[Concert] Jazz

The legendary double bassist and singer-songwriter Jay Leonhart, accompanied by Japanese pianist Tomoko Ohno, a figure of the New York jazz scene, presents "It’s Impossible to Sing and Play the Bass."

Discover the New York jazz scene with Jay Leonhart

The legendary double bassist and singer-songwriter Jay Leonhart, accompanied by Japanese pianist Tomoko Ohno, a figure of the New York jazz scene, presents "It’s Impossible to Sing and Play the Bass." Following the concert, meet the artist for an intimate conversation about his book in the Carnegie Library.

Jay Leonhart

Jay Leonhart is a singular figure in jazz: a double bassist and singer, he is renowned for his warm, intimate and conversational style, as well as his deadpan humour. As a bassist, he has for several decades been one of the most celebrated and decorated studio bassists in New York. Over the course of his career, he has worked with artists as prestigious as Carly Simon, Tony Bennett and Mel Tormé. His bass playing is at once lyrical, subtle and deeply rooted in swing.

As a singer-songwriter, he occupies a place of his own in the musical landscape. His compositions are often funny, self-deprecating and, at times, surprisingly touching. Songs such as It’s Impossible to Sing and Play the Bass have a charm close to stand-up comedy, while showing genuine musical mastery. His albums, among them Salamander Pie and Don’t You Wish, have an intimate, hushed and almost nocturnal atmosphere, as though you were sitting in his living room listening to him play.

Jay Leonhart is also the father of award-winning jazz singer Carolyn Leonhart and virtuoso trumpeter Michael Leonhart, who have both built remarkable careers, notably through long collaborations with Steely Dan.

Tomoko Ohno

Tomoko Ohno is a remarkable Japanese jazz pianist, now based in New York. Born in Tokyo, she began studying piano at the age of 4 and was performing professionally on the Tokyo jazz scene from her teenage years.