Brad Leali

BRAD LEALI

Brad Leali has been referred to as one of the most important voices on the alto saxophone of his era. This Denver Colorado native has and is still enjoying an extremely successful career in music. Having received his music education degree from the University of North Texas, in which he performed and recorded with the world renowned One O’clock Lab Band, Brad went on to play lead alto saxophone with the Harry Connick Jr. Orchestra as well as being the musical director (1990-1994). During this period, he relocated to New York City and established himself as a major voice in the highly competitive jazz community and was a staple in legendary jazz venues like the Village Vanguard, Blue Note, Jazz Standard, Iridium, and Birdland.

In 1995, Mr. Leali joined the Count Basie Orchestra, under the leadership of Grover Mitchell. Brad continued to enjoy success as the featured alto saxophone soloist. This band won a Grammy for their CD titled, “Count plays Duke.” On this recording, Brad also received a Grammy nomination for his solo work on the Billy Strayhorn composition, “Star – Crossed Lovers.”

He has also performed in Lincoln Center in the orchestras of jazz legends Nancy Wilson and Benny Golson. Leali’s numerous television appearances include local news programs, the Today show (Peter Cincotti), Jay Leno, Arsenio Hall, BET, and the Harry Connick, Jr., Christmas Special. He performs yearly as part of the Kennedy Center Honors program. Most recently, Leali performed at President Obama’s inaugural celebration “We Are One,” backing up artists such as Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, John Legend, Mary J. Blige, and Herbie Hancock. Other artists with whom he has played include Freddie Hubbard, Clark Terry, Joe Williams, Jimmy Cobb, Frank Foster, Jon Hendricks, Roy Hargrove, The Mingus Big Band, Jack McDuff, George Duke, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Jimmy Smith, Robert Downey, Jr., Fantasia, Billy Joel, Kid Rock, Yolanda Adams, and Brian McKnight.

Leali’s first solo recording was Priority Soul! in 1998 on the New Jazz Renaisssance Recordings label. In 1999, the Count Basie Orchestra won a Grammy award for Count Plays Duke with Leali receiving his own nomination for his solo work on the classic Billy Strayhorn composition, "The Star-Crossed Lovers." Leali departed from the Basie orchestra in 2000 to focus on his career as a soloist. His discography since then includes Live in Europe (Brad Leali Quartet, 2004); Brooklyn Soul Organization (also produced by Leali, 2004); the critically acclaimed Maria Juanez (2006), which features his own compositions and eighteen-piece jazz orchestra; and DA’s Time (Brad Leali-Claus Raible Quartet, 2008) on the TCB label.

“Saxophonist Brad Leali was among the most soulful and exciting I’ve heard recently.” - New York Times - “Alto saxophonist Brad Leali has a bright amiable way of playing!” - New York Times - “His solos are sparkling and Cannonball Adderley influenced.” - Evening Standard (London, England).

Professor Brad Leali (he is currently a professor of jazz saxophone and director of the Three O’Clock Lab Band at the University of North Texas) is extremely committed to jazz education. As a highly sought after clinician; he has traveled both nationally and internationally to many schools & festivals to teach students of all ages. He was the Founder/Director of the music school, The Brooklyn Jazz Coalition. Also, as a member of IAJE (International Association of Jazz Educators,) he has been the Director of the Clifford Brown/Stan Getz All-Stars, as well as being a clinician and performer for many of their conferences.

Professor Leali’s philosophy on jazz is very simple and straight forward. “I want everyone to enjoy jazz music – not just jazz musicians. I teach my students to play music, not just the notes, and in their search for creativity, to never forget their audience.”

We look forward to seeing you at the

Katy / West Houston Jazz Festival and the

Katy Guitar Fest!