Chicago Gay Hockey Association • All I Want For Christmas

Anyone who knows me well already accepts my fascination with hockey. I've been a fan for as long as I can remember, and have cheered on the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League since I was a wee boy. So when I saw singer/songwriter Stephen Leonard talk about having a holiday video from the Chicago Gay Hockey Association, I knew I was in trouble. Hot gay guys and gals, wearing their hockey uniforms and singing a Mariah Carey Christmas song, how great did that sound? The video was shot at a Chicago rink, and it all looks fantastic! So here are the players of the Chicago Gay Hockey Association singing "All I Want For Christmas Is You".

Talk about spreading the Christmas joy, the video is just so filled with fun, love, and laughter, it is irresistible. To learn more about the Chicago Gay Hockey Association, visit their official website. You can also 'follow' them on Twitter, and to 'like' them on Facebook. While you can't purchase the single anywhere, there is a donation button halfway down in the right column of the Association website homepage. To learn more about Stephen Leonard, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter. You can also find Stephen's album 'His Fire' on iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby.

Stephen Leonard • Wanting It All (Radio Edit)

When I reviewed 'His Fire' by out Rocker Stephen Leonard, I couldn't have been more excited. When I tried writing about "Wanting It All", the first single off the album, I was so much in love with the song, I avoided stumbling and stammering by simply posting the audio track,thus saving myself from embarrassment. Leonard somehow managed to maintain an intimacy in the performance, yet still allow the song to soar in all the right ways. And, I have to say, Leonard is looking quite handsome in the video, beautifully directed by Jordan Lindley. But it is the vocals that are truly charged with an emotive connection, delivered with a strength and a sensuality that cannot be missed. See for yourself, with the wonderful new music video for Leonard's "Wanting It All".

You can purchase "Wanting It All (Radio Edit)" on iTunes and Amazon. You can also find Stephen's album 'His Fire' on iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. I have to admit, once I had heard "His Fire", I found myself back online to purchase Stephen's 2010 album, 'With A Pen'. After listening to that, it was obvious to me that if I were to meet him anytime soon, I would embarrass myself. Thankfully, thus far, I have managed to avoid that. For more about Stephen Leonard, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Stephen Leonard • His Fire

I was so very excited to purchase the latest album from Chicago-based out singer/songwriter Stephen Leonard. As soon as I saw Leonard say it was available, I was there to scoop it up. I first heard of Stephen through Tom Goss, and was able to get a listen to his 2010 release, 'With A Pen'. I loved the quality of his voice, with a rich tone given added depth with a cool edge. I also thought the songs were well-written, smart and well-constructed. Before I had the chance to review it, I heard new music was in the offing, so I held out with a surprising use of patience. And when 'His Fire' hit the streets on October 2, I couldn't wait to give it a few spins, and see if I was still impressed with Stephen Leonard.

So, after spending a week with the new album, I am thrilled to tell you Tom didn't lead me astray, for as much as I loved 'With A Pen', I think 'His Fire' was even more impressive. From the opening moments of the soulful "Free", I knew I was in love. There is a subtle but strong political thread in the album, starting at the top, when he declares he can tolerate what others say, as long as he remains free. "Ready To Tip" begins with a sweet acoustic guitar, but it can't hide the steamy lyrics, lending hands and tasting apples... There is a rough burnish on "Like A Dog", adding a sweet patina to a song combining Blues and Rock, with a real classic feel. Next up there is the first single, the beautiful "Wanting It All". Instead of me yammering more, give it a listen.

Such an amazing, evocative song! It is followed by the guitar-driven "Out Loud", a joyous Pop song about love and communication. The chorus is amazing and infectious, and the whole song just makes me happy. From the opening lines of "Last Innocent Crime", you know something different is going on, and your intuition is right. But then Leonard slows it down for the title cut, "His Fire". What starts off as soft and sweet grows in intensity and emotion, speaking from and to the heart. His voice is so freakin' beautiful on this song. With the opening of "Cashing In" a simple showcase of the acoustic guitar and Stephen's voice, we are soon transported, thanks to an amazing vocal. As much ash we were just on an amazing high, "For Me" brings it back down, offering a quieter opening, more prayer than anything else. But we soon realize it is an inner-dialogue, a self affirmation. "In Your Way" opens with a simple piano, a nice complement to Stephen's voice. It becomes such an honest expression, it is hard to not be touched by it. This leads us to the final song on the album, "I'm Fortified". Again, listen to this joyous song rather than my ramblings.

Leonard's voice is so strong, so on point, I find his music irresistible. His music ends up being so positive, so emboldening. The depth of his voice only seems to extend his hand to my heart, making me feel his words that much deeper. 'His Fire' can be purchased from iTunes, CD Baby, and Amazon. You can purchase the first single, "Wanting It All", from the above links, or at Bandcamp. To learn more about Stephen Leonard, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter.

Stephen Leonard • Wanting It All

I only recently discovered the music of Chicago-based singer-songwriter Stephen Leonard, after he was mentioned by Tom Goss on Facebook. I went looking for his music, and have to say, I was impressed by the sound. His 2010 album, With A Pen, is great, and I have been enjoying it very much. So I was quite pleased when I saw last Friday, September 14, he released a new single. "Wanting It All" is a soulful ballad that starts off sounding like an acoustic take on a Motown classic, but then moves into an amazing classic-in-the-making. As Leonard makes to song soar, so does my heart, taking the ride with him.



You can purchase "Wanting It All" on iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. You could also click on the song above, and buy it from Bandcamp. To find out more about Stephen Leonard, visit his official website. You can also 'like' him on Facebook, and 'follow' him on Twitter. I bought the single, and plan an playing it until a new album is available.