Patrick Leonard It All Comes Down to Mood (2 LP)

Audiophile 180g Double LP!
Mastered by Bob Ludwig & Lacquers Cut by Chris Bellman!
Pressed at RTI!
Tracking Angle Rated 8/10 Music, 10/10 Sound!
TAS Rated 4/5 Music, 5/5 Sonics in the November 2024 Issue of The Absolute Sound!
You can be forgiven if you don't know Patrick Leonard by name, but you certainly know his work. The American producer and songwriter has helped bring important recordings of Madonna, Leonard Cohen, Pink Floyd, Elton John, Jewel, Bryan Ferry, Fleetwood Mac, Rod Stewart and Roger Waters to life - to name just a few. In the early 90s, he founded the critically acclaimed alt-rock group Toy Matinee. But for the first time in two decades, Patrick Leonard is releasing music that is entirely his own: "It All Comes Down To Mood", a sprawling double album with 16 tracks that brilliantly expresses his artistic genius.
So what does "It All Comes Down To Mood" sound like? The best genre description would probably be "art-pop". The songwriting is adventurous, both musically and lyrically. Elemental influences from all of Patrick Leonard's famous clients flow in organically - but not overtly. "My vocabulary is pure rock 'n' roll and prog rock of the 60s and 70s, but if something reminds me of someone else's music in my work, I stop," says Leonard, "I have no interest in being a copycat." The common denominator between the albums that have influenced Leonard and his own work is that they reward attentive listening. Each of the 16 tracks on the album is like a masterpiece that reveals itself more and more on closer listening. The production is impeccable, the acting is infinitely tasteful and the lyrics are thought-provoking. But what brings it all together is an emotional component that is rare in modern music.
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.
Mixed by Kevin Killen. Mastered by Bob Ludwig. Art by StormStudios. Lacquers cut by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering.
"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
"Vivid imagery that jogs the imagination, world-class players, and rock-solid production conspire to create an engaging and great-sounding album." - Greg Cahill, The Absolute Sound, November 2024, Music 4/5, Sonics 5/5

Features:

• Audiophile 180g Vinyl
• Double LP
• Mixed by Kevin Killen
• Mastered by Bob Ludwig
• Lacquers Cut by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering
• Produced by Michael Fremer
• Pressed at RTI
• Gatefold Jacket
• Art by StormStudios
• Made in the U.S.A.

Selections:

Side A
1. Hat And Coat
2. When It Comes To Giants Pt.1
3. Maniac Hill
4. Jimmy Upside
Side B
1. Sad Ass World
2. Anderson And Council
3. Mary Saw Angels
4. At The End Of The Day
Side C
1. Bishops Of Fright
2. In Came The Fool
3. For Her
4. Devils In The Rain
Side D
1. Up In The Sky
2. Looking For A Heart
3. When It Comes To Giants Pt.2
4. A Walk In The Woods