Patrick Leonard: Rivers

The inspiration to create can be drawn from the most diverse sources; some can get inpiration from listening to the works of a great master composer or improviser, others from a beautiful painting or other great work of art. Still others derive their artistic motivations from nature itself; the landscapes, the mountains, the flora and fauna. Pianist Patrick Leonard summoned up the motivation to record this CD entitled Rivers , from a fishing expedition that led him to many of the major rivers throughout the Midwest. Leonard has had an impressive and fairly diverse career. His resume' includes stints as musical director for the Jacksons, and co-produced and co-wrote songs for Madonna, as well as composed soundtracks for such films as With Honors, Nothing in Common and At Close Range.

The planning for this disc began as Leonard got musically inspired while visiting the banks of great rivers such as the Missouri, the Madison, and the Shoshone, where for two weeks he cast his rod into the mighty waters and caught many fish. After the expedition, not only could Leonard tune a piano, but he could also tuna fish! Seriously though, there is nothing fishy about the actual music on this disc, and the scales that Leonard plays on the piano aren't fish scales. Most of the performances on this date are in a trio setting with John Pattitucci on bass, and Luis Conti on percussion. The decision to package the CD in the form of a small book containing a diary detailing the fishing trip was no fluke; it serves to enhance the total presentation of this CD. When I slipped the disc into my CD player, I said to myself "holy mackerel, this is good music". Pianist Leonard doesn't flounder here, but creates an interesting variety of moods and themes, without rocking the boat. So, if you like quiet, soft music that is guaranteed not to give you a haddock, you may just fall for this disc- hook, line, and sinker.