Michael Leonhart, trumpeter, multi-instrumentalist, orchestrator (Nels Cline’s Lovers), arranger (Camille Bertault) and producer (Sachal Vasandani’s Slow Motion Miracles): this New York native falls into the category of quality hyperactive artists, the kind we love, where each new project pushes us to reflection, curiosity and sonic travel. As a sideman on stage or in the studio, he is the same, and the list is star-studded: Bruno Mars, Antibalas, Lenny Kravitz, Sean Lennon, Alicia Keys, Wynton Marsalis, Bobby McFerrin, Charles Bradley, Sharon Jones, David Byrne and Steely Dan, with whom he has been collaborating since 1996.
His discography is just as impressive with more than 9 albums that are all to be found in his record library. Imagine that at only 17 years old, he had already won a Grammy for best musician in studies!
In 2022, he will unveil a formidable tribute in memory of his dog, The Normyn Suites 2. At the head of his requiem, his Michael Leonhart Orchestra, of more than sixty musicians with guests of exceptions as the trumpeter Keyon Harrold, Freddie Hendrix, Catherine Russel, etc. In terms of composition and interpretation, it’s not bad either with, among others, Josua Redman, Elvis Costello, Chris Potter and, finally, the rapper JSWISS, with whom he will release the same year a joint album, Bona Fide.
The festival had the good idea to invite them for one night. Michael Leonhart will be on stage surrounded by his musicians of the moment and JSWISS will deliver his best flow.
An evening not to be missed, where jazz, soul, hip hop and funk will come together.
Photo credit © DR
Michael Leonhart : trumpet
JSWISS : emcee
Jason Marshall : bari sax
Max Pinto : baritone sax and flute
E.J. Strickland : drums
Joe Martin : acoustic bass
Elizabeth Pupo-Walker : percussion
Guillaime Latil : cello
