“Living Room”, the debut release for vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Leonard Shaw is a perfect introduction to this gifted artist, and an opportunity to hear his voice: from the horn-driven swing of “City Lights”, to the sharp ensemble work of “Izzy” and the title track. Leonard’s varied career as a composer, singer, instrumentalist and arranger encompasses many genres, including blues, R & B , rock and jazz. Taking inspiration along the way from artists like the Doors, Jimi Hendrix, Paul Butterfield, Junior Walker, Miles Davis, Weather Report, Earth Wind and Fire and Steely Dan, Leonard’s music has been evolving since he started playing keys and winds in the 60’s. As a composer, Leonard intuitively knows what colors to add to a song, be it a sleek sax solo, an off-the-wall piano line or a percussive organ fill. He has a distinctive, bluesy voice that wraps itself around a melody and makes it his own. This diversity manifests itself throughout “Living Room”. “Carry On” propelled by drummer CRAIG KALEAL’s brush work explores musically jazzy territory while lamenting the state of the world; “The Magic of Chloe” and “Send Me a Letter” are more mainstream tracks: “Movin’ Out” is a gospel-tinged ride fuelled by Leonard’s Hammond B 3; “Crook of my Arm”, another tribute to young daughter Chloe is a smooth ballad underscored by Leonard’s peerless piano. “Tone Hole Poem” is and energetic and unconventional approach to the saxophone: pads closing in world beat rhythm, and piano strings plucked and strummed creates intriguing results. A journeyman musician by trade, Leonard has toured with numerous artists including former Mott the Hoople frontman Ian Hunter. As well as having performed and recorded with Canadian artists Ian Thomas and Dianne Heatherington, Leonard tours with Jim Kale and Garry Peterson in the Guess Who,