Press
Brave Woman (Single - 2019)
“Brave Woman is a playful, upbeat tune that draws influence from Brazilian samba and features an acoustic sextet. Harmonized flute and cello melodies weave through the song’s steady bass line to create a counterpoint to Shoshanah’s singing, which deftly oscillates between bold and vulnerable in her performance.”
-Alyssa Welch, Midwest Action, read the full review here
“When I listened to “Brave Woman,” I immediately drew parallels to Fiona Apple and the tough female singer-songwriter powerhouses of the late 90s and early 2000s. Bolstered by clean, warm upright bass, crisp percussion, and sultry piano, Shoshanah’s strong alto voice saunters through with cool assurance and bluesy sweetness.”
-Indigo Finamore, Medium.com, read the full review here
A Child Like This (Album - 2017)
“Aided by flutes, mandolins, and alliterative refrains that encourage singing along, Leah Shoshanah’s “A Child Like This” digs deep into traditional folk to create an album that sounds refreshingly original in 2017. Through her unbelievably adaptive voice, she shifts tones frequently through the album but balances folk minimalism so well.”
-Chaz Hearne, Chaz Thoughts Music Blog, read the full review here
Heaven (Single - 2020)
“In our greatest times of grief, we must imagine what we believe is a “good death” and embrace our own mortality, allowing ourselves to be vulnerable and love fully in the time that we have. Shoshanah captures these thoughts and allows us to ask what death is like and reflect on loss in our lives.”
-Indigo Hope Finamore, Medium.com, read the full review here
General Press on Artistic Career
“During this time, I have found peace and strength from my religious community and the following two prayers. They are especially inspiring for me when I am able to sing them with my community or listen to my cantor singing them in her home through various online platforms.”
-Interfaith America, read the article here
“Cowen produced her debut, nine-track album, “A Child Like This” (2017), with borrowed equipment — dragging audio interfaces and microphones across the city to record an ensemble of nine different musicians. She designed all of her album covers, recorded and edited her own music videos and organized dozens of shows at traditional and DIY venues around Chicago.”
-Kiera Allen, Daily Journal Kankakee Article feature on Leah's artistic story
Testimonials
“Your divinely inspired voice and earnest spirituality made these High Holidays incredibly moving and meaningful for me and my family. Thank you for creating such a powerful sacred space. Thank you for sharing your many gifts with all of us.”
-Jan Y., member of Tzedek Chicago
“Leah Shoshanah contributed so much to the success and smoothness of our High Holiday Services in 2016. She worked hard to learn new melodies, was professional and extremely easy to work with, brought her wonderful spirit and positive energy to our community, and her music, including original pieces, was uplifting and inspiring! She brings her all to the project! She sings from the heart, and connects with the people she is working with and singing with. She is both talented and fully approachable and fun to work with.”
-Rabbi Shalom Bochner, Congregation Beth Shalom, Modesto, CA
“Your rendering of that prayer is beautiful and I have turned to it and cried probably half a dozen times over this last year.”
-Daniel P., speaking about Leah’s “Mi Shebeirach”
“Anyone who hires Leah will be in awe of the pureness of her voice. She sings with her heart.”
-Arlene Polonsky, B’nai Mitzvah Officiant who has hired Leah for b’nah mitzvot since 2017
“You are fabulous! Your Shalom Rav is a winner. My husband and I are singing the melody now. I look forward to more songs from you.”
-Susan D., attendee of a virtual concert with the Cantor’s Assembly
"We were so fortunate to connect with Leah, who served as the cantorial soloist during my daughter's bat mitzvah. She came into the planning process with an open mind and a great deal of flexibility. Music was an extremely important component of the ceremony, given that my daughter and I are both musicians. She understood that we wanted some less traditional music choices, and she used her musical knowledge and creativity to meet that goal. She suggested different options (but not too many!) that would be ideal for each part of the service. When the ceremony took place, she was very well-prepared, and sang and played guitar so beautifully. It was a cold day when we held this outdoor service, and she took this in stride. During the party after the ceremony, Leah also helped lead the havdalah service and put together a wonderful "set list" for a group song session. Again, she sang beautifully and so many guests joined in because of her enthusiasm and great song choices. Her investment in making this day special was greatly appreciated by my family, and I hope we will have the opportunity to bring her back to our community sometime in the near-future. If you want to make any event more special with creative musical choices, I highly recommend working with Leah, who is a very talented and thoughtful cantorial soloist. "
-Naomi Morse, former client
“Anyone who is looking for a cantorial soloist should jump at the chance to work with Leah Shoshanah. She strikes this rare mix of knowing the traditional songs and blessings so well, at the same time as bringing her own deep and meaningful originality to bear. Leah is also just a genuinely kind person and her authenticity and generosity shine through in her music. Leah has a true commitment to social justice and that also comes through so clearly in her music. Leah is such a gift to the world and anyone who gets to work with her is a very lucky person.”
-Maya Schenwar, editor-in-chief of Truthout magazine
Singer Songwriter and Performer
“Throughout my years as a fan, I have witnessed Leah’s music transform the human soul and bring people together in community, where all may be themselves without judgment. Leah’s music deeply encourages transformation through direct action, helping others discover the power that has always been within themselves to bring real, positive change to the human experience.
Her music releases have been especially inspiring as we have all struggled with the difficulties experienced due to the disruption caused by the Covid-19 Pandemic, which has affected her greatly as a live performance artist. Despite these setbacks, she has worked very hard to overcome the challenges and continue her great work.”
-Bryson Burnside, longtime fan and concert-goer
“Leah Shoshanah’s performance was magical— a little Joan Baez, Judy Collins with a bit of gypsy jazz thrown in for good measure. A lilting voice, a gifted guitarist, and one beautiful song after another, all thrown into one.”
-Jonathan and Linda Franklin, house concert guests
“I have known Leah for many years as a yoga teacher at my wellness studio and a local musician in our neighborhood. She consistently impresses me with her dedication to our community through song. She works tirelessly to create new music either solo, with her father or her band. During the pandemic, Leah was a bright light to many with her weekly concerts. My son and I would get so excited to see her share a post, or text us about an upcoming show. Leah's concerts gave us something to look forward to and gave us hope during the initial dark days of covid. I know I speak for many when I say that Leah gives the community a sense of togetherness and belonging. This is evident at many of her shows...and we have been to almost all of them because my 8 year old son is her biggest fan. Leah's beautiful voice and thoughtful songs speak to people. I'm always surprised by the huge turnout she is able to bring together each time she plays. When you look around the room, people of all different races and religious backgrounds fill the space. They have huge smiles on their faces as they dance or sing along with Leah's gentle encouragement. Her songs about Chicago really resonate with friends and neighbors. She brings a lovely and refreshing depth, breadth and humor to her song writing.”
-Amy Bogl, owner of Centered Studios Chicago