Jay Leonhart

A fine songwriter himself, bassist Jay Leonhart on this set performs a variety of Richard Rodgers songs, drawing both from the Rodgers & Hart and Rodgers & Hammerstein repertoire. Leonhart just has an average voice, but he sells songs well. His voice and bass are featured in groups that range up to a septet that includes pianist Ted Rosenthal and three horns, including his son, Michael Leonhart, on trumpet. On one song apiece Leonhart is joined by singers Jodi Stevens, Carolyn Leonhart, or Donna Leonhart, while "The Sound of Music" features the American Saxophone Quartet. Other than "Edelweiss," there are no obscurities included on the set, but Leonhart's enthusiasm and phrasing, along with some inventive arrangements, make this a worthwhile effort. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide