What The Critics say about David Leonhardt
"David Leonhardt, an intense and swinging artist alert to every mood."
Leonard Feather, Los Angeles Times
"The David Leonhardt Trio provided first rate jazz."
Village Voice
“Leonhardt’s deft and airy piano touch, always romantic and brightly swinging”
Jazz Times
“Leonhardt is an inventive stylist”
Jazziz
"The superb David Leonhardt Trio...."
New York Post
"Mr. Leonhardt on piano is also musical director. The troupe is fortunate to have
him."
New York Times
"...David Leonhardt, who played with ease, respect, and good cheer."
San Francisco Chronicle
"Leonhardt explored the piece in a solo that showed his understanding of space
as well as notes."
New York Newsday
“Leonhardt andassociates are serious artists. When they sink into a groove and
let the music carry them away, the audience is transported!”
Star Ledger
"...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."
Washington Post
"Leonhardt is doing just fine in the jazz world."
Louisville Courier Journal
What The Critics say about
David Leonhardt’s CD “Explorations”
“Leonhardt looms as a vivid storyteller.. a superfine effort...with a
melding of eloquence and passion. “ Glenn Astarita Jazzreview.com
“Leonhardt's piano work as remarkable as ever... trio jazz in its finest
form...Leonhardt's own "Winter Waltz" would make Dave Brubeck
smile...
The Run Off Groove John Book
“Simply superb piano from David Leonhardt..., you've NEVER heard
interpretations as spirited as these! ...MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!”
indieonestop.com Rotcod Zzaj
“this is cool, hip stuff that is sly, musical as well as lyrical, and zesty, snappy and
tasty throughout.....sounds like a spiritual tribute to the original Ramsey Lewis
Trio in their pre-”In Crowd” era.” Midwestrecord.com Chris Spector
“Leonhardt and his able trio swing with an easy, dancing and playful swagger....
Leonhardt has a light airy touch that traverses the keyboard with a dance-like
quality....A solid piece of straight-ahead piano trio work.” jazz.com Ralph A.
Miriello
The David Leonhardt Trio... exceptional...."Explorations" puts a new
twist on classic songs....a great sound. ...highly recommended!” Metro
Spirit Augusta Ga RICH MCCRACKEN II
“As honest, balanced and flexible a musician as there is in jazz, Leonhardt and
this truly excellent trio needs to be heard....a gorgeous, near perfect
interpretation of Horace Silver's "Peace...”AlLMUSIC.com by Michael G.
Nastos
“Leonhardt's strong keyboard lead, paced by the fiery play of both Garnett and
Parrish,... Late Night Blues," a driving piece with an insistent, almost addictive
beat...” geezermusic club Big Geez
“A man for any and all seasons, David Leonhardt has demonstrated on
many occasions his expertise on piano as well as that of composer and
arranger.... “ All Music Guide David Nathan
“Pianist David Leonhardt, who gigged for years with saxophonist David "Fathead"
Newman, is a rare top-flight jazz player....” Philadelphia Inquirer Karl Stark
“The kind of musical intensity heard on the best Keith Jarrett sessions!” Cadence
Magazine
“This new CD will enhance not only his reputation but his trio as well… heartfelt
playing. Overall, this is a CD for music lovers who think they can't relate to jazz music.
Jazzchicago.net Jean Timmons
What The Critics say about
David Leonhardt’s CD “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”
What the critics say:
“The former David "Fathead" Newman Quintet pianist David Leonhardt and his
swinging friends, perform X-Mas evergreens with an engaging spirit and an
abundance of musical intelligence. The makeover of "We Three Kings" is
particularly fresh, and the dramatic focus on "Have Yourself a Merry Little
Christmas" is as impressive as a prize ornament on the tree.” DownBeat
Magazine Frank-John Hadley
“If you could rate CD reviews by kisses, I would have my
lip marks all over this disc. David Leonhardt has created something special for
us”
The Musicians' Ombudsman- George W. Carroll
Jazz aficionados will flip for the David Leonhardt Jazz Group's I'll Be Home for
Christmas . It's a classic! Christmas Reviews.com Carol Swanson
“ ...holiday songs with a welcome jazz spirit...The pianist brings a warm glow to
each song. He fashions each interpretation so that it stands out as an
improvised work that the group can explore thoroughly.” All About Jazz .comJim Santella
“In the humble opinion of this reviewer, I'll Be Home For Christmas is the tastiest
holiday album in recent years.” jazzreview.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! 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
“David Leonhardt has some Guaraldi in his playing and a lot of Leonhardt. It’s a
jazz piano workout... good solid music.” Senior Life Magazine- Kirk Silsbee
“Saxophone and vocals add to the David Leonhardt Jazz Group, but it is still
Dave's excellent work on the keys that puts "I'll Be Home For Christmas." in the
“recommended” category“ Post Crescent, WI - Gerry Grzyb
“The David Leonhardt Jazz Group delivers some solid traditional sounds in “I’ll
Be Home For Christmas” a most tasty collection of familiar carols and songs.
Leonhardt’s arrangements are are lively and frequently whimsical....Leonhardt’s
solid keyboard chops are evident on every track.” The David Enterprise-Derrick
Bang
“"I'll Be Home for Christmas," a sensuous holiday disc sure to warm up the
coldest winter night. ...Leonhardt's incredible piano playing...” Rosemary PratkaThe Morning Call
What The Critics say about
David Leonhardt’s CD “Plays Gershwin”
The release of an all-Gershwin record when played as lovingly as David Leonhardt does
surely is welcome.
Jazznet.com
David shines on the piano, the tenor soars, and you've got a great rhythm section that
cooks. By picking a tasteful vocalist such as Nancy Reed, David Leonhardt allows the
listener to enjoy some easygoing pleasurable Jazz.
Jazznow.com
I find that his new CD The David Leonhardt Jazz Group Plays Gershwin is charming and
lighthearted, and it lifts my spirits
Speaking my Piece -Texaco and the Arts
In addition to his technical mastery of the instrument, jazz pianist and
arranger David Leonhardt is a creative soloist and an intuitive and
sympathetic accompanist.
Jazzreview.com
The David Leonhardt Jazz Group Plays Gershwin appealed to me in a way that few other
jazz recordings do. Featuring Nancy Reed on vocals and excellent side men, I can’t
explain why it enchanted me so.
Postscripts
It is the lyrical pianism of David Leonhardt and the articulate vocalizing of long time
collaborator Reed which lifts this album. This is outstanding work!
All About Jazz