Albums of 2024 - Patrick Leonard "It All Comes Down To Mood"

Audiophile 180g Double LP.

Mixed by Kevin Killen. Mastered by Bob Ludwig. Art by StormStudios. Lacquers cut by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering.Pressed at RTI.

Tracking Angle Rated 8/10 Music, 10/10 Sound!

As a producer, Patrick Leonard has helped bring to life career-defining recordings by Madonna, Pink Floyd, Elton John, and Fleetwood Mac, to name a few. But for the first time in two decades, he is releasing music that is all his own. This sprawling, 16 track double album brilliantly conveys his artistic genius.

Supported by a dream cast of supporting musicians: Tony Levin, Tim Pierce, Wendy Melvoin, John Patitucci, Aaron Stirling, Martin Barre, James Harrah, Ian Anderson, Anna Mjoll, Gerry Leonard and Paul Franklin.

From opener 'Hat and Coat,' in all its swirling keys, to the devastating, almost Nick Cave-like ballad 'Bishops of Fright,' through to the quietly ascendant closer 'A Walk in the Woods' — what they made together, across four sides, is an achievement. And not just because of impressive chops, or production, or ambition: These are simply good songs. Across this sprawling, aurally luscious program — with moments of profound and jazzy weirdness! — you get a sense of Leonard's essence. Think a fantastic band of prog veterans, backing a particularly clever and savvy folk-rock songwriter, with a raspy, conversational, gravitational vocal.

Morgan Enos, Tracking Angle, Music 8/10, Sound 10/10