Album Notes

Reviews of "Cool"

4 STARS: "To the distinguished jazz pedigree of bass-piano-guitar groups can be added bassist Leonhart's trio with pianist Ted Rosenthal and guitarist Joe Cohn. It's a fluent, hand-in-glove working band that wears its individual and collective virtuosity with a light touch. ...The trio swings hard and the internal balance is impeccable; both Leonhart and Cohn are in fine form, but the star of the show, in a beguilingly tasty example of the genre, is Rosenthal, who somehow raises the bar every time he solos." - The Irish Times, January 2005

"...appealing tracks on an album awash in colorful arrangements. ...Leonhart's trio, featuring Ted Rosenthal on piano and Joe Cohn on guitar, is a tight ensemble that calls to mind the classic piano-guitar-bass lineup of Oscar Peterson, Herb Ellis and Ray Brown. ..."If I Only Had A Brain" is playful and unpredictable... "I Loves You, Porgy", gentle and understated, with Leonhart gracefully soloing throughout." - All About Jazz - New York, February 2005

"Cool (Sons of Sound) works precisely because the Jay Leonhart Trio does manage within the framework of revisiting classic works to do them with dashes of personality and flair. ...often exciting solo sections... polished and disciplined pros who still find ways to sneak in clever licks or quick turns within the set musical situations. ...this is a solid mainstream/repertory date." - Nashville City Paper, January 2005

"The Jay Leonhart Trio gives great cool sounds with the release of Cool. It is a nice listening journey the jazz audience will relate to, and enjoy... The keynote to this fine collection is the exceptional solo and group work, each song a showcase for the musicians. This is one of the best trios around... Enjoyable. Memorable listening experience." - jazzreview.com, December 2004

"The jazz on Cool is absolutely solid but never dense - it's playful and flowing, full of imagination and wit... The trio freshens the familiar with new arrangements... flashes of humor with profound respect and love for the tradition... If you liked Oscar Peterson with Ray Brown and Herb Ellis, you'll love this new release." - All About Jazz , December 2004