WELCOME to the official Chuck Leavell website! Chuck is one of the most respected and sought-after piano players and keyboardists in modern music history, as well as one of the most dedicated and revered conservationists in the world. His work both as a solo artist and as a musician with The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, The Allman Brothers Band, The Black Crowes, Gov’t Mule, Train and many others is among the most accomplished of any living keyboardist. Chuck is an inductee in both the Georgia Music Hall of Fame and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. His latest CD Live In Germany was just released on Evergreen Arts Records, and he also appears with the Rolling Stones on their new CD, A Bigger Bang. He's now finaly home after two years on the road with the Rolling Stones World Tour. Musician, author, speaker, conservationist and family man, Chuck Leavell remains active in all of these endeavors.
Thanks for visiting us, enjoy browsing!
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The Mother Nature Network - Beta Website & College Correspondents Contest
Dear Friends,
I am proud to announce the introduction of The Mother Nature Network
(http://www.mnn.com), our new website dedicated to the environment! We have
released the 'beta' version of the site, and will be taking comments on it
over the next six weeks before we make a public announcement and official
launch, about Jan. 6, 2009. Please take the time to go to mnn.com, look
around and send us any comments you might have...we welcome your thoughts,
ideas, suggestions and need your help to make mnn the NUMBER ONE
ENVIRONMENTAL SITE IN THE WORLD! Please send comments to mnn.com under
'contact us' at the bottom of the home page.
As part of the site, we're going to have collegiate correspondents from all the major Universities and Colleges in the US. So, we're starting our search for the best college environmental journalists in the country.
One student from each major U.S. college market will be selected to be the Mother Nature Network correspondent in 2009. We're running the contest in partnership with YouTube. Each of the winning correspondents will become a highlighted contributor at MNN for 2009 with his or her own video program or blog that will provide access to a nationwide audience. In addition, winners will receive a "Flip Ultra" video camcorder, and the top five correspondents will be selected to participate in an exclusive, all-expense paid summit where they will share ideas with top environmentalists, business leaders, scientists and entertainers.
If you know of a talented college journalist who might be interested, we'd love to hear from them. Also, let me know if you have specific questions and we'll send more details. The contest starts today & wraps up January 15.
Thanks for your help! YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zA7NgMmuPdE
Chuck Leavell
Director of Environmental Affairs
The Mother Nature Network
191 Peachtree St., NE - Suite 4075
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-856-7020
http://www.mnn.com
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Mountain Stage: Chuck records live session, listen now!
NPR.org - Chuck Leavell is one of the most sought-after pianists in the world. Even if you didn't know it, you've heard his work with George Harrison, The Black Crowes and Eric Clapton. After touring with Dr. John in the late '60s, Leavell joined the Allman Brothers Band in 1972, recording three albums with the quintessential Southern-rock group. When the Allmans disbanded, Leavell and Allman drummer Jaimoe Johanson started the jazz-fusion group Sea Level, which released five albums; its song "King Grand" pops up in this Mountain Stage performance.
In 1982, Leavell began leading The Rolling Stones' touring band, serving as musical director through 2007's "Bigger Bang" tour. His latest album, Live in Germany, is a two-disc set recorded during his "Green Leaves and Blue Notes" tour, and spanning some of his career highlights.
Through the years, Leavell also used his musical stature to raise awareness of forestry and conservation issues. He recently authored his third book, this time geared toward children, and has received multiple honors and awards for his activism.
Leavell is joined here by the Mountain Stage band, which features Charleston, W.Va., saxophonist Doug Payne and singer-songwriter/producer Don Dixon on bass. Dixon previously appeared on Mountain Stage, closing a set by Peter Bradley Adams. During his performance, Leavell makes reference to Mountain Stage pianist Bob Thompson, who preceded this set with a solo piano version of Duke Ellington's "In a Sentimental Mood," to be featured later this week along with a performance by John Hammond.
Click here to listen to Chuck on Mountain Stage!
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Georgia Music Hall of Fame - Widespread Panic 2008 Induction
On Saturday (9/20/08), Widespread Panic was inducted in the prestigious Georgia Music
Hall of Fame. The jam-titans were formally inducted at the Georgia World
Congress Center by area-keyboardist Chuck Leavell, who has long served
as something of a mentor to the group. During his induction speech,
Leavell---who first sat in with the group in 1991 and appears on /Live
in the Classic City/---used Widespread Panic as an example that "you can
be successful by doing things your own way." John Bell then offered a
few heartfelt words, nodding to both fallen guitarist Michael Houser and
his most recent replacement, Jimmy Herring. "I love these guys," Leavell said. "Even though they've never been embraced by mainstream radio, they've sold over 3 million records. . . Widespread Panic has proved you can be successful by doing things your own way."
