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| Jazz-N-Roll From Daysahead The Atlanta-based band Daysahead blend their backgrounds in jazz, soul and rock and roll to create the distinctive sound they describe as "jazz-n-roll." "So many times in the music industry record company execs and critics try to label artists as one thing, " said Daysahead lead vocalist and lyricist Kim Leachman. "In their opinion you have to fit neatly in a box. In our opinion and so many other artists' opinions, it's cool and more creative to incorporate different elements of music into what you do. Daysahead writes and performs music that incorporates different progressions of jazz with elements of rock, especially since our instrumentation is guitar driven, which lends to a rock and roll feel and sound." "What we're doing is taking a jazz approach to rock and roll, " said Daysahead guitarist and musical director Steve Wright. "Our music comes from the soul, and elements of soul music are definitely involved. So, you've got soul mixed with jazz and rock, hence the term 'jazz-n-roll.'" Daysahead's musical influences vary to include Pat Metheny, Led Zeppelin, Chaka Khan, Rachelle Farrell, Pink Floyd, Prince, Jimi Hendrix, Phyllis Hyman, Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan, Gladys Knight, Jeff Buckley and The Police. With the goal of recording eight to 10 original songs for Daysahead's debut CD, Wright and Leachman settled into a collaboration in late 2003 that today continues to complement and challenge both their individual approaches to creating music - Leachman from a lyrical and melodic standpoint and Wright from a musical production and arranging perspective. The result is the CD Turning Point, independently released in September 2005. The theme of the CD revolves around a turning point in the band members' personal lives and musical experiences, explained Leachman. Notably, Wright and Leachman transitioned from guitarist and background vocalist for other artists into true, creative artists themselves. "When we were working on Turning Point, we found ourselves, musically. Most of life's lessons have shaped who we've become and our individual writing styles have found a home with each other. We're grateful that our sound is ours, " said Leachman. Wright added, "Our sound wasn't planned, it just happened. Not to say it wasn't a lot of hard work. We spent a solid year and a half recording this project, making sure to not rush anything." The duo agreed the creation of the CD was a spiritual journey. Wright and Leachman wanted Turning Point to also take their listeners on a journey of self-discovery and awareness. With that, songs on the CD weave a tapestry in and around love, acceptance of cultural differences, and understanding one's purpose and destiny. Leachman and Wright, along with band mates drummer James Barrett and bassist Brandon Gillard, are thrilled by the critical acclaim Turning Point has received and have taken their "jazz-n-roll" sound out on the road, performing at venues in and around the Southeast including the Montreux Jazz Festival and National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta and the Bayfest Music Festival in Mobile, Alabama. With each performance, Daysahead has steadily built up a loyal fan base. And not surprisingly through Internet marketing, "Turning Point" is receiving global appeal. One of the band's fans from England, Tim Deal said, "After stumbling across this band through my love of Pat Metheny I couldn't wait till I received this [CD]... and I was not to be disappointed. From the Police-influenced opener 'You Move Me' to the simply beautiful jazz-filled ending 'Courting A Fantasy' there is much to be excited about. Highlights for me were 'Falling Flower, ' a track that showcases the band's superb playing and knowledge in all genres from rock to soul to Latin, which blend very convincingly. "Singer Kim, whilst being an excellent lyricist, is also a very versatile singer and this is demonstrated on all the tracks, her dynamic range and ability to become sweet and soulful one minute and then powerful and angry aid this album's mood, " continued Deal. "Steve, the guitarist and co-writer of the songs, has such a rapport with Kim and this is apparent throughout the album ... superb playing, writing and arranging." Daysahead was born out of a partnership between Steve Wright, a native of Richmond, Va., and Kim Leachman, originally from 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. "You Move Me" was their first collaboration. Steve called up a few musician friends, and the group immediately began recording their first CD Turning Point" Since its release in September 2005, Turning Point has received critical acclaim. Contributing musicians on Turning Point are bassists Myron Carroll, Jeff Smith, Aaron Clay and drummers James Barrett and Joe Lee. Current members of Dayshead are Steve Wright, Kim Leachman, James Barrett and Brandon Gilliard. 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 the 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." Daysahead is currently working on their second album to be released in 2007. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |