Christopher Leighton
Band Story
Born in the Bronx, NY, Christopher Leighton (Cjeff) has been performing and recording for the better part of three decades as a solo artist and in bands, on stages from Las Vegas to Nashville.
Christopher's introduction to guitar fundamentals came from a classical standpoint. However, after finding a book on jazz guitar in the local library, he photocopied the chord charts, learned them all, and began—much to his parents’ dismay—playing rock ’n’ roll. His initial forays into lead guitar were influenced by Martin Barre (Jethro Tull), Robert Fripp (King Crimson), Carlos Santana, and Eric Clapton.
While living in Des Moines, Iowa, he studied music theory with Don Archer while working with the Iowa Arts Council, teaching and playing in various venues. He began performing in clubs and at a range of events—including the Iowa State Fair and the Jerry Lewis Telethon—both as a solo artist and with acoustic and electric bands.
He spent three years on the road, traveling across America with two show bands, playing musical material ranging from Dreamgirls to Lee Ritenour.
Following “a series of interesting events,” he now resides in Mahopac, New York, with his wife Lidia, five parrots, two cats, and four aquariums full of fish.
His musical compositions are influenced by a wide range of artists, including Mark Knopfler, Pat Metheny, Weather Report, George Gershwin, Keith Emerson, Thelonious Monk, Allan Holdsworth, Van Halen, and Lee Ritenour.
Christopher's introduction to guitar fundamentals came from a classical standpoint. However, after finding a book on jazz guitar in the local library, he photocopied the chord charts, learned them all, and began—much to his parents’ dismay—playing rock ’n’ roll. His initial forays into lead guitar were influenced by Martin Barre (Jethro Tull), Robert Fripp (King Crimson), Carlos Santana, and Eric Clapton.
While living in Des Moines, Iowa, he studied music theory with Don Archer while working with the Iowa Arts Council, teaching and playing in various venues. He began performing in clubs and at a range of events—including the Iowa State Fair and the Jerry Lewis Telethon—both as a solo artist and with acoustic and electric bands.
He spent three years on the road, traveling across America with two show bands, playing musical material ranging from Dreamgirls to Lee Ritenour.
Following “a series of interesting events,” he now resides in Mahopac, New York, with his wife Lidia, five parrots, two cats, and four aquariums full of fish.
His musical compositions are influenced by a wide range of artists, including Mark Knopfler, Pat Metheny, Weather Report, George Gershwin, Keith Emerson, Thelonious Monk, Allan Holdsworth, Van Halen, and Lee Ritenour.
Band Members
Christopher Leighton
Christopher Leighton
Location: AMERICA NORTH: USA: New York (NY)
Genre: Indie