Carolyn Leonhart and Wayne Escoffery

Those who have heard If Dreams Come True, Wayne Escoffery’s third release for Nagel-Heyer Records, will recall the vocalist who tackled Wayne’s adventurous arrangements and co-wrote many of the inspired originals. She is Carolyn Leonhart, Wayne’s wife and one of the most accomplished and versatile singers of her generation. That 2007 release marked the true beginning of their collaborative vision — deeply informed by the jazz tradition, but future-focused and as personal as it gets. 

A New York native and the daughter of noted jazz bassist Jay Leonhart, Carolyn Leonhart has a soulful voice that has been hailed by critics throughout the world. She is known for her thirteen-year tenure as lead back-up vocalist with Steely Dan, including five world tours and four albums (including multi-Grammy award winning Two Against Nature). Carolyn's two solo CDs (Steal The Moon and New 8th Day- Sunnyside Records) have also received wide critical acclaim.

Carolyn successfully straddles the ever-changing worlds of jazz and pop, interweaving both into many of her projects. She brings class to pop bands like Lyn Leon and Wax Poetic, sings jazz classics with authenticity, and navigates through complex music with ease. Critics have written “Leonhart may be the one to give female vocalists a good name again.” - John Frederick Moore, Jazziz Magazine, July 2005 and  “Leonhart simultaneously suggests the retro bleat of Billie Holiday and the modern cool of Patricia Barber...Absolute magic.“ - Christopher Loudon, Jazz Times Magazine, July/August 2005. In addition, Jazziz Magazine featured Carolyn on the cover of its Women In Jazz issue in 2003 presenting even more evidence that Carolyn Leonhart stands out among the crowded field of jazz vocalists.

Since moving to New York City in 2000, tenor saxophonist Wayne Escoffery has become one of the Jazz world’s most talented rising stars and in-demand sidemen, working with The Mingus Band, Ben Riley’s Monk Legacy Septet, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Music of the Masters, Eric Reed, Lonnie Plaxico, Ralph Peterson, Rufus Reid, Eddie Henderson and many others. He has recorded five CDs as a leader and has been on numerous recordings as a sideman. In 2006 Wayne secured one of the most coveted gigs in jazz: a frontline position in Tom Harrell’s working quintet, one of the last true “apprenticeship” opportunities of our era. He is currently a member of the quintet and to date has recorded two CDs with the group, co-producing Harrell’s latest release “Prana Dance” on High Note Records. Wayne has also received acclaim as of late for his group Veneration, a unique ensemble featuring Joe Locke on vibes, Hans Glawischnig on bass and Lewis Nash on drums. The group has released two CDs on Savant Records and twice was the featured group at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola with guest artist Nicholas Payton.

Escoffery has a large, vibrant sound; a technical facility evident to even the untutored; and a lyrical streak that can get a complicated solo to sing and dance. He consistently chooses to surround himself with musicians who are able to simultaneously communicate with audiences while pushing the boundaries of this creative and intellectual art form. He and Carolyn share this desire for communication and exploration — not just making old songs new, but writing new songs as well. With their talent, their compatible aims and their mutual love and respect, the two are poised to make much beautiful music together in the years to come.