Leo Sidran

“There is nothing superficial about this singer who, like no other, combines carefree character and a finessed manner.” – Telerama, Paris

Multi-instrumentalist, journalist, composer, and producer Leo Sidran is celebrating a quarter century of songwriting, record making, and performing around the world. Surrounded by music and musicians since his childhood, Leo began writing songs professionally when he was still a teenager living in Madison, when the Steve Miller Band recorded his songs.

Named the “Discreet genius of pop jazz” by Spanish critic Fernando Neira, Sidran’s sound reflects both the rich heritage to which he belongs and a curiosity for new ideas. He has been compared to jazz-folk singer-songwriters of previous generations, from Bob Dorough, Mose Allison, and Nat King Cole to Michael Franks, Donald Fagen (Steely Dan) or his own father, Ben. In Jazz Times, Christopher Louden wrote: “Vocally, he suggests a blend of his father Ben with a touch of Donald Fagen. His relaxed and fluid style is reminiscent of Bob Dorough.”

In France’s Jazz Magazine, Noadya Arnoux wrote, “Leo Sidran makes pop music swing in the style of Mose Allison et Nat King Cole.”

What’s Trending (2023), Leo’s most recent solo album, was a deeply personal exploration of how music can make life more bearable in difficult times. The album was celebrated as “an irresistible series of timeless songs” (Jazz Magazine, France).

His compositions also contain an element of journalism. “Sidran navigates the pitfalls of everyday life with elegance and swing, inviting us to smile and reflect, and impressively proving that he has long become a consummate chronicler of his surroundings,” writes the German magazine West Coast Soul.

In fact, much of his life in the last decade has been spent sharing the work of other artists on his acclaimed radio and podcast show, The Third Story, where he interviews musicians, producers, composers, and other creators about their personal stories and professional journeys.

In addition to his solo career, Leo is a producer of both Grammy and Oscar winning music. He continues to tour and record with his father, Ben (Leo has produced all of his dad’s albums for the past 20 years.)

He will be joined by some of Wisconsin’s finest musicians musicians, players with whom he shares a long history:

Tim Whalen: piano

John Christensen: bass

Jamie Ryan: drums