Carolyn Leonhart

T he daughter of famed bassist Jay Leonhart, Carolyn Leonhart has a soulful voice that has been hailed by critics throughout the world. One of the winners of the Thelonious Monk Vocal Jazz Competition, she is one of the most accomplished and versatile singers of her generation.
C arolyn successfully straddles the ever-changing worlds of jazz and pop, interweaving both into many of her projects. She is known for her eleven-year tenure as lead back-up vocalist with Steely Dan, including five world tours, three albums, and four Grammy Awards. She brings class to pop bands like Lyn Leon and Wax Poetic, sings jazz classics with authenticity, and navigates through complex music with ease.
C ritics have written “Leonhart may be the one to give female vocalists a good name again.” - John Frederick Moore, Jazziz Magazine, July 2005 and “Leonhart simultaneously suggests the retro bleat of Billie Holiday and the modern cool of Patricia Barber... Absolute magic.“ - Christopher Loudon, Jazz Times Magazine, July/August 2005. In addition, Jazziz Magazine featured Carolyn on the cover of its “Women In Jazz” issue (2003) presenting even more evidence that Carolyn Leonhart stands out in the crowded field of jazz vocalists.
C arolyn's two solo CDs (“Steal The Moon” and “New 8th Day”- Sunnyside Records) have received wide critical acclaim. Carolyn has been enjoying recent success with her newest group, a collaboration with tenor saxophonist and husband, Wayne Escoffery. Together, they released “If Dreams Come True” on Nagel-Heyer Records in late 2007. The CD includes original compositions as well as inspired arrangements of jazz classics such as “Key Largo” and the title track, “If Dreams Come True”. Also featured is “Lullabye”, a Kenny Barron composition with lyrics by Carolyn.
R eviews of “If Dreams Come True” have said:
“ This duo’s whole is here proven even greater than the sum of its parts.”
Christopher Loudon - Jazz Times Magazine
“-a match made in musical heaven.”
Woodrow Wilkins - All About Jazz
“ Wayne and Carolyn deliver their music with imagination, joy, and exhilaration.”
George W. Carroll - Ejazz News
T heir group has performed at The Jazz Standard, and recently enjoyed three sold out nights at Smoke Jazz Club during Valentine’s weekend. Carolyn will also appear and sing in Sigourney Weaver's upcoming film "Girl in the Park" (written and directed by David Auburn), to be released in theatres later this year.
This MySpace site is created by Gina/Mizar5 and Carolyn Leonhart.