Jennifer’s Bloggallery

Every once in a while a memorable musical experience stays with you. I’ve been fortunate enough to have many great musical experiences.

I remember feeling it for the first time when I played bass duets with my teacher and mentor Al Stauffer at the Painted Bride Art Center in Philadelphia back in the 70’s. My tour with the Woody Herman Thundering Herd back in 1981 was quite memorable, (and grueling!). Playing across the street from City Hall at a club called the Newstand with Wendy Simon and Eric Speigel in ‘82, leading my own groups at the Main Point in Bryn Mawr, my days in Philadelphia were very happy ones.

When I moved to L.A. in 1983 the great musical experiences just kept getting better and better, a cast of thousands; culminating in my gig with Mel Torme’. There were times with Mel when I thought it just could never get any better. Just being on stage with an artist of his caliber was the greatest affirmation of my ability I could ever hope for. The level of art that we reached was frightening sometimes. The best part was that he totally encouraged his musicians to put their heart and soul into every performance, just as he did. He was so secure in his talent that he never minded sharing the spotlight, in fact, for the last few years we were his opening act. He wanted us to feel free to experiment, and drive him to even further heights, and he did the same for us whether it was Carnegie Hall or Michael’s Pub.

Obviously my solo recording career has been the best memorable musical experience, producing my CDs is the most fun I have in music. I’m always putting things together for the next recording opportunity.

Now that I’m finally getting my health together, some of my most rewarding musical moments are occurring once more. I’m very fortunate to have an outstanding group of talented musicians to choose from here in L.A. and I’ve been starting to book myself again with my trio. Each gig just gets better and better, and the audiences seem to be reacting in a very positive manner. I don’t think I’ve ever been more encouraged by my artistic outlook.

Recently I had the good fortune of making a return trip to play a concert in my former hometown of Philadelphia. Some friends of mine, Don and Linda Moyer, own a music store in Fairless Hills, Pa. Quite a facility! Proline Music is a large, modern space and it’s designed so that all the merchandise can be rolled to the walls and it becomes a concert space with great sound and lighting. Don and Linda are HUGE Mel Torme’ fans and collectors and I guess they just collected me! What an absolute pleasure! I booked another cohort who studied with Al Stauffer, the virtuoso guitarist Jimmy Bruno, to play duets. Jimmy is one of my favorite musicians. He’s probably one of my oldest friends as well, it’s always great to get together and laugh our heads off. I’ve been on a writing binge lately and Jimmy was quick to pick up a lot of original music. The show was sold out quickly and the audience was absolutely beautiful. There were people I hadn’t seen in 30 years – high school classmates, friends from my prehistoric garage band days, many dear friends, and fans from a long time ago. And talk about a memorable musical experience! Jimmy and I have played a few times since we recorded “Two For The Road” for Sinistral Records but this was the first time we played as a duo since those dates.

All modesty aside, we reached some new territory that night. I’m already preparing material for our next show at Proline!

Jennifer Leitham