Reviews

Jay Leonhart Trio: Cool
(Sons of Sound SSPCD022)

"I really enjoyed Cool, comprised of mostly heartfelt standards with quite a few interesting arrangements. This record gets a very high WBGO factor due to the clear connection to the past done in a moderately unique way. The ethos of the trio clearly is with straight, swinging music, very tightly arranged, with the players developing a group personality. They are not a mere copy of the OPT, or, for that matter the Nat King Cole Trio (see “Bop Kick”), but have internalized the feel of the drummerless trio and swing like crazy, even when one player is soloing." [read the review]
— Cadence, July 2005

"Jay's vocals are about as "hep-cat" as you'll hear these days… this group is tight!  In fact, the compositions are SO well integrated that you often don't realize it's a trio… sounds kind of like ONE player is doin' it all.   Cohn's guitar is some of the best jazz you'll hear this year, or next, or… The thing that's so "cool" about Mr. Leonhart's music, best reflected on his original, "For Real" (my favorite cut on the album) is that they recall an era where jazz was light-hearted, yet spirit filled… & help the listener to reclaim a little bit of that wonderful time.  This CD gets our MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating, with a strong urging that you rush right out & buy this one." [read the review]
— Improvijazzation Nation, 2005

"…appealing tracks on an album awash in colorful arrangements. …Leonhart’s trio, featuring Ted Rosenthal on piano and Joe Cohn on guitar, is a tight ensemble that calls to mind the classic piano-guitar-bass lineup of Oscar Peterson, Herb Ellis and Ray Brown. …“If I Only Had A Brain" is playful and unpredictable… “I Loves You, Porgy”, gentle and understated, with Leonhart gracefully soloing throughout." [read the review]
— All About Jazz - New York, February 2005

"To the distinguished jazz pedigree of bass-piano-guitar groups can be added bassist Leonhart's trio with pianist Ted Rosenthal and guitarist Joe Cohn. It's a fluent, hand-in-glove working band that wears its individual and collective virtuosity with a light touch. …The trio swings hard and the internal balance is impeccable; both Leonhart and Cohn are in fine form, but the star of the show, in a beguilingly tasty example of the genre, is Rosenthal, who somehow raises the bar every time he solos." [read the review]
— The Irish Times, January 2005

"This is the initial recording effort for this trio, and the enthusiasm and musicality displayed here is most welcome indeed." [read the review]
— JazzScene, January 2005

"Cool (Sons of Sound) works precisely because the Jay Leonhart Trio does manage within the framework of revisiting classic works to do them with dashes of personality and flair. …often exciting solo sections… polished and disciplined pros who still find ways to sneak in clever licks or quick turns within the set musical situations. …this is a solid mainstream/repertory date." [read the review]
— Nashville City Paper, January 2005

"Jay Leonhart drew inspiration early in his musical life from the Oscar Peterson Trio (with Ray Brown and Herb Ellis), which serves somewhat as a model for this trio date. With pianist Ted Rosenthal and guitarist Joe Cohn, they put together a delightful set, sharing the solo spotlight and playing superb backgrounds for one another… "Take Four" serves as a snappy opener while featuring some of the best solos of the date in this neglected bop masterpiece… thoroughly enjoyable CD." [read the review]
— All Music Guide, December 2004

"The Jay Leonhart Trio gives great cool sounds with the release of Cool. It is a nice listening journey the jazz audience will relate to, and enjoy… The keynote to this fine collection is the exceptional solo and group work, each song a showcase for the musicians. This is one of the best trios around… Enjoyable. Memorable listening experience." [read the review]
— jazzreview.com, December 2004

"The jazz on Cool is absolutely solid but never dense — it's playful and flowing, full of imagination and wit… The trio freshens the familiar with new arrangements… flashes of humor with profound respect and love for the tradition… If you liked Oscar Peterson with Ray Brown and Herb Ellis, you'll love this new release." [read the review]
— All About Jazz , December 2004