head out to the Open Mic nights in and around the Ottawa Valley. Ralph always let Les get up and do his thing, whether Les was drumming and or singing and playing guitar. Ralph was another one of the good guys who supported up and coming talent. Ralph was a good friend and mentor. Some of the stories he told me about playing with Buck Owens and the like on the same bill gave me goose bumps and I truly believe he was beside himself as well. He could sure play that Martin guitar of his. Ralph lent Les his beautiful Gibson J-200 for the recording of “Walk That Walk”, it's used on "Not Gonna Take It Anymore". Ralph had such a collection of great gear. I’m sure Elaine (his wife) would cringe every time he came home with a new toy to use. Ralph passed away in the Fall of 2002 from Leukemia. Ralph will surely be missed.Thank you Ralph.

Here is some more info on the record entitled "Walk That Walk"

An accomplished singer/songwriter, Les has written 9 of the 10 songs on the CD entitled "Walk That Walk" available on LHL Records. The album was co- produced by Al Bragg, an accomplished musician & member of The Ottawa Valley Country Music Hall Of Fame, Ross Murray and Les Lepage.

Walk That Walk

Recorded at Sound Of One Hand Studios. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Mixed by: Marty Jones
Mastered by John Dooher & Sylvain Dubois

Musicians on the record:
Les Lepage on Percussions, Rhythm guitar, Vocals & Harmonies
Al Bragg on Keys, Dobro and Steel
Eduardo Flores on Drums
Mike Belanger on Lead Guitar
Rod Delcourt on Harmonies
Steve Piticco on Lead for tracks 1 & 5 - Mandolin on tracks 2 & 3
Tracy Clark on Lead & Rhythm Guitar
Tom Mc Mahon on Bass
Suzie Vinnick on Harmonies
Seamus Costello on Hammond organ for tracks 2,5 & 10

Les went out and put together a new band for the CD release party which was held at Hank’s on Montreal Road in Ottawa. He also brought out some special guests for the show.

The Boys in the Band:
Les Lepage on Rhythm Guitar/Vocals and Harmonies
Rod Delcourt on Bass/Vocals and Harmonies
Mike Belanger on Lead Guitar/Vocals and Harmonies
Eduardo Flores on Drums
Al Bragg on keys and steel

Honorary members :
John Dillabough on Lead Guitar/Vocals and Harmonies
Tracy Ckark on Lead Guitar/Vocals and Harmonies
Chris Birch-Jones on Bass/Vocals and Harmonies
Ken Reynolds on Drums

Les stopped by to see Terry Carisse in the Fall of 2000 at Terry’s request. Terry was interested in publishing some of Les’ songs including “Bartender” which he was very excited about. Les and Terry hung out now and then for the next 5 years going over the business of writing and what not to do. Terry Carisse was one of Canadian country music's most awarded - decorated and popular singer-songwriters. Terry passed away in the Spring of 2005. Terry will surely be missed. Thank you Terry.

Les continues to write and record demos as this stuff is in his blood. Loves to jam whenever he can with just about anybody along the way. Plays the odd live gig and loves to keep in touch with you out their in internet land.

If you'd like to share some pics/stories about any of the good or bad times with Les Lepage, send your pics/stories to info@leslepage.com and we'll gladly
post them for you.

Media Response to the CD “Walk That Walk”

Marg Rothwell (Reporter) for The Kanata Kourier has this to say about the CD entitled "Walk That Walk".
"Indeed it has a wide appeal, few of the tunes could be considered the traditional country songs of hurtin' and drinkin'. Instead, it's a toe-tapping mix of ballads, upbeat songs and even local tales of "girls in C.P.". (Carleton Place).

Simon Garner (Events Manager) Ogden Entertainment (Corel Centre)
"very entertaining, energetic & exciting show, loved their show at the Corel Centre ".

Nancy Stapleton Y-105 FM
"great show, the cd sounds great."

Victor Lauren (West Quebec Post)
"One of the better live country acts to come out of Ottawa, his CD is a well produced, well arranged disc and best of all, it is original music".

Bruce Leperre (Program/Music Director) 730 CKDM
"We love your c.d. entitled Walk That Walk. Don't sit on this, it's great."

Micheal O'Byrne (News Anchor) CJOH
"They got me dancing."


Radio Response to the CD “Walk That Walk”

Les' cd was released to 40 countries in Feb 2000 and it did very well in places like Australia, Sweden, France and was picked up by Trans American Broadcasting Corp in Hollywood California, which is syndicated to 78 other stations. Les' cd entitled "Walk That Walk" went to #37 on The Netherlands Indie/Major Label Chart. Right in the mix with artist like: Alan Jackson #31 - Faith Hill #33 - Tim McGraw #44 - The Dixie Chicks "

Geert Van Lommel, Radio Mol Belgium
"We received a copy of 'Walk That Walk' through 'Starbiz'. Took a look at your web site which is nicely designed, clear and informative. I think your album sounds real good. Many of the influences credited on your bio are also favorites of mine. Especially Steve whom I've met a couple of times, Gram, Jason etc. Some of them actually are reflected in your music. Good work. "

Pete Lenloy. Vienna, Austria
"A very good cd by Les Lepage. I like his fresh sound and the audience response is great."

Baldaccino Salvatore, Belgium
"The first release by Les Lepage gave me such a good shock. Les forges his own style oscillating between roots rock and excellent country and he ensures alone and strong. It's another one massive release to discover absolutely, I greatly enjoy. "

Roy Rhodes, Scotland
"Les Lepage is a very polished artist, close enough to being a complete artist. Showing his skills as a vocalist, composer and musician. Top cd.

Ross Murphy, Australia.
"Good voice, good solid production, a real winner."

Dann Hansen. Denmark "An exciting singer with punch in his gloves. This modern rock styled singer/songwriter is something that pleases the youth crowd of modern country music."

Sean Brady. Italy
"Les has a powerhouse vocal presence and is a super writer. I very much enjoy his style of country music. His vocals are excellently showcased and are supported by stellar musicianship."

Tom Robinson, England
" Hi just a few review notes on Les Lepage CD Walk That Walk. Good modern feel to the album featuring Country Rock and the present style of Dancing songs. Enjoyed "Talk about Love" and featured on show. Also modern feel to "All I Ever Need". "Feelin' Alright" comes over with a Rock N Roll Country style for the dancers. "Walk That Walk" held our attention and along with the others proved radio friendly. "Country Roads" reminds us of the more traditional songs of yesteryear and concludes a fine album in strong style. Les certainly knows how to Rock The Country. A creditable album.
8/10 rating. All the best."

All songs written by Les Lepage except *