I'll Be Home For Christmas by David Leonhardt

com - Richard Bourcier

 

“A pushing the speed limit “Sleigh Ride”. ...The ensemble’s tight, rhythmically vibrant sound......a newfallen snow freshness to “Let It Snow” They know just how much to twist a tune to brighten it up....solos that glide gracefully along...” Cadence Magazine

“The best in this genre I’ve heard this season so far. Leonhardt’s enjoyment comes thru” Audiophile Audition - John Henry

“I am loving the new CD, "I'll be Home For Christmas"...The arrangements are brilliant. Wonderful job from start to finish. The Jazz Nation- Albert Khalis Pride

“It’s a pleasure to come home to The David Leonhardt Jazz Group’s Santa’s bag full of traditional and familiar musical presents delivered in this far from ordinary CD. Hang I’ll Be Home for Christmas on the tree, top or bottom, or just wrap it up. You can forget the bow though; it’s pretty enough by itself.” JazzImprov Magazine Bob Gish

“He fashions each interpretation so that it stands out as an improvised work that the group can explore thoroughly. together, they turn over clusters of brightness that come surrounded by a hearty rhythmic foundation.“ Radio Jazz Josylyn Tillar

“Jazz lovers will  have a ball with I'll Be Home  For Christmas, it is the  kind of album that you might even want to pick up outside the Holiday  season” Greenwich Village Gazette     Ernest Barteldes

“This helped erase the holiday cynicism better than eggnog and brandy.” JazzTimes Magazine-Tad Hendrickson

“A cozy combo album perfect for hearing as those chestnuts roast on an open fire. Creatively jazzed up!” Hot House Magazine George Kanzler

“It’s the arrangements, they are killer! This one’s getting stereo time at my place well after the holiday season, it’s that good! Very commendable job by all the musicians, but it is David Leonhardt’s arranging that brings out the magic in these holiday originals.

Rating 10 out of 10” Jazz Exodus Magazine Steve Laury

“BRILLIANT....Absolutely brilliant.....your holiday record I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS is a joy to play”. Eric Cohen - Music Director--WAER Radio

“Leonhardt has created a musical context that's as large with possibilities as his appealing piano playing.....the entire CD is a great reappraisal of holiday classics that you're sure to enjoy. AllMusic.com Paula Edelstein

Pennsylvania Arts On Tour Roster Artist!

call 610-252-9892 e-mail notes@davidleonhardt.com

The Shelley Oliver Tap Dancers have an new DVD

Coming up: more concerts w/ David “Fathead” Newman, and The Shelley Oliver Tap Dancers, Frostburg U, Cape Charles Arts enter, , Cumberland County College, Butler County College, Muhlenberg College, East StroudsBurg U, Bucks County CC.

call 610-252-9892 e-mail notes@davidleonhardt.com

Check out our web site for a complete schedule

www.davidleonhardt.com

Also look for the new David “Fathead” Newman CD City Scapes on the High Note label featuring David Leonhardt on piano with arrangements by David Leonhardt to be released in January.

Mr. Leonhardt established himself as an international performing artist when he toured for four years as pianist for jazz legend Jon Hendricks, accompanying vocalists such as Diane Reeves and Bobby McFarren. Joining The David "Fathead" Newman Quintet he furthered his reputation as a burning jazz pianist and made his name familiar on the New York jazz scene. He went on to form his own band performing in the U.S., Japan, and Europe. In 1991 he founded Big Bang Records and released his first CD "Departure" to great critical acclaim as well as his popular CD "Reflections".

Mr. Leonhardt has produced, arranged, and performed on numerous recordings with jazz stars Stan Getz, Slide Hampton, Jon Hendricks, Eddie Henderson, Robin Eubanks, Ray Drummond, and Lewis Nash. His compositions have been recorded by such jazz greats as Stanley Turentine, David "Fathead" Newman, Hank Crawford, and Claudio Roditi. He has written arrangements for The Art Blakey Big Band and been guest conductor and arranger for The Benny Carter Orchestra.

DAVID LEONHARDT

Biography

David Leonhardt, jazz pianist and composer, is a highly skilled and versatile artist. His thirty years of professional experience has included recordings, T.V. and radio, concerts and festivals, night clubs and stage shows. He has appeared internationally throughout North and South America, Europe, the Middle and Far East with some of the biggest names in jazz. He leads his own concert ensemble The David Leonhardt Jazz Group and is the founder and president of Big Bang Records with eight CDs as a leader.