Click here to see photos from the event!
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AJC.com - Stones keyboardist Leavell jams with House members
WASHINGTON - The congressman-lead singer had a question for the guest keyboardist at the all-congressional band gig Wednesday night.
"You know 'Brown Sugar'"? asked Rep. Collin Peterson, a Minnesota Democrat.
"I think I can handle that," replied Chuck Leavell, the Rolling Stones keyboardist.
And a little while later, they both took the stage with Peterson's band, the Second Amendments, at a Capitol Hill party to celebrate recent passage of a $290 billion farm bill, which Peterson helped usher through as chairman of the House Agriculture Committee.
Leavell, whose new album is "Live in Germany," filled in for regular keyboard player, Rep. Jon Porter, R-Nev., for a couple of numbers: "Brown Sugar," long a Stones standard, plus a Little Richard medley before Porter resumed his spot.
Leavell, a noted conservationist who owns a tree farm in Georgia, had lobbied Peterson for forest conservation provisions in the farm bill. Leavell recalled in an interview that during their meeting, Peterson had suggested, "Man, if you're ever around, play with us, sit in with us."
"I thought it was pretty darn cool that a congressman had a band," Leavell said.
Click here to read the rest of article...
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ksdk.com (St. Louis) - Rolling Stones' Keyboardist In St. Louis To Receive Award
When keyboardist Chuck Leavell isn't touring with The Rolling Stones, he is a tree farmer on his two-thousand acre pine tree plantation, and writes books about trees and environmentalism for adults and children. Last weekend Leavell was recognized by the International Society of Arborculture (ISA) with an Honorary Membership. While in town, Leavell appeared on Today In St. Louis to perform and talk about his impressive career.
"ISA's Honorary Membership award recipient is Chuck Leavell, Charlane Plantation.
This award recognizes individuals who are not members of ISA who have
continued interest and outstanding service in promoting arboriculture."
Leavell's career began to take off when he joined the Allman Brothers Band at the age of 20. In 1982, he began his long association with The Rolling Stones. He has also performed with Eric Clapton, George Harrison, The Black Crowes, as well as recording his own solo projects.
Leavell's St. Louis connection includes his participation in the concert movie "Hail! Hail! Rock 'N' Roll" which was filmed in and around St. Louis in the mid-1980's. Leavell was part of the all-star band organized by film director Taylor Hackford and musical director Keith Richards. That band included Leavell, Eric Clapton, Robert Cray, Johnnie Johnson, Linda Ronstadt, and Etta James. Leavell and the Stones included St. Louis on their Bigger Bang World Tour in 2006 and 2007.
Click here to see the interview with ksdk.com.
/ Click here for more information on ISA.
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OCTV.com - Orange County TV: Two interviews with Chuck Leavell
Chuck recently sat down with Orange County TV to discuss his upcoming CD and also Agriculture Conference that took place recently in Southern California.
In addition to the website videos, both Chuck pieces are also airing on a
loop in local television, including in hotels, at the convention
center and visitors center, transportation vehicles, shopping malls
and the airports, which gives us great exposure to an audience other
than just Southern California locals. They receive 10 million
viewers/month with a 3.5 million frequency rate airing.
Click here to see the 1st video: 'New Chuck Leavell Live Double CD'.
Click here to see the 2nd video: 'Chuck Leavell CA Agriculture Conference'.
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Georgia Public Broadcasting - Interview with Chuck Leavell
Episode # 402
Chuck Leavell
Conservationist, Musician and Author
This week we offer a break from our usual roster of CEOs and economic experts. We're focusing on the Rolling Stones and sustainable tree farming. I'm serious: one guest covers both topics. One of the world's most accomplished keyboardists... 25 years with the Rolling Stones; performed with Eric Clapton, the Allman Brothers and Indigo Girls, George Harrison and many others... conservationist and tree farmer in Dry Branch, southeast of Macon in Twiggs County. Chuck Leavell's new CD, "Live in Germany," is out from Evergreen Arts Records. Some of his earlier work is available on iTunes.
Airing Sunday, July 13, 2008 - 1:30pm
Monday, July 14, 2008 - 7:00pm
Click here to see the interview for Georgia Public Broadcasting.
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Denver Post: Rolling Stones keyboardist gets honorary music degree
Rolling Stones keyboardist Chuck Leavell entertained Central Michigan University graduates and joked about rock musicians during an appearance at commencement ceremonies.
