Jazz Articles about Neil Leonard

Neil Leonard: Timaeus

by Mark Corroto
December 1, 2001

Saxophonist Neil Leonard presents a series of diverse computer-interactive solo pieces that range from seemingly free to thoughtfully composed tracks. Leonard’s experiments and performance with electronics and composition began in 1989 and he has written music and software for video, art installations and clarinetist Don Byron. His musical direction begins with the experiments of George Russell and is paralleled only by fellow saxophonist Luc Houtkamp.

Timaeus comprises the saxophonist’s compositions utilizing various software instruction he also wrote. Each track was ...

Neil Leonard: Timaeus

by Jim Santella
December 1, 2001

New music and jazz flow from Neil Leonard's creative imagination. In the same way that “Rhapsody in Blue" pioneered a blend, Leonard's compositions mix a little swing with a wide variety of different effects. Sci-fi films are loaded with these unusual sounds. However, it's Leonard's alto saxophone that provides substance. He expresses soulful ballads and provides gutsy improvisation. Accompanying him, without overdubbing, are the electronic sounds that wait at his beck and call for their cues. From a coffee percolator ...