Al McLeod
Al McLeod is an Australian musician, guitarist and songwriter based in Northern NSW/Mid North Coast.
With a sincere passion for music and truth, Al McLeod exudes a luminance of pure joy and gratitude for his deep connection to his guitar and the autobiographical stories that have sprung from its strings, whilst inspiring him on countless journeys that have crossed the globe spanning Australia, USA, Mexico, Cuba, Japan, Europe and Southern Africa.
- Al McLeod is a natural on guitar. He talks through his music in a natural and exciting way. Always aware of the bigger picture, he plays his part to complement the sound. And when it is his turn to shine he can turn up the heat effortlessly. His mastery of the guitar really comes alive when he is soloing. Warwick Porter - Wazinator Stompbox http://www.wazinator.com
Born & raised in a loving home surrounded by the sounds of Blues, Rock 'n' Roll and much more, Al was exposed to rehearsals in the family home, live shows and his father’s extensive record & guitar collection. His Father, Steve McLeod, a well-known accomplished guitarist and songwriter in his own right. https://www.facebook.com/thejukejointway/
Cutting his teeth on the local music scene of Lismore & Byron Bay in mid-late 90's, McLeod found himself surrounded by a healthy and diverse community of musicians & artists, from blues jams to folk circles, world music parties to jazz gigs, immersing himself deep into this colourful landscape. Inevitably leading him to study guitar under the wing of local guitarist Rick Nankivell at Northern Rivers Conservatorium, and at Lismore SCU with guitarist/lecturer Jim Kelly (Crossfire). These formative years allowed McLeod to developed a very distinct style of guitar playing that speaks from the soul.
- "You can always count on Al to bring enthusiasm, passion and taste to any musical situation. His openness and positivity to all forms of musical expression resonate through his thoughtful (yet playful) approach to both the art of songwriting and guitar playing. He is one of the most professional, versatile and inspired musicians I have had the pleasure of working with, and I'm always looking forward to seeing what he does next!” Brendan Lees - Session/touring Drummer http://brendandrums.com
Al is in demand as a session guitarist/collaborator and has been fortunate to work and perform with the likes of Pete Murray & the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, Cassie Rose, Garrett Kato, Kyle Lionhart, The Sea Benz, Cathlyn Shadbolt, Rebecca Ireland, Blake O'Connor, Andy Jans-Brown, Ghost Road, The Hotten-totts, Betty Blissett, Luke (Fergo) Ferguson, EDC (Every Day Carry), Guy Kachel, Thomas Mitchell, Amir Paiss, Nini & Ben, Avishai Barnatan, Connor Fitzgerald. Playing local shows & touring Nationally & Internationally.
August 2016, saw the release of McLeod's self titled EP “Al McLeod”, co-produced and recorded with Dave Tweedie (DaveCave). Bringing together a range of musical styles, from Progressive Rock to Blues, Folk & Soundscape & collaborating with musicians, Brendan Lees, Cameron Spike-Porter, Dave Tweedie, Connor Fitzgerald & Cassie Rose. All exceptional original artists/composers.
- Al McLeod is truly unique. A rare combination of raw natural talent, humility and a worldly open mind, makes his music and songwriting diverse, his debut EP will have something for any music lover and will captivate anyone lucky enough to be in his audience.” Jock Barnes - Musician/Pro Surfer http://www.jockbarnes.com
Currently Al is writing, recording and performing with new band 'The Sea Benz' www.theseabenz.com which finds him collaborating with Grant Gerathy Drums & Mike Mills Bass. Their latest release "Tremors" 2022 can be found at bandcamp https://theseabenz.bandcamp.com/releases and all other streaming services.
Music Collaborations
Artists & Musicians I have been fortunate enough to work with..
The Sea Benz
Brendan Lees
Andy Jans-Brown
Thomas Mitchell
Cassie Rose
Dan Clark
Dave Tweedie