The Painted Lady Suite, the debut album by the Michael Leonhart Orchestra (MLO) is inspired by the butterfly of the same name. While Leonhart was initially attracted to its flamboyant coloration and wing ornamentation, it was the butterfly’s incredible migration, which spans over six generations and 9,000 miles — twice that of the Monarch butterfly, that inspired the trumpeter/composer/bandleader to write his “Painted Lady Suite.” Michael Leonhart is sought throughout the music world as a composer, arranger, bandleader, trumpet soloist and multi-instrumentalist. The breadth and power of his artistry have led to a long working relationship with music legends Steely Dan and his role as arranger/conductor for the acclaimed Nels Cline Lovers project (Blue Note records). To showcase his own electrifying and idiosyncratic music, Leonhart now presents The Michael Leonhart Orchestra, an eclectic live ensemble in the spirit of Frank Zappa, Charles Mingus and Gil Evans. The orchestra features improvisers and world class players from bands such as Sharon Jones & the Dap-kings, the Mingus Big Band, Maria Schneider’s Orchestra, the Tonight Show Band (Roots) and other musicians from the NY/Brooklyn jazz/soul scene. The MLO will release their debut album, “The Painted Lady Suite” on Sunnyside records in the Spring of 2018
