Turning Point by Daysahead

The Atlanta-based band has done so by blending their backgrounds in jazz, soul and rock and roll to create the distinctive sound they describe as “Jazz-n-Roll.”

“So many times in the music industry record company execs and critics try to label artists as one thing. In their opinion you have to fit neatly in a box. In our opinion and so many other artists’ opinions, it’s cool and more creative to incorporate different elements of music into what you do,” said Daysahead lead vocalist and lyricist Kim Leachman. “Daysahead writes and performs music that incorporates different progressions of jazz with elements of rock, especially since our instrumentation is guitar driven, which lends to a rock and roll feel and sound. “What we’re doing is taking a jazz approach to rock and roll,” said Daysahead guitarist and musical director Steve Wright. “Our music comes from the soul, and there’s definitely the elements of soul music involved. So, you’ve got soul mixed with jazz and rock hence the term Jazz-n-Roll.” Daysahead’s musical influences range anywhere from Pat Metheny, Led Zepplin, Chaka Khan, Rachelle Farrell, Pink Floyd, Prince, Jimi Hendrix, Phyllis Hyman, Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan, Gladys Knight, Jeff Buckley and The Police.

With the goal of recording eight to 10 original songs for Daysahead’s debut CD, Wright and Leachman settled into a collaboration in late 2003 that today continues to complement and challenge both their individual approaches to creating music -Leachman from a lyrical and melodic standpoint and Wright from a musical production and arranging perspective.

The result is the CD “Turning Point,” independently released in September 2005. The theme of the CD revolves around a turning point in the band members’ personal lives and musical experiences, explained Leachman. Daysahead transformed from professional side people for other artists into artists themselves. “When we were working on Turning Point we truly found ourselves musically. Most of life’s lessons in our personal journey shaped who we’ve become and our writing styles seemed to find a home with each other. We’re grateful that our sound is ours.” Wright adds “Our sound wasn’t planned, it just happened. Not to say it wasn’t a whole lot of hard work, because it was. We spent a solid year and a half recording this project, making sure to not rush anything.”

The duo agree that this album has been a spiritual journey. Wright and Leachman wanted “Turning Point” to also take their listeners on a journey of self-discovery and awareness. With that, songs on the CD weave a tapestry in and around love, acceptance of cultural differences, and understanding one’s purpose and destiny.

Leachman and Wright, along with band mates drummer James Barrett and bassist Brandon Gillard, are thrilled by the critical acclaim “Turning Point“ has received and have taken their Jazz-n-Roll sound out on the road, performing at venues in and around the Southeast including the Montreux Jazz Festival and National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta this past summer and the upcoming Bayfest Music Festival in Mobile, Alabama in October. With each performance, Daysahead has steadily built up a loyal fan base. And not surprisingly through internet marketing, Turning Point is receiving global appeal. One of the band’s fans from England, Tim Deal said “After stumbling across this band through my love of Pat Metheny I couldn't wait till I received this (cd)...and I was not to be disappointed. From the Police influenced opener You Move Me to the simply beautiful jazz filled ending Courting A Fantasy there is much to be excited about. Highlights for me were Falling Flower, a track which showcases the band's superb playing and knowledge in all genres from Rock to Soul to Latin which blend very convincingly. Singer Kim, whilst being an excellent lyricist, is also a very versatile singer and this is demonstrated on all the tracks, her dynamic range and ability to become sweet and soulful one minute and then powerful and angry aid this albums mood. Steve, the guitarist and co-writer of the songs has such a rapport with Kim and this is apparent throughout the album. This really is an excellent buy, with superb playing, writing and arranging.”

Daysahead welcomes you to Jazz-n-Roll!

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About Daysahead

Daysahead (www.daysaheadmusic.com; www.myspace.com/daysaheadmusic) was born out of a partnership between Steve Wright, a native of Richmond, Va., and Kim Leachman, originally from Baton Rouge, La. While performing as electric guitarist and background singer, respectively, for Aezra Records recording artist Crea, Steve approached Kim to co-write and demo a few of his songs. After one writing session together the duo knew they were on to something special. “You Move Me” was their first collaboration. Steve called up a few musician friends, and the group immediately began recording their first CD “Turning Point.” Since its release in September 2005, “Turning Point” has received critical acclaim. Contributing musicians on Turning Point are bassists Myron Carroll, Jeff Smith, Aaron Clay and drummers James Barrett and Joe Lee. Current members of Dayshead are Steve Wright, Kim Leachman, Brandon Gillard (bass), and Che' Marshall/Terrell Sass/Les Cleveland (drums). Jazz-not-Jazz magazine says, “Daysahead is a band that has truly developed their own sound that sets them apart from the rest of the new/neo/nu soul movement. . . it is the combination of musical instruments and Daysahead’s own blend of soul, funk and rock that is a welcome breath of fresh air in today’s music scene. . .” According to Contemporary Jazz magazine, "‘Turning Point’" features the compelling voice of Kim Leachman and energetic artistry of guitarist Steve Wright…a near perfect marriage artistically. The opening track ‘You Move Me’ explodes with raw detailed vigor and style you rarely hear in music these days. Wright’s guitar licks thrust forward defining his purpose as a soloist, therefore, his voice emerges seamlessly complimenting the talented vocalesse of Kim Leachman.” Daysahead is currently working on their second album to be released in 2007.

Daysahead has opened for national and international recording artists including Al Green, Angie Stone and Russell Gunn, UK artist Jhelisa, Eric Roberson, Julie Dexter, Donnie, Anthony David, The Rebirth, and Leon and The Peoples. The band has played major festivals including 2006 Montreux Jazz Festival, 2006 Atlanta Jazz Festival series, 2006 Bayfest Music Festival, 2006 National Black Arts Festival, 2006 Wednesday Winddown at Centennial Olympic Park, 2006 City of Atlanta Month of May Jazz at Woodruff Park, 2006 Atlantic Station Jazz series, 2006 and 2005 Fulton County Tour de 29 Festival Of Cities music series, 2005 Holiday In Lights at Centennial Olympic Park, 2005 Richmond Fine Arts Music Festival. Daysahead has also been featured on TBS STORYLine Soundstage 2006 Music Series with encore presentations. And, the band's feature on Comcast cable network will air January 2007.

High energy resonates from the stage during live shows with a strong vibe that offers, according to Neo Soul Today magazine "...gracefully strong female vocals (with an) incredible, upbeat, jazzy live band." WVKR 91.3fm DJ Frank Matheis adds that Daysahead's music has the ability "to cross boundaries and shake up the soul". The Jazz Pages magazine calls Daysahead's debut cd Turning Point "a tension-loaded mixture of Jazz, Pop and Soul". A true reflection of this duo and group, Daysahead's debut album "cross-pollinates musically and culturally beyond the soundscape of most genres. Daysahead will garner richly deserved attention from music connoisseurs globally" (Contemporary Jazz). Take a listen to their JAZZ-N-ROLL!

Byline: Audrey Arthur

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