Leavell also was presented with an honorary Doctor of Music degree during Saturday's event.
He told the crowd he learned to play the piano by listening to his mother play. He said that she never had any formal training, but that he loved hearing her at the keys at their home in Alabama.
He also offered life lessons for graduating students, including the importance of integrity, desire and determination.
"The pursuit of excellence can take you to the Super Bowl or the Hollywood Bowl, if you're committed," Leavell said. "If you keep these principles in life, no matter what you've chosen to do, you will be successful." He also offered a groaner for the graduates.
Click here to read the entire article from the Denvert Post.
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Jambase.com - Mike Gordon set to release The Green Sparrow featuring Chuck Leavell & more!
Rounder Records is proud to announce the release of Mike Gordon's solo album, The Green Sparrow. Set for an August 5 release, The Green Sparrow finds the accomplished Phish bassist showcasing his wide range of influences in a confident ten-track album that reminds us that Gordon is one of the most imaginative and mold-breaking musicians in music today. Recorded at Gordon's home studio in Vermont and mixed at The Barn, his former band's studio and art space, The Green Sparrow features special guests Chuck Leavell, Phish's Trey Anastasio and Page McConnell, Bill Kreutzmann, Ivan Neville and horn players from Antibalas.
Since the break up of Phish in 2004, Gordon has participated in many projects, none of which have been purely solo. An artist known for his endless creativity and touring stamina, Gordon took 2007 off from touring and dedicated his time to writing this record. The end result is an eclectic album boasting Gordon's skillful assimilation of free-form rock & roll, calypso, pop and funk that showcases a unexpected side to Gordon's songwriting.
From the deeply rooted funk of "Radar Blip" to the rousing intricacies of "Andelman's Yard," from the spirited rock of "Traveled Too Far" to the punch of "Another Door," The Green Sparrow is a playful album from an artist who continually reveals new layers of far-reaching invention.
Click here to see a few pictures from the session.
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Glide Magazine - Chuck Leavell Releasing Double Live CD
Chuck Leavell, who has been tagged the "fifth Rolling Stone" and remains one of music's most respected & sought-after pianists of the past 30 years, will celebrate the release of a new double CD set Live In Germany: The Green Leaves and Blue Notes Tour on May 13, 2008 on Evergreen Arts, distributed by RED/Sony.
An inductee to both the Alabama and Georgia Music Halls of Fame, Leavell is perhaps best known for his work with The Rolling Stones - a long and prosperous association that began in 1982 and continues today. His piano and keyboard work has also been heard on recordings with the likes of Eric Clapton, The Black Crowes, George Harrison, The Allman Brothers Band, The Indigo Girls, Blues Traveler, Train, Montgomery-Gentry, Lee Ann Womack and many more.
Leavell's previous solo efforts have been highly acclaimed by the press, beginning with the celebrated 1999 Christmas album What's In That Bag? on Capricorn Records; 2001's Forever Blue: Solo Piano, a collection of seven original songs and three classics including "Georgia On My Mind," and 2005's Southscape, described as "Southern Jazz."
As the two-year long Rolling Stones' "A Bigger Bang" tour came to an end in late summer of 2007, Leavell remained in Europe for the "Green Leaves & Blue Notes Tour," where he recruited some of Germany's top musicians to accompany him. In a live performance recorded on September 14, 2007, for the German radio station HR1, Leavell and his international crew, which included drummer Paul Hochstadter, bassist Christian Diener, saxophonist Lutz Hafner, guitarist Frank Kuruc, recorded 19 songs in an hour and a half set. In addition to performing a handful of Leavell's original tunes, the group performed covers of such classic songs as The Allman Brothers' "Jessica" and "Statesboro Blues" (with a cameo appearance by Henning Eichler on harmonica); The Rolling Stones' "Honky Tonk Woman" and "Rip this Joint;" a rousing rendition of Les McCann and Eddie Harris' "Compared to What;" moving renditions of Ray Charles' "Georgia" and George Harrison's "Here Comes the Sun;" and a few standards including "In the Wee Wee Hours" and "Route 66."
Click here to read the entire press release in Glide Magazine.
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Chuck Leavell
Forever Green
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Chuck Leavell
Between Rock & Home Place
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Chuck Leavell
The Tree Farmer
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Chuck Leavell
Piano Instruction Vol. 1
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Chuck Leavell
Live at the Douglass Theatre
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| ***NEWS ARCHIVE*** |
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