Film Overview

“The world that Leitham has moved in since the early ’80s has been at the center of the highest levels of jazz performance. More than 100 recordings as an A-list bassist, eight CDs of her own, long-term stints with Mel Tormé, Doc Severinsen and the Woody Herman Thundering Herd as well as appearances with the likes of Gerry Mulligan, Joe Pass, Louis Bellson, Bill Watrous, Cleo Laine and dozens of others attest to the far-ranging versatility of her playing”. JazzTimes, 2009 - Don Heckman.

After a 35 year career in the Jazz world that had taken him to stupefying heights, John Leitham came to a crossroads and risked everything in order to be the authentic person she is today.
Jennifer Leitham transitioned while a member of the Doc Severinsen Orchestra in 2001. Her journey has been chronicled in many top flight publications, including JazzTimes, Cadence, The Los Angeles Times, The Hollywood Reporter, Wall Street Journal, and numerous others.
Her story was featured in the 2003 documentary “Sex Change” that aired on TLC.
Jennifer is the subject of a new documentary by acclaimed filmmaker Andrea Meyerson and Stand Out Productions called "I Stand Corrected", slated for release in January, 2012.

In 2006 Jennifer released her CD “The Real Me” to much critical and popular acclaim. It was her calling card to the world, a gentle explanation of the road that she had taken. It was a love letter to a concerned fan base and the general public. It touched a chord. The popularity of “The Real Me” came as a complete surprise as it propelled Jennifer to an even wider world of appreciation and acceptance.

“The Real Me Live” was filmed at Franklin Park in Riverside California in July of 2010 by noted filmmaker Mark Lewis. Utilizing the music from the groundbreaking CD, “The Real Me”, these live versions are crackling with intensity, passion, and virtuosity. Jennifer entertains as she spins her musical tales and adventures, in tandem with the garagntuan talents of pianist Andy Langham and drummer Randy Drake.

Included is a bonus music track, short interview clips with some of Jennifer’s closest friends, an introduction by KSDS San Diego music director Claudia Russell, as well as her extended interview with Jennifer about making “The Real Me”, as Jennifer describes her songwriting and performing processes, and a life lived in music.

Here is what the critics are saying about Jennifer :

"As a soloist, Leitham is in a class by herself. At the core of her powers are a rich plummy sound, an astonishing virtuosity, unerring intonation and a deep sense of swing. Leitham’s trio, to borrow from the argot of rock, is a power group extraordinaire." - Topeka Capitol Journal 2009, Chuck Berg

“...prodigious technique and improvisatory prowess promptly erase any emotion except awe." 52nd St. Jazz, Robert Bragonier

“...a unique level.......to effortlessly improvise with imagination, incredible skill and even a bit of humor." JazzTimes, Jim Ferguson

"Combining her astonishing virtuosity with some exquisite soul, Jennifer Leitham brings in her trio to celebrate the success of her latest album, The Real Me. She, (and her trio), make an organic whole that is really something live ... and something that all kinds of fans get into." LA Weekly, Brick Wahl

"Jennifer Leitham is an extremely compelling diva of the upright acoustic bass. She is one of the few practitioners of her instrument, of any gender, genre, or generation, who can completely command my attention with what is, essentially, an entire set of bass solos." Wall Street Journal, Will Friedwald

"Left handed virtuoso of the upright bass." L.A. Times, Leonard Feather

Website: www.jenniferleitham.com - Contact: jennifer@jenniferleitham.com