Chicago American Idol Leslie Hunt Recording Debut Album

CHICAGO, IL. (Leslie Hunt official website)--American Idol's Season Six (Season of Sanjaya) semi-finalist, Chicago singer and songwriter Leslie Hunt is recording her debut album, which she describes as 'pop with a strong jazz element, and some '80s and alternative music influences.' The album, to be released on her own label, Benesklie Music, is produced by music veteran Rick Chudacoff, the Nashville hit-maker whose credits include Grammy-winning country bluegrass queen Alison Krauss, and Chicago producer Christian Cullen, who has worked with band members from Prince, Damn Yankees, Lynrd Skynrd, Starship and more. Hunt is recording locally at Chicago's Gravity Studios, as well as studios in Nashville and L.A.

Said Hunt, 'I could not be more excited about this album if tried! It has an overall sound, but there is a level of diversity from track to track, and I'm convinced that people from all walks of life are going to relate to this record. It is a first for me, but I have found a home in the studio setting, and I plan on constantly coming out with fresh, new material from here on out.'

Familiar musicians on Hunt's debut album include American Idol judge Paula Abdul's bass player Vail Johnson (who also plays for Herbie Hancock and Kenny G), drummer Vinnie Colaiuta (Sting, Frank Zappa, Joni Mitchell, Faith Hill) and pianist David Sancious (Sting, Peter Gabriel, Bruce Springsteen).

Included in Hunt's team is top Chicago entertainment attorney Linda Mensch, Hillel (Frankie) Frankel from NoVo Arts consulting on the record label side, and entertainment media relations firm WriteBrain Media.