**** LEO GOSSELIN **** *Grand Stick Soloist*: Buy

A truly passionate reflective solo album by veteran Chapman Grand Stick player Leo A. Gosselin. Gosselin’s sensitivity to this remarkably innovative stringed instrument is captured in all its splendor and clarity—a beautiful soothing instrumental work. Leo’s love for the beautiful melody is apparent in his playing style and his selection of pieces. “Dream Waters” opens with a soulful rendition of Chick Corea’s “Crystal Silence”. On this piece, Gosselin blends the sweet melody and chordal work together such that the two sides of the Stick become one. Also scattered throughout this work are Stick arrangements of traditional Celtic folksongs as well as a single Leo Gosselin composition titled “Spanish Circles” which carries on the lyrical qualities of his other selections. “The selections on this album were compiled in the hopes that they would convey a sense of serenity, peace and quiet contemplation to the listener. The images on the front and back covers were taken in the early morning along a New Mexico highway. The water was a welcoming delight beckoning me to stop and behold it—even if only for a minute—enough time to capture its ephemeral beauty before it would transform itself, leaving no trace behind in these arid flatlands. Enough time to look in awe, to think quiet thoughts, to breathe life in deeply...and give thanks”

Crystal Silence, Greensleeves, Gymnopedie #1, Gymnopedie #2, Gymnopedie #3, Only My Heart, O’Carolan’s Dream, Dreamgift, Carrickfergus, Ramble to Cashel, It Never Get’s Easier, Spanish Circles

A unique combination of four distinct mini-albums featuring the tasteful string arrangements of veteran Grand Stick Touchboard player, Léo A. Gosselin. These instrumental pieces span Celtic, Jazz Ballads, Latin/Jazz, and Originals. Each of the twenty pieces is a listening treasure, intricately crafted to please a broad audience. The sensitive and delicate touches Léo bestows on O’Carolan’s Si Beag Si Mor and Baardman’s La Salle River Waltz (written three centuries apart), to the brilliant world music flavors of his original compositions, will captivate you. Four themes—Celtic, Ballads, Latin/Jazz, and Originals performed with a number of gifted guest artists, show Léo’s versatility and evolution with his instrument. Musical guests include Greg Black (drums), Susan Hammer (Irish Whistle), Steve Hilliam (Alto Sax), Bob Fuhr (Keyboard), Ty Rogers (Zendrum), and Pat Joyce (Grand Piano). Léo’s instrumental arrangements with other skilled artists prove his skills in design. Joyce’s expressive piano, Hammer’s expert Irish whistle, Hilliam’s soaring alto sax, Black, Rogers, and Reimer’s delightful percussion accents and Fuhr’s keyboard finesse complement Léo’s hallmark style on the Chapman Stick. Gosselin’s bright panorama radiates pure joy.

Captain O’Kane, Si Beag Si Mor, Fanny Power, La Salle River Waltz, Lough Beg Waltz, Monaghan’s Jig, Otter Pass, My Funny Valentine, Misty, Angel Eyes, Willow Weep For Me, The Gentle Rain, Blue Bossa, Favela, Wave, Take Five, Periodicity, Life Passion, Inner Wilderness, No Escape

A collection of solo Stick recordings, “Border Crossing,” is a documentary of Léo Gosselin’s musical discoveries over many years. There are live renditions of jazz standards, including “Angel Eyes” and “Lover Man,” performed with soulful abandon, yet with the discipline and precision that comes from experience. His high melody register is sweet and his bass and chordal registers are full, sonorous, and guitarlike. Léo includes two Latin standards by Chick Corea, some Celtic folk songs, and his own richly romantic composition, ”Life Passion”.

“Border Crossing” is a personal musical journey, an exploration of territories that have intrigued me for some years. As the title suggests, this album crosses borders (from bluesy jazz to latin, from new age to celtic) a voyage through musical genres. The versatility of the Chapman Stick Touchboard never ceases to amaze me. The instrument continues to feed my curiosity and to provide a life-long challenge. This album reflects what a live audience hears when I perform solo.—Leo A. Gosselin

Angel Eyes, Where We Used to Play, Lover Man, Si Beag Si Mor, Pipe on the Hob, Captain O’Kane, Flowers of Edinburgh, Inner Wilderness, Path of Tears, Armando’s Rhumba, Spain, Life Passion, Woodland Mission, Heartsounds, Song for Eia

Fasten your seatbelts: Léo Gosselin’s latest album, “Vintage Flight,” will delight old fans and captivate new. The rich tones of “The Stick” bathe your senses as this masterful artist whisks you away on a fabulous tour of the most beloved jazz classics. Whether with the swinging exuberance of “Lullaby of Birdland” or the tender charm of “Mona Lisa,” Gosselin works his special magic to transport you to new shores. The shimmering, haunting “Tenderly” takes you on a dreamlike stroll down a misty boulevard, while the sensuous “Shadow of Your Smile” evokes a languorous tropical beach, a sultry wind blowing over the sand. Dreams of “Georgia” will have you lost in reverie—then find yourself on the open highway, grooving to sexy, sassy “Route 66”! And catch the zesty, irresistible “Paper Moon” and see if you can stay in your seat! From the poignant simplicity of “Autumn Leaves” to the hot beat and intricate stylings of “Bluesette,” this is a trip worth taking. So slip off your shoes, relax, sip a glass of wine, and let the mellow sounds of “Vintage Flight” take you away.

1. Lullaby of Birdland 2. For Sentimental Reasons 3. Mona Lisa 4. Bluesette 5. Skylark 6. Autumn Leaves 7. All The Things You Are 8. It’s Only a Paper Moon 9. Georgia on My Mind 10. The Shadow of Your Smile 11. Tenderly 12. What a Wonderful World 13. Reincarnation of a Lovebird 14. Route 66

“Celtic Vision” is a collaborative effort highlighting the mastery of Leo A Gosselin on the Chapman Grand Stick Touchboard in various musical combinations with traditional instruments such as Irish whistle and violin as well as modern instruments such as the Zendrum and synthesizer.

“Celtic Vision” crosses the gamut of what may be considered in the Celtic vein and offers a new musical perspective in several of the arrangements as duo, trio, and quartet situations. These beautiful arrangements of Celtic pieces offer a unique glimpse of the interaction between the non-traditional Chapman Stick and the traditional violin (Miriam Newman) and Irish Whistle (Susan Hammer), as well as with the more contemporary Zendrum (Ty Rogers) and Synthesizer (Christian Gosselin). The result of this harmonious collaboration is a unique tonal quality and a truly enchanting interpretation of the Celtic genre.

The Butterfly, The Irish Boy, Morgan Magan, Sir Arthur Shaen, The Fairy Queen, Planxty Burke/Drew, Enchanted Valley, Morrison’s Jig, O’Carolan’s Concerto, Scarborough Fair, O’Carolan’s Dream, O’Carolan’s Quarrel, The Star of County Down, O’Carolan’s Draught, The Fair Little Child

Leo’s most recent solo album, “Christmas Traditions”, highlights the “Stick” with four handed arrangements and counter melodies written for traditional carols that will make this a truly memorable Christmas tradition. Leo has also added some keyboard work to several of the carols creating a full listening experience.

Joy To The World, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, It Came Upon A Midnight Clear, Hark The Herald Angels Sing, We Three Kings, Away In A Manger, Silent Night, Good King Wenceslas, The Coventry Carol, The First Noel, Deck The Hall, O Holy Night, The Holly And The Ivy, What Child Is This, Once In Royal David’s City, God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, O Christmas Tree, While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks, O Come All Ye Faithful, We Wish You A Merry Christmas