Jazz Flutist, Educator and Recording Artist Bradley Leighton to Host Improvisation Workshop in Albuquerque on Sunday, February 13, 2005

LOS ANGELES (Pacific Coast Jazz) - Jazz flutist, educator and recording artist Bradley Leighton will host an improvisation workshop for adult amateur musicians on Sunday, February 13, 2005 from 1:00 to 5:00 pm in Albuquerque, followed by an evening performance that will include workshop participants. The evening performance, which will be held at Mykonos' Caf� and Taverna, 5900 Eubank Blvd. NE, will provide an opportunity for clinic students to try out new skills with backing from a professional rhythm section. The cost of participation in the clinic and concert is $75 per person and reservations are required. For reservations or more information, call 858-484-8609 in San Diego or 505-857-0852 in Albuquerque.

The clinic, called "Music for Life," will provide a supportive atmosphere for participants to learn and practice improvisational skills. "This is a chance for people to enjoy a day of music-making designed specifically to help recapture the fun of making music," says Leighton. "This is the perfect class for those returning to their instruments for the first time in years or for those already actively playing but looking for their first introduction to improvising music." Topics to be covered in the workshop include what is improvisation, the blues, chords and scales, understanding the lead sheet, reading simple chord progressions, working with the rhythm section and bandstand etiquette. "Students always seem to leave this clinic newly inspired," Leighton adds.

A native of Seattle, Leighton currently resides in San Diego where he made a splash on the jazz scene with his 2003 debut solo release, "Groove Yard," (Pacific Coast Jazz). His second solo record, "Just Doin' Our Thang," on the same label, is poised for release in May 2005. With a knack for making straight-ahead jazz accessible and inviting, Leighton is getting national airplay and enthusiastic response to his clinics and workshops around the country. Leighton will be joined for the evening concert by an Albuquerque-based rhythm section including David Parlato on bass, Thomas DiMele on piano, and John Trentacosta on drums.