Reviews
Jay Leonhart: Rodgers & Leonhart
(Sons of Sound SSPCD015)
"Jay Leonhart's latest, a leisurely
stroll through Mister Rodgers' classy neighborhood,
is as cozy and comfortable as a Fred MacMurray
cardigan. Ah, but don't let the relaxed
atmosphere fool you. Leonhart is the
Fred Astaire of jazz — a craftsman so seamlessly
smooth that casual observers often fail to grasp
the immensity of his talent.
As a bass player, Leonhart's in the same
exalted league as his mentor, teacher and musical
hero, Ray Brown. As a vocalist, he remains, much
like Astaire, significantly underappreciated.
They share the same reedy ability to compensate
for a limited range with masterful phrasing and
impeccable timing." [read
the review]
— JazzTimes, May 2003
 "…[Leonhart's]
enthusiasm and phrasing, along with some inventive
arrangements, make this
a worthwhile effort." [read
the review]
— All
Music Guide, February 2003
"…Bassist/vocalist Leonhart provides
this recording with a beautifully fresh
sense of humor and novel invention… ["The
Sound of Music"] and "Edelweiss" represent
worthy additions to the American Canon.
These performances on the whole have a
generous personality
and a wiseacre sense… as wholesome
as the girl next door — as
fresh, too." [read
the review]
— All
About Jazz, February 2003
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