Focal Point Presents Carl Sonny Leyland March 9 2024

Carl Sonny Leyland is an exponent of archaic piano styles including boogie woogie, blues, barrelhouse, early jazz, and swing. Performing as a soloist at The Focal Point, he will draw his repertoire from these various genres, and will also vocalize on a few selections.

Sonny started his musical journey in 1980 when he first discovered the music of Jimmy Yancey, Clarence Lofton, Albert Ammons, and other greats from the golden era when boogie was king. From there he amassed an extensive knowledge of piano blues and the artists who played it, famous to obscure. After this he ventured into the field of early jazz piano incorporating rags, stomps, and swing tunes into his repertoire.

Sonny is a composer and songwriter. He is also a fluent improviser preferring spontaneity over set pieces. The program will include original pieces in addition to his interpretations of classic boogie & blues styles.