Daysahead

"Music lovers poured into downtown Mobile to hear the tunes of their favorite artists like Daysahead, who got the crowd excited Saturday." - Fox 10 News - WALA TV

"Special Guest Daysahead has a jazz-rock-soul sound all their own...this band brought good music crossing all ages, genders, and cultures. It's what the people, young and old, want and need to hear." - Clarence Nicholas, Hopewell School Board

"Daysahead got rave reviews from everybody on the Atlanta BeltLine. They truly rocked with hot guitar solos, and a rhythm section with deep soul. Kim holds nothing back in her vocals and has the chops to pull it off." - Priscilla Smith, Executive Director of Eyedrum

"Daysahead...fusing funk, jazz, and rock into a tasty blend that just doesn't sound like anything else... think Mother's Finest-meets-Incognito. There isn't a dull moment at a Daysahead show...a great band...seasoned musicians...this band is hot!" - Creative Loafing Atlanta

DAYSAHEAD

Label themselves as “Pat Metheny meets Chaka Khan” and that’s about as good a description as I could give. Daysahead is a duo consisting of rock/jazz guitarist Steve Wright and gospel/soul vocalist Kim (Leachman) Wright. They may, at first blush, look like a Tuck and Patti-type act, but one listen their eclectic, engaging brand of music shows that this is an original group bursting with its own distinct style that incorporates many elements of rock, jazz and R&B. Based in Atlanta, Daysahead is another impressive young act making its mark on that city’s vibrant musical scene.

The band is top notch and keeps the whole album sounding immediate, even on the slow songs. Special kudos also to Leachman, a wonderful smoky-voiced singer who handles the varied material well, especially shining on the more soulful cuts. Daysahead comes out of the box as a talented, original young group and Turning Point as a great showcase for their expansive vision of popular music. Recommended.
CR

The daysahead Page at Soul Tracks (www.soultracks.com) © Copyright 2006 by Chris Rizik and Soul Tracks ™
Date: May 5, 2006
www.soultracks.com/daysahead.htm - Chris Rizik

"Turning Point": DaysAhead
by Michael Heyliger

It seems like the band concept has almost
completely left R&B altogether. While it was
nothing for R&B to boast a bunch of
self-contained musical acts throughout the
Seventies and Eighties, the concept had all
but dried up a decade later, left to
long-running warhorses like Earth, Wind & Fire
and a couple of new-jacks like Tony! Toni!
Tone! and Mint Condition.

Atlanta’s own Daysahead is the latest to make their mark on the
scene, with an album, “Turning Point”, that’s soulful yet also
reminiscent of many other musical genres. Like many of the
aforementioned acts, Daysahead boasts a sound that criss-crosses
R&B, jazz, funk and rock to create an intricate and intriguing musical
stew.

They’re definitely a tight band, but their centerpiece is undoubtedly
vocalist Kim Leachman. Her rich tones suggest India.arie with a light
sprinkling of Chaka Khan. They shine on ballads like “Love is Love”,
where Kim’s voice is seductive and smooth over a tasty bass and
drums. The song is highlighted by the rock-etched guitar riffs that run
through it. That song is followed by gems like the fiery, Latin based
“Falling Flower” and the wistful, folk-ish “Good Ole Days”. Of course,
the band can also get straight-ahead funky as evidenced by tracks
like “You Move Me”.

Daysahead is a band with a sound that’s both contemporary and
timeless. With an air-tight band and a bewitching front woman,
“Turning Point” has a sound that should definitely take this outfit far
in the R&B stakes.

Music samples and more information about the group available at:
www.daysaheadmusic.com
CD Review June 15, 2006 - Michael Heyliger

"Turning Point"...deliberately seek to cross the genre boundaries...touching, emotive and walks the line between jazz and soul quite sublimely...Kim’s vocals are strong and vibrant and the jazzy riffs are quite catchy...excellent musicians and a great vocal talent...remind you of The Brand New Heavies...I can foresee nothing but successful Daysahead." - Alfie da Funkjunky

It's a quiet storm that passes through the night. If you are fortunate enough to be awake for the lightning and the electricity that this particular storm stirs, you are left with an overwhelming sense of love, excitement, connectedness and abandon, all at once. It's hard to put into words but ROCKWIRED has just described the sound of Daysahead, which is brought to light by their debut CD TURNING POINT.

Daysahead is all about chemistry; that often times elusive element that makes everything come together. It is the combination of vocalist KIM (LEACHMAN) WRIGHT's impressive command of that indefinable voice that goes from gospel, to soul, to jazz and to rock in a seconds notice, and the dexterity of guitarist and partner-in-crime STEVE WRIGHT. Who knew such sounds, textures, and imagination could come from just six strings.

TURNING POINT is just that. It's a point in time where the groaning, moaning, mid drifts and lip synchers of pop are turned dow in favor of melody, harmony and attitude to spare. Just give the tracks like YOU MOVE ME, FALLING FLOWER, and DON'T FALL TOO FAST a listen. There's no neo-soul here. It's music to the ears, soul and mind. - Brian Lush

ATL-based group, Daysahead is proof positive as they slap you in the face with "Turning Point" their debut release that is sure to have you open...their sound is infectious and quickly invades your sense and creeps into your soul... The hardest thing about listening to this CD was being able to move on to the next track. I kept replaying each track over and over...To say that Daysahead is diverse and multitalented may be one of the biggest understatements of the year...No question, this is one of the best CD's I have heard this year! - DJ Random

“Metheny meets Chaka Khan,” this is what critics are saying about this dynamic duo that hails from Atlanta guitarist Steve Wright and lyricist and vocalist Kim (Leachman) Wright.

