Leonid
Saddle Brook, New Jersey, United States | INDIE
Music
Press
Guitar trip into the unknown of the great wide open.
Not afraid to touch and embellish classic material from the likes of The Fabs and Duke Ellington on his 2003's debut, "Tasty Guitar Lines", this time New Jersey resident Leonid Muhudinov walks his own way with a variety of stringed instruments on his back. Running in with a streamline rock 'n' roll with Beethoven lurking in the shadows, there's a filigree technique on display with no sign of showing off, especially when electricity breaks down into acoustic reverie. But if jazz, country and classical guitar pieces can be expected from the master, the jangly twangy beat of "Ghost Town" comes on as delicious surprise: Hank Marvin has never been so cimenatic - and there's more to the composition, much more! And there's much humor in here, be it Hendrix-cum-Hazel-Hackett transmutations in "Funky Bitch", lush but playful guitar pile-up in "Leonid's Return" or electric sitar of "Samadhi". Highly enjoyable record of rare elegance."
*****
- Dmitry M. Epstein, DME Music Site
- Dmitry M. Epstein
"Want an eclectic, ultra-unique instrumental guitar record for the upcoming summer? Well Leonid Salvaje is back with something special for your listening pleasure with the Adventures of Leonid and the Daydreamers.
Right from the start of "Overture: Forbidden" you wonder what the hell is going on as a '70s science fiction movie soundtrack seems to be playing in your cd changer. On that very same song, the tempo comes to a complete halt and the most precious of acoustic guitar pieces is inserted. A few minutes later on the same cut this maniac is playing a killer progressive metal guitar rhythm and lead piece.
The next cut appropriately titled "Hallucinations" is jazz-fusion rock guitar and is also heavily weighted towards the bass guitar and drums. Salvaje tears up a really funky guitar lead as well with more distortion than a '70s VHF channel.
Speaking of distortion, the middle of "Ghost Town" has hi-fidelity record player static as well as several types of music, ranging from Hawaiian to funk.
Next up is the speedy track "Run" which features some killer drumming from Mike Cullens as well as Leon's rapid fender stratocaster guitar work...
This is a fun diverse cd that is certainly worth the purchase for anyone that enjoys something different in the realm of instrumental guitar albums."
- Matthew Hoffman - Hardrock Haven
"...What makes of Leonid a cooler cat than those guys is his eclecticism. The tracks included here variate in shade, hue, heaviness and level of exposition; he seems destined to switch moods because that’s his mission. He can play the guitar, but can he hold out attention? This stuff says Yes, and that’s more than most guitar albums can sound off with a straight-note."
- Hansel Merchor - CDreviews.com
"Touching on a wealth of guitar stylings—from Les Paul to Segovia and The Beatles—the first half of the 9 track CD offers guitar adaptations of Lennon / McCartney (“Eleanor Rigby”), Scott Joplin, classical guitar master Tarrega and Duke Ellington while part two features a varied round of eclectic Muhudinov originals. With it’s eclectic instrumental avant pop-jazz and classical guitar vibes, Tasty Guitar Treats - Assorted is an intriguing CD from an aspiring artist worthy of some well-earned name recognition." - 20th Century Guitar Magazine
“Listen up….and learn something. A journey that is exotic, erotic, and electronic, this album takes you around the world in Magellan-like fashion. The sea is absolutely ferocious at times but as dawn approaches, a beautiful sunrise develops and the waters are as calm and soothing as the Mediterranean Sea, as the listener goes to shore, puts on some sunglasses, and drinks a margarita on the beach”
- Ray Phillips
Discography
2013 America the Beautiful (single)
2012 Take Your Whiskey Home, Tribute to Van Halen: featuring current/former members of Aerosmith, Journey, Yngwie Malmsteen, and more!
2011 Clair de Lune (single from concert performance)
2010 Romance Anonimo (single)
2005 The Adventures of Leonid and the Daydreamers CD
Leonid: electric guitar, keys, bass, classical guitar, electric sitar, kalimba.
