Instrumental arrangements of smooth jazz standards from the 40's, 50's, and 60's.

10 MP3 Songs in this album (37:12) !
Related styles: EASY LISTENING: Lounge, JAZZ: Traditional Jazz Combo

People who are interested in Frank Sinatra Tony Bennett Brazil should consider this download.


Details:
From the liner notes:
I remember the music. Back in the 60âs most kids were listening to the Top 40 Countdown every week. But the Leonard Brothers moved in a very different direction. Instead of Elvis, we listened to Oscar. Instead of the Beach Boys, we listened to Previn. And Iâll never forget the night my brother and I descended into the wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling, fully carpeted basement of one of his high school friends to listen to Stan Kenton â and our delirious ascent from the gray of monaural to the kaleidoscopic world of high fidelity.
The bloodlines were there. Both of our parents were musically inclined. Mom sang like a bird and was even offered studio work in New York City, but turned it down in lieu of bringing up the kids. And dad, who inspired the name of this CD â Reflections in Time â played big band alto sax. In fact, I still have a painting over the fireplace of a teenage Grandpa Leonard playing mandolin at a Long Island resort, adorned in full minstrel garb. So, thanks mom and dad (and grandpa, too) for influencing our tastes and nudging us in a different musical direction.
â Gerry Leonard

Personnel:
Garry Leonard â Drums
After graduating from Eastern Michigan University on a full music scholarship, Garry toured the U.S. with brother Gerry, singer Leslie Kendall, and pianists Alan Broadbent, John Serry and Gus Sims. He settled in Kansas City and began a career in music education with the North Kansas City School District. Heâs played with various groups in KC as well as the Starlight Theater, KC Chiefs Band and the Kansas City Symphony.

Gerry Leonard â Bass
Gerry played trumpet through college and following graduation, toured the U.S. playing bass with brother Garry for several years. Heâs played with many local Kansas City musicians including long stints with such notables as Frank Smith, Richard Ross and Joe Cartwright. For the past 20 years, Gerry has worked as a writer for several advertising agencies in Kansas City.

Danny Embrey â Guitar
Danny is a local musician, guitar instructor and recording artist with an international reputation. He toured for many years with Sergio Mendez, was a member of Clare Fisherâs Latin Band and most recently has been touring with Concord recording artist, Karrin Allyson.

Paul Smith â Piano
For over 30 years, Paul has maintained the perfect dual career â a music teacher by day and a jazz musician by night. Paul has worked with a plethora of locally and nationally known jazz artists and has appeared at jazz festivals in Berlin and Montreaux.

Gary Helm â Latin Percussion
Gary has been performing in the Kansas City area for the past 25 years, specializing in percussion and electric bass. He has toured the U.S. extensively with such well-known artists as Chaka Khan, the OâJays, Teddy Pendergrass and Earth, Wind and Fire.

Everette DeVan â Piano
Everette has been a mainstay in the Kansas City jazz scene for many years. Heâs also enthralled audiences from Tokyo to Italy to Africa and points in between with his toe-tapping, swinging style.

Mike White â Tenor Saxophone
Mike White is a lawyer and former county executive whose first love has always been jazz. He has worked with Cab Calloway, Jay McShann and many other Kansas City jazz musicians. Mike has spent a great deal of time in the 18th and Vine area, sitting in with such jazz notables as Charles Kynard and Wes Montgomery.