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David
Leonhardt, jazz pianist and composer, is a highly skilled
and versatile musician. His twenty five 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. Recently Mr. Leonhardt arranged
and recorded the #1 jazz CD "Under a Woodstock Moon"
with saxophonist David Newman, appeared with flutist Herbie
Mann and bassist Ron Carter on the CD "Celebration".
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.
Six years as a member of the "Fathead" Newman
Quintet furthered his reputation and made his name familiar
on the New York jazz scene. He went on to co-lead a band
recording three C.D.s for the Muse label and 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".
He was musical director for the dance group Manhattan
Tap for three years and is now the musical director and
arranger for The Muhlenberg Jazz Tap Ensemble.
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 writes for the magazine "Piano Today".
Mr. Leonhardt has twice been the Artist in Residence at
Lafayette College and is on the roster of The Pennsylvania
Arts On Tour.
This project is partially supported by a grant from Pennsylvania
Performing Arts On Tour, a program developed and funded
by the Vira I. Heinz Endowment, The William Penn Foundation,
The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and The Pew Charitable
Trusts and Administered by Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation. |
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