Mad Mike Cullens (Chuck Berry, Max Middleton) : drums, percussion
2004 Dr Mannequin CD
2003 Tasty Guitar Treats CD
Photos
Bio
Leon Muhudinov is an eclectic Guitarist-Composer-Teacher from the NJ/NYC area. Described as "an artist of some well earned name recognition" and "one of the most versatile guitarists around" by 20th Century Guitar Magazine, his musical explorations include beautiful classical guitar repertoire, exotic world music, progrock, as well as cinematic scores for film & TV. He is also founder of progrock group The Adventures of Leonid featuring veteran drummer Mad Mike Cullens (Chuck Berry, Mick Taylor). His music can be found on iTunes, CDBaby, and most other stores.
Formed in 2004, The Adventures Of Leonid is a group which features a rotating lineup of friends and great musicians on various projects. AoL’s self-titled debut was released in 2005 on Mad Hands Records. The album was acclaimed by fans and critics alike for its eclectic composition, exciting virtuosity, romanticism and quirkiness. Journalist Dmitry Epstein called it “a highly enjoyable record of rare elegance.”
Leon is also prolific composer, writing in a wide range of styles including classical guitar, orchestral, chamber music, and progrock. In 2011, he was featured as a segment composer for the series Project Oliver. An arranger and transcriber of popular songs and piano music for classical guitar, most recent transcriptions include the Beatles’ Eleanor Rigby, as well as Debussy’s Clair de Lune, transcribed for two guitars.
Recently, Leon was selected by Roger Taylor, drummer of Queen, as a semi-finalist for their Queen Extravaganza Tour. He is also featured on the Van Halen Tribute album, Take Your Whiskey Home, which includes current/former members of Aerosmith, Journey, Black Sabbath, Dio, and Yngwie Malmsteen band released on Versailles Records 2012. Leon will also be featured on their Guitar Wizards compilation which will be out 2014.
An active performer and recording artist & session musician, Leon's music has been featured internationally on numerous radio stations, podcasts, and film. His versatility as a session guitarist has led to a wide range of studio work and collaborations with some great musicians & projects.
An experienced and dedicated guitar teacher, Leon maintains a busy schedule of students of all ages and skill levels, beginners to advanced players.
Leon is an active advocate for animal rights, environmental, and humanitarian causes to help raise awareness, respect, and compassion for all of the creatures with whom we share this planet.
"Guitar trip into the unknown of the great wide open. Not afraid to touch and embellish classic material from the likes of The Fabs and Duke Ellington on his 2003's debut, "Tasty Guitar Lines", this time New Jersey resident Leonid Muhudinov walks his own way with a variety of stringed instruments on his back. Running in with a streamline rock 'n' roll with Beethoven lurking in the shadows, there's a filigree technique on display with no sign of showing off, especially when electricity breaks down into acoustic reverie. But if jazz, country and classical guitar pieces can be expected from the master, the jangly twangy beat of "Ghost Town" comes on as delicious surprise: Hank Marvin has never been so cimenatic - and there's more to the composition, much more! And there's much humor in here, be it Hendrix-cum-Hazel-Hackett transmutations in "Funky Bitch", lush but playful guitar pile-up in "Leonid's Return" or electric sitar of "Samadhi". Highly enjoyable record of rare elegance."
***** - Dmitry M. Epstein, Journalist/DME Music Site www.dmme.net
"An artist worthy of some well-earned name recognition."
- 20th Century Guitar Magazine
What makes of Leonid a cooler cat than those guys is his eclecticism. The tracks included here variate in shade, hue, heaviness and level of exposition; he seems destined to switch moods because that’s his mission. He can play the guitar, but can he hold out attention? This stuff says Yes, and that’s more than most guitar albums can sound off with a straight-note."
- Hansel Mercher
Band Members
Links
