There are artists who define a genre, and then there are artists who are the genre. Leon Ware belongs to the latter. Often called the "Messenger of Love," Ware spent decades sculpting the landscape of sensual soul, crafting a sound so distinct it became the blueprint for everything from Quiet Storm to Neo-Soul.
As we move through 2026, a year of significant milestones for his catalogue, we turn our focus to ExpansionRecords.com. The label has long been the primary guardian of Leon’s legacy in the UK and Europe, ensuring that his sophisticated, jazz-inflected R&B remains available to the "soul family" worldwide. This year, we celebrate the anniversary of his most pivotal solo works and a series of definitive reissues that prove Leon Ware’s music isn't just timeless, it’s essential.
The Expansion Connection: A Home for a Legend
Expansion Records and Leon Ware shared a unique bond. While the major labels often struggled to market Leon’s nuanced approach to romance, Expansion recognised the "cult of Leon" for what it was: a global community of listeners who craved musical sophistication.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Expansion became the vehicle for Leon’s creative rebirth and the preservation of his rarest gems. This year’s anniversary focuses on four cornerstone albums and a string of singles that have become the holy grail for collectors.
1. Taste The Love (1995/1996)
Released originally by Expansion in the mid-90s, Taste The Love was a statement of intent. It proved that Leon hadn't lost an ounce of his velvet touch. The album features a stunning rework of "Come Live With Me Angel" - a song Leon originally wrote for Marvin Gaye’s I Want You.
- Why it matters: Voted one of the best soul albums of all time by Blues & Soul readers, it bridged the gap between the Motown era and the burgeoning Neo-Soul movement of the 90s.
2. Musical Massage (Expansion Reissue 2001)
Though originally a 1976 Motown release, Expansion’s 25th-anniversary reissue in 2001 (and subsequent vinyl pressings) added a wealth of unreleased material. This album is widely considered Leon’s solo masterpiece - the cousin to Marvin Gaye's I Want You.
- The Vibe: It is the sonic equivalent of a warm breeze. Tracks like "Learning How To Love You" and "Instant Love" (featuring Minnie Riperton) are masterclasses in vocal restraint and harmonic depth.
3. Inside Is Love (1979)
Expansion brought this classic back to the forefront, celebrating its slick, late-70s production. It features the dancefloor filler "What’s Your Name" and the original version of "Inside Your Love" - the latter being a track Leon famously wrote for Minnie Riperton’s Adventures in Paradise.
- The Anniversary Edge: This year, we revisit the expanded CD and vinyl editions that remind us how Leon could move between a smoky jazz club and a disco-funk floor with effortless grace.
4. Candlelight (2001)
A collaboration with jazz pianist Don Grusin, Candlelight showcased Leon’s "jazz side." It’s an album of standards and originals that strips away the heavy production to reveal the pure, raw emotion of Leon’s falsetto.
- The Impact: It remains one of the most requested titles on the Expansion webstore, serving as the ultimate "late-night" soundtrack for the refined soul fan.
The 45s: Essential Singles on ExpansionRecords.com
For the vinyl enthusiasts, the Expansion "45" series has been a godsend. Leon’s work is frequently featured in these limited-edition runs, and this year sees the spotlight return to several "double-A-side" powerhouses.
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Single Release
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Key Tracks
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Why You Need It
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EXPAND112
12” single
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"Why I Came To California" / "Can I Touch You There".
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A 12-inch heavyweight featuring the legendary Janis Siegel. The original promo is a £300+ rarity; Expansion made it accessible.
Buy Now.
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EXS050
7” single
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"Early Morning Love" / "Heartache"
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Two of the most sought-after cuts from his early 80s period, perfectly mastered for the 7-inch format.
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EXUMG21
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"What’s Your Name" / "Inside Your Love"
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The definitive "Modern Soul" 7-inch. A staple for any serious soul DJ.
Buy Now
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EXPAND21
7”
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“Shoulda Been You” / “Heartbeat”.
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First independent release for Expansion exclusively on this single.
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LW7-1-2015
7”
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“Why I Came To California” / “Rockin’ You Eternally”
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Two Leon classics from the 80s back-to-back.
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EX7026
7” single
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“What’s Your Name” / “Inside Your Love”
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The definitive “Modern Soul 7”. A staple for anyone serious.
Buy Now
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LW7-2011-1
7” single
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“Step By Step” / “On The Beach (Altjazz Love Soul Mix)”
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One of Leon’s latter day releases sounding as cool and relevant as ever.
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The 2026 Anniversary: Leon Ware (1982) Reissue
Perhaps the biggest news for the current anniversary year is the 2026 Reissue of the self-titled 1982 album (originally on Elektra).
While his 1972 debut shared the same name, the 1982 Leon Ware is the one that captured the "California Sound" of the early 80s. Featuring the infectious "Why I Came To California," this album represents Leon at his peak of commercial sophistication. With arrangements by Marty Paich and contributions from Gato Barbieri, it is a lush, sprawling epic of West Coast Soul.
"Leon didn't just write songs; he wrote atmospheres. When you put on an Expansion reissue of a Leon Ware record, the temperature in the room changes."
The Legacy Lives On
Leon Ware passed away in 2017, but his influence is louder than ever. You hear him in the music of Maxwell, Omar, Thundercat, and D’Angelo. He taught a generation of artists that vulnerability is a strength and that the "quiet" in Quiet Storm didn't mean a lack of power—it meant a focus on the heartbeat.
Expansion Records continues to curate his catalog with the respect it deserves. Whether it’s the Leon Ware & Friends compilation or the high-fidelity vinyl re-pressings of Rockin' You Eternally, the message remains the same: Love is the only language that matters.
Leon also celebrated on Expansion here:https://www.discogs.com/master/3035486-Leon-Ware-Leon-Ware-Friends
Buy Now - "Work Me" - Digital single.