Leon Stenning Guitarist, Composer & bandleader
	Leon Stenning is a creatively inspired guitarist whose characteristic style as a soloist and a sideman, has brought taste and flavour to a wide range of musical environments. Leon was born on Sydney’s Northern Beaches He began playing guitar at the age of 7. His gigging life began in local cafes at 15 and he graduated from the New South Wales Conservatorium of Music (Ass. Dip. Jazz) in 1995. After establishing himself as a bandleader and composer on the Sydney jazz scene, he engaged in all possible musical endeavours working on film sound tracks (ABC), hip hop projects (Upshot), educating young musicians (CMS) and cabaret shows (NCL, Grayboy Ent.). Leon moved to England in 2000 and now lives in London’s southwest. Since 2002 he has been working as a session musician on remixes and original releases whilst continuing to collaborate and perform with various London based artists. Leon is a member of the band Reel People, who have toured extensively in Europe and Asia since the release of theirt LP 'Second Guess'. 2003-06 · Reel People - ‘Second Guess’ (Defected Records) - ‘For KJM’ (Kyoto Jazz Massive, Quality Records) - Tour highlights 04; Tokyo Jazz Festival (invited by Herbie Hancock), San Sebastian Jazz Festival, Heineken Festival Kuala Lumpur. - Tour highlights 05; Blue Note (Yokohama, Nagoya), Crossover Jazz Festival Tokyo, Kaunus Jazz Festival Lithuania · Tim Richard’s Great Spirit - ‘Epistrophy’ (33 Records) - U.K Tour (assisted by Arts Council) · Verna Francis - ‘Verna Francis’ (Chillifunk Records) 00-02 · Nathan Haines Band (Chillifunk recording artist) - Jazz Café, London - Nu Jazz Festival, St Petersburg · Jin Goh Band - Ronnie Scott’s, ‘Jazz for Peace’ · Dill Katz Band - 606 Club, London (monthly since 2001) 1999-00 · Norwegian Star (NCL Cruises) - Glenn Shorack (Little River Band) - Jeana Geoffreys, Troy Cassa-Daily, James Blundel (Australian Country Icons) 96-98 · Strange Meeting, composer & bandleader, “Anticipation” - Independent release in Australia · Cathy Harley Band, co-founder & composer · Jim Kelly’s Guitarkestra · Sound track for Documentary about Aboriginal poet Les Murray, co-composer & solo guitar · Fullerton College Jazz Festival, guest artist, CMS Contemporary Music Studies 93 Big brother Award for Excellence in Music.
He says “My goals have always been about bringing happiness to other peoples lives through music. This means contributing as much as I can to as much music as I can…. To keep growing and making heartfelt music for and with as many people as possible"