| Jazz |
A Captivating Album Balancing Classic Jazz References and Respectful Modernity
Leon Anderson’s debut album, Live at Snug Harbor, is the culmination of two decades of musical life and career, a carefully crafted synthesis that honors both tradition and innovation. Oscillating between the timeless essence of classic jazz and a modern sensibility that remains true to its roots, this album is a masterful work, uncompromising, never yielding to the temptation of ease, as is sometimes the case elsewhere.
Drawing inspiration from legendary figures such as Wayne Shorter, as well as his generational heroes like Roy Hargrove and Joshua Redman, Anderson weaves together a rich tapestry of influences, paying homage not only to jazz but also to life itself and the vibrant musical soul of New Orleans over the past twenty years. And what an homage it is, one is immediately swept up in the flow of notes, carried by Anderson’s outstanding drumming. His playing is so striking that it compelled me to listen and re-listen to the album multiple times, each time discovering new depths in his mesmerizing style. The album, marked by exceptional musicality, is nothing short of a revelation.
The Story Behind the Album
The album’s title, while straightforward, holds deep significance: Live at Snug Harbor is named after one of the most defining venues in Anderson’s career. When he first arrived in New Orleans, despite his formal training in percussion and music education, his real jazz education came organically. through listening, practicing, and playing alongside peers and mentors. His ambition was to perform at Snug Harbor, a dream that materialized thanks to Ellis Marsalis and Victor Goines, who brought him on as the drummer for their respective ensembles. Marsalis held a weekly Friday night residency at the club, and Anderson soon found himself performing there four to five nights a week with a rotating cast of musicians. For Anderson, Snug Harbor was not merely a milestone, it was the foundation of his artistic journey. By recording Live at Snug Harbor twenty years later, he comes full circle, capturing the essence of the place that shaped his beginnings.
The New Orleans Jazz Legacy
In the world of New Orleans jazz, the Marsalis family is never far from the conversation. They are an institution in the exclusive pantheon of 20th-century jazz greats, and their influence resonates through the musicians they have mentored. Anderson is no exception; his artistry is the product of an eclectic musical environment. While his academic training emphasized classical percussion and technical rigor, his musical language is steeped in hard bop, groove, and the blues, bridging past and present with seamless fluidity. Inspired by drumming legends such as Art Blakey, Elvin Jones, Philly Joe Jones, Kenny Clarke, and Brian Blade, Anderson has forged a distinctive sound, one that fuses the raw energy of groove with the clarity and precision of classical technique.
Great drummers are often recognized by their ability to step into the spotlight only when necessary, and Anderson exemplifies this rare quality. His musical sensibility elevates every artist on this recording—John Michael Bradford on trumpet, Ricardo Pascal on saxophone, Oscar Rossignoli on piano, and the exceptional Rodney Jordan, whom I recently praised for his magnificent album Memphis Blue (reviewed here). Anderson’s playing never overpowers but rather enhances the collective experience, making this album an undeniable gem.
About Leon Anderson
Leon Anderson Jr. has been a professor of jazz at Florida State University since 1998, bringing with him a wealth of experience in both classical and jazz traditions. He is not only a celebrated drummer but also an esteemed educator, composer, and lecturer. A graduate of Louisiana Tech University (B.A. in Music Education, 1992) and Southeastern Louisiana University, Anderson honed his jazz drumming skills under the tutelage of Ellis Marsalis and Victor Goines.
Throughout his career, he has performed and recorded with an impressive roster of artists, including Wycliffe Gordon, Marcus Roberts, Allan Harris, Tommy Flanagan, Art Farmer, Donald Brown, Nathan Page, Terence Blanchard, James Moody, Melvin Jones, Kevin Bales, and Etienne Charles, among many others. He is a regular instructor at Savannah Music Festival’s Swing Central Jazz program and has led jazz ensembles in numerous academic institutions across the southeastern United States.
Anderson’s discography features collaborations with Victor Goines, Marcus Roberts, Richie Summa, Etienne Charles, David Detweiler, Melvin Jones, and Larry Panella. His performances span international festivals, concert halls, and jazz clubs worldwide. A sought-after guest artist and lecturer, he is also an official artist for Sabian (cymbals), Vic Firth (sticks and mallets), and Remo (drumheads).
Once again, this truly exquisite album earns its place among our Essential selections for 2025.
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, March 20th 2025
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