I have heard Dana Leong's radio interviews and read the reviews of his concerts in the major papers. That's why I bought his DVD.  I am amazed that D. Leong leads us to the new direction of the jazz, rock, and the composed music in the friendly manner and with absolutely good taste of performance along with other great artists.  I am very pleased with this DVD and am looking forward to the next CD and DVD of D. Leong.
                            Read more...
                        

                            
This is a fine debut by a talented, energetic bandleader, who corralls his dream-team band through wholly original soundscapes. This album works first on a narrative level: Baba Isreal's poetry creates a fun and interesting visual canvas, perfectly capturing the world in which these musicians live in and travel through.  Check "Beer Goggles" for a late-night musical panorama of NYC in the mid-aughts.  This album also works as an exciting display for Dana's multi-faceted talents as an arranger, composer and improviser (in Trombone, cello and whatever else he's got up his sleeve).  The vibe on this CD is funky and positive, with great squiggly synths, sweet string pads, well-crafted harmonies and engaging solos.  Violinist Christian Howes wails on "Sunrise" while clarinetist Paquito D'Rivera makes a classy appearance on "Insatiable."  The uptempo tracks remind me of what a modern Stevie Wonder backup band *should* sound like (why hasn't he called DL yet?) and the downtempo tracks remind me of early Air at its most organic, or Outkast's live band on their Aquemeni album, if they had furthered that concept.  Though several of the tracks stretch past eight or nine minutes, they still feel just the right length.  In fact, I wish the album was longer.  

Even though Dana has set the bar high for himself with "Leaving New York," I have a feeling he's still going to top this.
                            Read more...
                        

                            
Fans of Metheny, Jarrett, and progressive jazz in general need to buy this CD immediately.  Dana Leong's playing, on both Trombone and Cello (as well as some electric bass), is really exciting and unique.  Special guests Christian McBride and Paquito D'Rivera only add to the allure of this exciting debut from Mr. Leong, a young musician who is sure to be among the biggest names in jazz in coming years.  Why wait?  Buy this disc and find out the truth today!
                            Read more...
                        

                            
Very rich, exciting, and intelligent original compositions.
New generation of Mile's "Sketches of Spain"  Highly recommend to all my friends.
                            Read more...