Bassist, composer and bandleader Leigh Barker was born and raised in Canberra, where he spent his formative years studying with American bassist Eric Ajaye at the Canberra School of Music. Before his move to Melbourne in 2003, Leigh quickly gained the attention of the more experienced musicians living in Canberra, playing on many occasions with CSM faculty members and internationally renowned musicians Mike Price, Dave Panichi, Colin Hoorweg, John Mackey and Miroslav Bukovsky.

In November 2002 he appeared with German/Australian guitarist Peter O’Mara, playing with an all-star band at Café Side-On in Sydney and Tilleys in Canberra. The move to Melbourne provided much professional experience, with Leigh proving to be a popular accompanist for the cream of the Australian contemporary Jazz scene, frequently appearing with Jamie Oehlers, Dale Barlow, Scott Tinkler, Julien Wilson, Mark and Nichaud Fitzgibbon, Alison Wedding, Heather Stewart and many others.

In January 2004 Leigh travelled to the US for five weeks, where he pursued formal studies with bassists Ben Wolfe, Eric Revis and Reginald Veal, as well as spending valuable time with mentors Branford Marsalis and Doug Wamble. Last year Leigh collaborated with celebrated pianist Tom Vincent on the soundtrack for the hit ABC television program ‘The Collectors’, which airs on Friday nights. Vincent and Barker discovered an immediate rapport which culminated in a six-week tour early in 2006 with the Tom Vincent Trio, with pianist Vincent and Netherlands based drummer, Marc Meader.

“…strong tunes and accomplished improvisation kept the appreciative audience with them every step of the way.” – Helen Saunders, Muse arts magazine.

“Y’all swinging! Australia in the house…that first tune is killin’, my man.” - Doug Wamble, guitarist with the Lincoln Centre Jazz Orchestra.

“…His group made their musical statement in language we could all understand, appreciate and enjoy… They knew about the blues and knew how to swing and swing hard they did when they had to.” – Murray Lavelle, North West Jazz Action Society.

Barker 2005

1 Final Night in New York (Leigh Barker)

2 The Blues in Two Parts (Leigh Barker)

3 Don’t Ask Me What the Letters Mean (McGrath-Kerr)

4 I Might be Quite Some Time (McGrath-Kerr)

5 In Contu (Barker)

6 Before the Moon (Felstead)

7 Sprained Wrist (Barker)

The Leigh Barker Quintet Leigh Barker – Double Bass Al McGrath-Kerr – Drums Matt Boden – Piano Eamon McNelis – Trumpet John Felstead – Saxophone

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