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Daysahead

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”Pat Metheny meets Chaka Khan”, this is what critics are saying about this dynamic duo, Daysahead. Guitarist/Producer Steve Wright and Vocalist/Lyricist Kim Leachman, produces music that is what Contemporary Jazz magazine feels is “high energy music with lyrical substance that 'rocks', embroidered with the fabric of jazz, soul and occasional Latin influences”. They hail Daysahead as “Tuck and Patty reincarnated in a quartet setting”. SoulTracks magazine agrees and concludes “They may, at first blush, look like a Tuck and Patty-type act, but one listen their eclectic, engaging brand of music shows that this is an original group bursting with its own distinct style that incorporates many elements of rock, jazz and R and B.”

When labels don't seem to quite fit in a world where labels are deemed so necessary and critical to creating an awareness, some artists tend to take matters in their own hands to help you understand them a little better. JAZZ-N-ROLL is a label Daysahead created to capture what their music is about. Based in Atlanta, GA “Daysahead is another impressive young act making its mark on that city’s vibrant musical scene.” SoulTracks further states that “Daysahead comes out of the box as a talented, original young group...the band is top notch and keeps (Turning Point) sounding immediate...it is a great showcase for their expansive vision of popular music.”

Daysahead's debut album Turning Point features the “compelling voice of Kim Leachman and energetic artistry of guitarist Steve Wright, and is the perfect marriage artistically” (Contemporary Jazz). The group was born out of the partnership between Steve Wright (Richmond, VA) and Kim Leachman (Baton Rouge, LA). While performing as electric guitarist and background singer, respectively, for Aezra Records recording artist Crea, Steve approached Kim to co-write and demo a few of his songs. After one writing session together the duo knew they were on to something special. Steve called up a few musician friends, and the group immediately began recording Turning Point. Since it's release in September 2005, Turning Point has received critical acclaim. Jazz-not-Jazz magazine says “Daysahead is a band that has truly developed their own sound that sets them apart from the rest of the new/neo/nu soul movement...it is this combination of musical instruments and Daysahead's own blend of soul, funk and rock that is a welcome breath of fresh air in today's music scene...the strength of guitar, bass, drums and impressive vocals offer a distinctive sound that’s left field from the soul mainstream in a refreshing way...”. JAZZ-N-ROLL you say! With their debut cd, Turning Point “...revives the spirit of the golden era of R and B/Soul bands of the 70's and 80's...Daysahead is a band with a sound that’s both contemporary and timeless” (RHYTHMflow magazine).

Relying solely on the strength of guitar (acoustic and electric), bass and drums, and vocals, one would never realize the absence of keys on 9 of 10 tunes on Turning Point. The duo's first collaboration, the opening track “You Move Me”, is an up-tempo love song with sultry vocals on the verse that are sexy and melodic followed up by a world beat chorus. According to Contemporary Jazz magazine “'You Move Me' explodes with raw detailed vigor and style you rarely hear in music these days. Wright's guitar licks thrust forward defining his purpose as a soloist, therefore, his voice merges seamlessly complimenting the talented vocalesse of Kim Leachman.” On “Love Is Love” the duo “playfully engage in lyrical and instrumental foreplay. This track, (very much like “You Move Me”), has strong crossover appeal” (Contemporary Jazz). Rock and Latin influenced “Falling Flower” is energetic and passionate. Advanced rhythmic and harmonic sensibility best describes this tune that's filled with amazing guitar and vocal scat lines, grooving bass and explosive drums. Slated as having a cool Santana vibe, this song highlights Bassist Jeff Smith and Drummer James Barrett as they weave in and out by attacking their instruments skillfully with reverie. “Days Ahead”, the only instrumental on the album, has a nice 6/8 reggae feel showcasing Steve Wright on guitar. His very expressive guitar melody lines are modal and fluent.

Other album highlights emphasing Daysahead's ability to set a thematic tone, without being preachy, are the soulful and encouraging “Take Your Time” and the socially consious ”It's In Your Hands” with its swinging uptempo groove. According to Funkjunkiez magazine, “It's In Your Hands” is “...an almost retro jazz-funk groove that does remind you of The Brand New Heavies, with its heavy rolling b-line and trippy vocals and divine breaks”. “Courting A Fantasy”, a beautiful duet between Steve and Kim, offers jazz authenticity with guitar and vocals. “Leachman's honesty and maturity as a vocalist is the canvas for her graceful lyrics as they ooze out slow and easy with conviction”, particularly on downtempo “For The Love” which also highlights a “heartfelt solo by Wright on electric guitar”. On this tune, Wright has “...a nice Isley like electric guitar solo” (Jazz-Not-Jazz). ”'Good Ole' Days', boasts a beautiful melody and lyrics that take a trip down memory lane...” (Jazz-Not-Jazz), reflecting on the band's hometown of Atlanta. Contemporary Jazz magazine says “The mysteries of what makes a great song is underscored internally and externally on 'Don’t Fall Too Fast'...The lyrics, instrumentation, and the improvisation are on the mark.” This nine and a half minute tune “successfully makes the transition from soul to rock” (Jazz-Not-Jazz). JAZZ-N-ROLL you say!

Contributing musicians on Turning Point are bassists Myron Carroll (Cleveland, OH), Jeff Smith (Springfield, MA) and Aaron Clay (Greensboro, NC), and drummers James Barrett (Baton Rouge, LA) and Joe Lee (Virginia Beach, VA). Current members are Steve Wright, Kim Leachman, James Barrett, and Brandon Gilliard (bass - Anderson, SC). Members of Daysahead have worked with an array of artists including Patti LaBelle, Mike Phillips, Ruben Studdard, Jagged Edge, Yolanda Adams, Betty Carter, Jhelisa Anderson, Darryl Coley, Greg Kirkland, Angela Winbush, Mikki Howard, Dorinda Clark, and Ce-lo.

Daysahead has opened for national and international recording artists including Angie Stone, Eric Roberson, Julie Dexter, Donnie, Anthony David, The Rebirth, and Leon and The Peoples. The band has played major festivals including Atlanta Jazz Festival, Centennial Olympic Park Wednesday Winddown, and the National Black Arts Festival.

High energy resonates from the stage during live shows with a strong vibe that offers, according to Neo Soul Today magazine “...gracefully strong female vocals (with an) incredible, upbeat, jazzy live band.” WVKR 91.3fm DJ Frank Matheis adds that Daysahead's music has the ability “to cross boundaries and shake up the soul”. The Jazz Pages magazine calls Daysahead's debut cd Turning Point “a tension-loaded mixture of Jazz, Pop and Soul”. A true reflection of this duo and group, Daysahead's debut album “cross- pollinates musically and culturally beyond the soundscape of most genres. Daysahead will garner richly deserved attention from music connoisseurs globally” (Contemporary Jazz). Take a listen to their JAZZ-N-ROLL!