Performing and studying as a teenager in Louisville, Kentucky with noted educator Jamey Aebersold, Mr. Leonhardt acquired his skills backing such diverse jazz talents as Buddy Defranco, Dave Liebman, and Buddy Tate. After moving to New York City in his twenties Mr. Leonhardt established himself as an international performing artist when he toured for four years as pianist for jazz legend Jon Hendricks, accompanying vocalists such as Diane Reeves and Bobby McFarren. Joining The David "Fathead" Newman Quintet he furthered his reputation as a burning jazz pianist and made his name familiar on the New York jazz scene. He went on to form his own band performing in the U.S., Japan, and Europe. In 1993 he founded Big Bang Records and released his first CD "Departure" to great critical acclaim as well as his popular CD "Reflections".

Mr. Leonhardt has produced, arranged, and performed on numerous recordings with jazz stars Stan Getz, Slide Hampton, Jon Hendricks, Eddie Henderson, Robin Eubanks, Ray Drummond, and Lewis Nash. His compositions have been recorded by such jazz greats as Stanley Turentine, David "Fathead" Newman, Hank Crawford, and Claudio Roditi. He has written arrangements for The Art Blakey Big Band and been guest conductor and arranger for The Benny Carter Orchestra.

At present Mr. Leonhardt is leading his own band with successful appearances at the International Arts Festival of Shenzen in China, the Winnipeg Jazz Festival, The French Maison de Dance in Lyon, as well festivals and concerts throughout the United States. His all star group has been heard at The Apollo Theater, The Blue Note, Birdland, and Sweet Basil . He is a well known educator, gives clinics world wide, and has written for the magazine "Piano Today".

Recently Mr. Leonhardt arranged and recorded the #1 jazz CD "Under a Woodstock Moon" with saxophonist David Newman, and released the CDs "I'll Be Home For Christmas" and "Jazz For Kids". Mr. Leonhardt is on the roster of The Pennsylvania Arts On Tour and gives educational clinics worldwide.

WHAT THE CRITICS SAY

"David Leonhardt, an intense and swinging artist alert to every mood."

Leonard Feather, Los Angeles Times

"The David Leonhardt Trio provided first rate jazz."

Burt Supree, Village Voice

"The superb David Leonhardt Trio...."

Bob Harrington, New York Post

"Mr. Leonhardt on piano is also musical director. The troupe is fortunate to have him."

Jack Anderson, New York Times

"...David Leonhardt, who played with ease, respect, and good cheer."

Phillip Elwood, San Francisco Chronicle

"Leonhardt explored the piece in a solo that showed his understanding of space as well as notes."

Stuart Troup, New York Newsday

"...a stellar rhythm section , featuring David Leonhardt on piano."

Variety

"Backed by the superb David Leonhardt Trio, with expert and sensitive piano work by Leonhardt."

Back Stage

"... a fiery solo by pianist David Leonhardt."

Royal Stokes, Washington Post

"Leonhardt is doing just fine in the jazz world."

Gene Williams, Louisville Courier Journal

"David Leonhardt is a very swinging articulate pianist"

Porland Jazz Notes

"Mr. Leonhardt's Group gives refreshing insight to the music of Georger Gershwin"

Jazz News

"Leonhardt's Jazz Group is Magnificent"

Jazz Hot

David Leonhardt

Selected Discography

As a Leader:

"A Time For Love", Big Bang Records BBR9564 with Nancy Reed.

"Reflections", Big Bang Records BBR9562 with Lewis Nash and Peter Washington.

"Departure", Big Bang Records BBR9561 with Eddie Henderson, Robin Eubanks, Rich Perry, Lonnie Plaxico, Ray Drummond, and Marvin "Smitty" Smith.

With David "Fathead" Newman:

"Under A Woodstock Moon", Kokopelli Records ?????? arrangements and compositions by David Leonhardt with David Newman, Wynard Harper, Bryan Carrot, and Steve Novasel.

"Mr. Gentle Mr. Cool", Kokopelli Records ?????? with David Newman, Ron Carter, Lewis Nash and Peter Washington.

With Herbie Mann:

"Celebration", Lightyear 54185-2 with Herbie Mann, Ron Carter, Wynard Harper, David Newman

With Michele Hendricks:

"Carryin' On", Muse MCD 5336 produced by David Leonhardt with Michele Hendricks, Stan Getz, Ray Drummond, and Marvin "Smitty" Smith.

"Keepin' Me Satisfied", Muse MCD 5363 produced and arranged by David Leonhardt with Michele Hendricks, David Newman, Slide Hampton, Claudio Roditti, Ray Drummond, and Marvin "Smitty" Smith,.

"Me and My Shadow" Muse MCD 5421 produced and arranged by David Leonhardt with Michele Hendricks, Jon Hendricks, James Williams, Ray Drummond, and Marvin "Smitty" Smith.

The David Leonhardt composition "Slippin' Down" recorded by David "Fathead" Newman with Stanley Turentine and Hank Crawford on the CD "Fire", Atlantic 81965-4.

David Leonhardt composed the soundtrack for the award winning film "Ain't No King Comin'", which won the 1987 NYU best film award and the 1987 Mobil best film award.

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