“Special guest Daysahead is fresh, new, exciting, melodic, soulful, classic, jazz, and very cool. I especially like the chemistry between the artists and how they bridge phrases. Steve laid the licks down just right in his improvisations….I could listen to him forever. Kim’s talent just blows me away….I get lost in her voice. They have a jazz-rock-soul sound all their own. Daysahead brought good music crossing all ages, cultures, and genders…it’s what the people, young and old, want to hear.” (Clarence Nicholas, Hopewell Music & Arts Festival)
Formed in 2003, Daysahead is an artistic duo founded by Steve Wright and Kim Leachman. A couple on and off the stage, who’s adoring relationship has influenced them greatly by shared life experiences and their mutual love for creating music. Their beautiful collaborative effort together has spawned Daysahead’s reinvented Jazz-n-Roll sound defined as “a jazz approach to rock and soul”. Vocalist/Lyricist/Songwriter Kim Leachman sings with such power and grace that you easily forget yourself while she effortlessly delivers a passionate sound that can move from soulful to jazzy to rockin’ without a moments notice, all the while conveying a thought provoking lyrical message. Guitarist/Producer/Songwriter Steve Wright complements her perfectly with the ability to use his guitar as a vessel for pure emotional release that magnetically draws the listeners’ attention in to his intuitive since of self expression and technical ability that is both intriguing and artistically sound. Audiences are just simply wowed and consciously motivated by Daysahead’s remarkable chemistry!
Daysahead was recently featured at the 2009 Intwasa Arts Festival in Zimbabwe, Africa sponsored by the U.S. Embassy. Daysahead was honored to be the only American musical act invited to perform master classes and a concert for the wonderful people of Bulawayo at the festival. The African experience was “truly amazing and one we’ll never forget”. (Steve & Kim)
“Daysahead is sure to be performing around the United States as well as countries all around the world for many years to come!!” (Andrew Posner, US Embassy)
In their seven year history, Daysahead has performed a wide array of festivals, colleges, theatres, and clubs including the Capital Jazz Festival, Atlanta Jazz Festival, Montreux Jazz Festival, Capital Jazz Supercruise (Bermuda), Bayfest Music Festival, National Black Arts Festival, Capital BBQ Battle Fest, Hopewell Music and Arts Festival, NY Harborfest, Live! On Woodrow Wilson Plaza, Jazz In The Garden National Gallery of Art, Berkshire Hills Music Academy, Rialto Center for the Performing Arts, Churchill Grounds Jazz Café, Sambuca Jazz Café, Earthlink Live, Cafe 290, Apache Café, Eddie’s Attic, Rockwood Music Hall, Metropolitan Room.
In addition, the band has also performed excellently for high profile events and clients such as CNN "Black In America" film pre-screening, world-renowned poet/author Maya Angelou's 80th Birthday Party, BMW Product Launch Party, PriceWaterHouse Coopers’ Client Appreciation Party, as well as create jingles for clients including J. Walter Thompson Ad Agency. Daysahead has been honored to guest with prestigious national and international artists such as Chaka Khan, George Duke, Al Jarreau, Rachelle Ferrell, Al Green, Marcus Miller, Fourplay, Roy Ayers, Lalah Hathaway, Maysa Leak, Earl Klugh, Gerald Albright, Patti Austin, Michael Franks, The Brand New Heavies, En Vogue, Angie Stone, Ledisi, Donnie, Fertile Ground.
Whether performing as an acoustic duo or in a more high energy setting with their dynamic quartet (vocal, guitar, bass & drums), Daysahead’s original compositions along with their own unique arrangements of other artists’ works makes for a wonderful concert.
“Daysahead's live show, led by the powerful and incredible duo guitarist Steve Wright & vocalist Kim Leachman, is an emotional rollercoaster with their Jazz-n-Roll sound. There’s never a dull moment at a Daysahead show!” (Apache Cafe)
Since the release of their debut cd Turning Point, Daysahead has received continual radio play throughout the USA, Europe, and Japan. They were recently nominated BEST DUO/GROUP of the year for the SoulTracks Readers’ Choice Awards & nominated BEST BAND and BEST ALBUM of the year for the RockWired Music Awards. Daysahead has been featured on several television networks as well: TBS, CBS, BRAVO TV, BET, and ZBC TV Zimbabwe.
Daysahead's single "It's In Your Hands" is currently featured on the MLK Dream On! compilation cd released in 2009. You can download songs from Dream On! For free or purchase the CD online @ www.thedreamcontinued.org . A portion of the proceeds from CD sales go to the following charitable organizations: Pathways To Peace (Oakland, CA), the REACH Complex (Atlanta, GA), and Pivot Legal Society (Vancouver, Canada).
Turning Point CD REVIEWS
“The opening track, 'You Move Me', explodes with raw detailed vigor and style you rarely hear in music these days.” Contemporary Jazz
“It is the combination of Kim's impressive command of that indefinable voice that goes from gospel, to soul, to jazz and to rock in a seconds notice, and the dexterity of Steve's guitar playing. Who knew such sounds, textures, and imagination could come from just six strings. Daysahead is all about chemistry; that often times elusive element that makes everything come together.” RockWired
“Daysahead makes their mark on the scene, with an album that's soulful and revives the spirit of the golden era of the 70's & 80's....a sound that's both contemporary & timeless with an air-tight band and bewitching front woman.” RhythmFlow
“Daysahead’s debut cd 'Turning Point' is a great showcase of their expansive vision of popular music.” SoulTracks