Never mind talented, Jay Leonhart is one lucky musician! He’s starting off this new decade as the father of two children, Michael and Carolyn, who also happen to be successful musicians, and he’s the grandfather of two, one who happens to be son Michael’s brand new baby. He’s been married to the same woman for over 40 years, he has a new home in the country and his new show at the Metropolitan Room will run for three more Wednesday nights at 7 pm.

Is there anything more a legendary bass player with a career that has spanned some 50 years could want? Well, maybe only more and more opportunities like this one to play his own quirky, clever and witty songs, many of which focus on incidents that have occurred over the years playing in New York, the country and around the world.

“Bass Aboard a Plane,” for example, tells the hilarious story of trying to get his beloved—albeit gigantic—instrument on a plane despite the glaring looks of flight attendants and fellow passengers. Haven’t you always wondered how these bass players do it? In his cool, calm and collected manner, Leonhart explains: “not easily!”

His musically hip, sophisticated and appreciative audience was riveted, with collective heads bobbing to the beat of his bass, by songs like “Dizzy”—about a time when he didn’t get a hello from Dizzy Gillespie despite having met him on numerous occasions, “Me and Lenny”—about he and Leonard Bernstein sharing a seat on a flight, and “Louis Bellson”—about playing with drummer extraordinaire Bellson’s swinging jazz band and not fitting in at the Pierre Hotel! Where was Lester Lanin when you needed him?

If his rapid-fire delivery occasionally tripped him up on one of his many lyrically challenging songs, all was forgiven for these were all musical tales from a revered sideman who has a lot to say and sing about. He’s paid his dues and then some and it’s a delight to see him out front and center stage. Ted Rosenthal on piano and son Michael, on trumpet, each added his expertise to a unique musical experience.

Lynn DiMenna
Cabaret Scenes
January 6, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org