Leo & Leo (Leo Sidran & Leonor Watling) with the Groovy French Band

“LEO & LEO position themselves as a sophisticated and cross-border project, where the soul of jazz, elegant pop, and introspective storytelling go hand in hand.” YTI Magazine, Spain

Leo (Sidran) and Leo (Watling) have known each other for over 15 years. Always crossing paths whenever Sidran—the American singer-songwriter and performer—plays in Madrid, they often find themselves repeating the classic phrase: “We have to do something together someday.” Yet, as is often the case, making it happen proved more difficult than saying it.

This is due in no small part to Watling’s busy schedule as one of the most recognisable actresses on Spanish screens (Pedro Almodovar’s Talk to Her was her breakout role), while also being a singer with an exceptional taste for what she calls the “back roads” of music—those that exist outside the mainstream. Whether with Marlango—the band she has led since 2002—or through her own projects, like the one at hand, she has always followed her own unique journey (and collaborated with iconic performers in both Spanish and English including Rufus Wainwright, Jorge Drexler, Fito Paez & Miguel Bose).

Finally, in the fall of 2023, Sidran and Watling’s paths truly converged on stage in Vitoria, Spain, where Leo performed with The Groovy French Band (Sidran’s regular collaborators).

From that moment on, they started planning to record together, working on original songs by Leo, sung by Leonor and played alongside The Groovy French Band (Max Darmon, Paul Sany & Romain Bouiges). In September 2024, over three magical days at Estudio Uno (Madrid), they recorded a selection of songs from Leo’s discography, along with two original compositions written specifically for the project. With guest appearances from mutual friends including Kevin Johansen & Jorge Drexler, their debut album, called simply Leo & Leo, comes out in October 2025.

Sidran has made Crazy Coqs his performing home in London since 2023. This will be Watling’s first time performing in London!

Leo Sidran: guitar and voice
Leonor Watlling: voice
Max Darmon: bass
Paul Sany: piano
Romain Bouiges: drums