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JAY LEONHART


BIO:
Jay Leonhart was born on December 6, 1940, in Baltimore Maryland. His parents, sisters, and brothers (6 kids in all), were all musically inclined. Everyone played the piano. By the age of 7, Jay and his older brother Bill were playing banjos and guitars and mandolins and basses. They played country music, jazz -- anything with a beat. In their early teens, Jay and Bill were television stars in Baltimore and were touring the country performing on their banjos.When Jay was fourteen he started playing the bass in The Pier Five Dixieland Jazz Band in Baltimore and never looked back. After studying at The Peabody Institute, Jay attended The Berklee School of Music and The Advanced School of Contemporary Music in Toronto, before leaving school to start touring with the traveling big bands of the late 50's and early 60's.At 21, Jay moved to New York City to start his career and to proceed on his oddessy towards adulthood. He played lots of funky road gigs with big bands, small bands and singers and visited all the little jazz joints around the world. In 1968, he met and married a lovely young singer named Donna Zier and settled down in New York. Jay and Donna Leonhart have also raised two very musically inclined children, Michael and Carolyn, who perform with Steely Dan, among other notables.Upon moving to New York, Jay eventually began playing for many of the great jazz musicians, big bands, and singers who were to be found in New York - artists like Thad Jones and Mel Lewis, Tony Bennett, Marian McPartland, and Jim Hall. The list goes on and on, and Jay has continued to work with many of the great jazz musicians of the twentieth century.Jay became a very busy studio musician in New York City, visiting every musical genre from James Taylor to Ozzy Osbourne and Queen Latifah. Between 1975 and 1995 he was named The Most Valuable Bassist in the recording industry three times by the National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences. Jay has now recorded 15 solo albums - all the while knowing that he would some day begin performing one man shows made up of these many songs about his life in music. "The Bass Lesson" is the first example. This show is being received warmly by critics and audiences and appears to have a nice long life ahead of it.Jay's next show "Nukular Tulips" is in the works.In his 1959 Loyola High School year book, Jay Leonhart was named "The Most Witty" in his class. Forty six years later with "The Bass Lesson" and "Nkular Tulips", we find out why..

Latest Articles


Photos: Adrian Galante at Birdland Theater Photo Photos: Adrian Galante at Birdland Theater
by Kevin Alvey - November 28, 2024

Adrian Galante made his Birdland Jazz Club headline debut on November 26th. Backed by Alan Broadbent on piano, Jay Leonhart on bass, and Obed Calvaire on drums... Adrian played his jazz clarinet (and 2 forays on the piano) with mesmerizing expertise....

Multi-Award Winning Cabaret And Jazz Vocalist Celia Berk Releases Her 3rd Album 'Now Photo Multi-Award Winning Cabaret And Jazz Vocalist Celia Berk Releases Her 3rd Album 'Now That I Have Everything'
by A.A. Cristi - September 14, 2022

Celia Berk, the multi-award winning vocalist, has just released her much anticipated third studio album, Now That I Have Everything. Music Director/Pianist Tedd Firth revives the classic format of the Nat King Cole trio with bassists David Finck and Jay Leonhart and guitarist Matt Munisteri, along w...

Jack Kleinsinger's Highlights In Jazz 46th Anniversary Gala 2/28, BMCC TRIBECA Perfor Photo Jack Kleinsinger's Highlights In Jazz 46th Anniversary Gala 2/28, BMCC TRIBECA Performing Arts Center
by Tori Hartshorn - February 21, 2019

Each year, savvy jazz fans look forward to the annual Highlights In Jazz series. For almost a half century, the Jack Kleinsinger-produced events have brought together a multitude of beloved jazz musicians spanning an eclectic mix of generations and styles. The 2019 season is no exception, with four ...

Highlights In Jazz Announces its 47th All-Star Season Photo Highlights In Jazz Announces its 47th All-Star Season
by Kaitlin Milligan - January 02, 2019

Each year, savvy jazz fans look forward to the annual Highlights In Jazz series. For almost a half century, the Jack Kleinsinger-produced events have brought together a multitude of beloved jazz musicians spanning an eclectic mix of generations and styles. The 2019 season is no exception, with four ...

Highlights In Jazz Announces its 47th All-Star Season Photo Highlights In Jazz Announces its 47th All-Star Season
by Kaitlin Milligan - November 19, 2018

In four stellar concerts featuring some of the brightest luminaries in jazz today, 2019's Highlights In Jazz series brings together a multitude of beloved jazz musicians spanning an eclectic mix of generations and styles. You'll hear unforgettable performances from jazz veterans including Warren Vac...

Jack Kleinsinger's Highlights In Jazz Presents A Salute To Russell Malone Photo Jack Kleinsinger's Highlights In Jazz Presents A Salute To Russell Malone
by A.A. Cristi - May 02, 2018

Jack Kleinsinger's Highlights In Jazz closes its 46thseason with a tribute to lauded jazz guitarist Russell Malone. A mainstay on the Manhattan music scene since the 1980s, as well as a regular at international festivals and concert halls, Russell has attracted critical and fan recognition for his w...

Highlights In Jazz Announce Schedule Changes Following the Passing of Kevin Mahogany Photo Highlights In Jazz Announce Schedule Changes Following the Passing of Kevin Mahogany
by A.A. Cristi - December 20, 2017

Producer Jack Kleinsinger and the entire Highlights In Jazz family joins the rest of the jazz world in mourning the late Kevin Mahogany, who passed away December 17, 2017. He was originally scheduled to appear at the season kickoff concert....












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