First off, the group "Daysahead" is not exactly jazz. With that said, if you dig high energy music with lyrical substance that “rocks” embroidered with the fabric of jazz, soul and occasional Latin influences then you’ve discovered “Tuck & Patty” reincarnated in a quartet setting.

The opening track “You Move Me,” explodes with raw detailed vigor and style you rarely hear in music these days. Wright’s guitar licks thrust forward defining his purpose as a soloist therefore, his voice merges seamlessly complimenting the talented vocalesse of Kim.

On “Love Is Love” the duo, playfully engage in lyrical and instrumental foreplay. This track is very much like the previous one it has strong crossover appeal.

At the third spot is “Falling Flower,” it has a cool Santana vibe. Bassist Jeff Smith and drummer James Barrett intercede as accomplishes by weaving in and out by attacking their instruments skillfully with reverie. Mrs. Wright's contribution as lyricist and vocalist are amazing on this track.

On “For The Love and Good Ole Days,” I hear the sentiments and influences of Patti Cathart with note vocally. What I find endearing is Kim’s honesty and maturity as a vocalist, the lyrics gracefully oozes out slow and easy with conviction.

“It’s In Your Hands,” reminds me of a very popular group from the seventies called Seawind (without horns). The bands cohesiveness is definitely noteworthy.

“Days Ahead,” the only instrumental on the cd has a nice reggae flavor showcasing Steve Wright on guitar. What I dig most about this project is it cross-pollinates musically and culturally beyond the soundscape of most genres.

The mysteries of what makes a great song is underscored internally and externally on “Don’t Fall Too Fast.” The lyrics, instrumentation, and the improvisation are on the mark. No doubt, overall this is my favorite.
Daysahead closes out this provocative session with a beautiful duo piece titled “Courting A Fantasy,” which features Wright on guitar and Leachman-Wright as vocalist!

"Turning Point" by Daysahead features the compelling voice of Kim Wright and energetic artistry of guitarist Steve Wright, a near perfect marriage artistically. Their debut should garner richly deserved attention from music connoisseurs globally.

The voices behind guitarist Steve Wright & vocalist Kim (Leachman) Wright Dayshead ...

• Kim Leachman, vocals
• Steve Wright, acoustic & electric guitar
• Myron Carroll & Jeff Smith, bass
• James Barrett, drums

Visit, Daysahead web space: daysaheadmusic

Listen & Purchase: CDBaby.com

Daysahead
"Turning Point"
[© 2005 Nightingale60 Publishing (BMI), Stephen Wright (BMI)]
Reviewed by Rob Young
Date: March, 2006 [10 Tracks 52:42 Total Spin Time] - Rob Young

Daysahead is a band that has truly developed their own sound that sets them apart from the rest of the new/neo/nu soul movement. What may sound odd at first is that they hardly use any keys on their debut album Turning Point. Instead they rely on the strength of guitar (acoustic and electric), bass and drums and of course on the impressive voice of Kim (Leachman) Wright. And it’s this combination of musical instruments and daysahead’s own blend of soul, funk and rock that is a welcome breath of fresh air in today’s music scene.

All songs were written by Steve and Kim Wright. Steve also plays the guitars. The two other members of daysahead are Myron Carroll (bass) and James Berrett (drums).

The album starts with the powerful, lively You Move Me, which like most of the songs explores the never ending mystery of human relationships. Things get a little smoother with Love Is Love while Falling Flower has a healthy rock element thrown into the song.

For me Daysahead sounds best when it comes to downtempo like For The Love with a nice Isley like electric guitar solo or Good Ole’ Days, my favourite song, with its beautiful melody and Kim’s personal lyrics taking a trip down memory lane (by the way the only song here with some keys).

It’s In Your Hands finally sees Daysahead with some socially conscious lyrics (”How high is the cost of war/ Who are we dying for/ Yearning to learn to live in peace/ Can’t we learn to just dance“) sung by Kim over a swinging uptempo groove.

Another highlight is the soulful Take Your Time. The song’s message not to rush anything must be made for me (and my desire to take my time with the records reviewed here is also the reason why it sometimes takes a few days until a new review is posted).

Courting A Fantasy is another winner with Kim being accompanied by Steve on acoustic guitar only.

And if you’re looking for a song that sums up what Daysahead is all about than listen to the nine and a half minutes of Don’t Fall Too Fast (Directions) which successfully makes the transition from soul to rock. Maybe that’s what The Family Stand would sound today if they were still with Sandra St. Victor and if Moon In Scorpio would’ve been a successful album saleswise.

Altogether Turning Point is a very good debut album from a band with a distinctive sound that’s left field from the soul mainstream in a refreshing way.

Tracklisting of Turning Point: 1. You Move Me/ 2. Love Is Love/ 3. Falling Flower/ 4. For The Love/ 5. Good Ole’ Days/ 6. It’s In Your Hands/ 7. Days Ahead/ 8. Take Your Time/ 9. Don’t Fall Too Fast/ 10. Courting A Fantasy | released 2005 Nightingale60 Publishing, Stephen Wright

For more infos visit cdbaby.com and daysaheadmusic.com.

Daysahead Turning Point
reviews soul — Tuesday, 14. February 2006 by Dirk Binsau, Jazz-Not-Jazz - Dirk Binsau