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Eric Leeds

Eric Leeds (born January 19, 1952) is an American saxophonist, flutist, and woodwind instrumentalist renowned for his jazz, funk, and R&B contributions, particularly his longtime collaboration with Prince that spanned albums, tours, and side projects from the mid-1980s to the early 2000s. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Leeds relocated to Richmond, Virginia, at age seven and later to Pittsburgh at fourteen, where he honed his skills under jazz saxophonist Eric Kloss and drew early inspiration from Ray Charles' collaborator David "Fathead" Newman, leading him to perform in funk, R&B, and jazz fusion bands like Takin’ Names in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Leeds entered Prince's orbit in 1984 through his brother Alan Leeds, Prince's , initially contributing to the side project The Family on tracks like "Nothing Compares 2 U" and "Susannah's Pajamas." He soon joined the Revolution during the * and provided key arrangements for Prince's Parade (1986), including "Mountains" and "," and (1987), where his flute and sax added to like " Thing." In 1987, Leeds co-founded the instrumental jazz-funk ensemble Madhouse with Prince—who handled all other instrumentation under pseudonyms—releasing the EPs 8 and 16, with the track "Six" peaking at number five on Billboard's Black Singles chart; Madhouse also opened for Prince's European tour that year. Beyond Prince, Leeds has pursued solo and collaborative work, releasing albums such as Times Squared (1991), Things Left Unsaid (1993), and Now & Again (2000), blending smooth jazz and fusion elements. He formed the improvisational jazz-funk group L.P. Music with bassist St. Paul Peterson in 2013, performing with guests like D’Angelo and Questlove, and continuing to tour and record into the 2020s while occasionally rejoining Prince's associates, such as The Revolution, for live shows.

Early life and education

Childhood and family background

was on , , in , , into a middle-class . His , Herbert Leeds, worked as a retailer, initially managing a Gimbels department store before establishing his own business, Business Counseling. His mother, Dorothy , served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during World War II. In 1959, at the age of seven, the Leeds family relocated to , where they resided until 1966. This move marked the beginning of Eric's formative years in the South, though specific details about his daily life or school experiences during this period remain limited in public records. The family then moved again in 1966 to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, when Eric was 14 years old, and they stayed there for the next 18 years. Eric grew up alongside his older brother, Alan Leeds, born in 1947, who would later enter the music as a tour manager and play a key role in connecting Eric to prominent figures.

Musical training and early influences

Leeds began playing the at 10, initially starting with the model before switching to during high school and eventually mastering the . His foundational came through private lessons with Eric Kloss, a renowned saxophonist and who signed with at 16; Kloss served as Leeds' mentor, shaping his and improvisational skills over several years. After graduating from in 1970, Leeds enrolled at the Duquesne School of Music in , where he pursued studies emphasizing , R&B, and Afro-funk genres. During this period, he also explored woodwinds and brass instruments, incorporating self-taught elements by transcribing and emulating recordings to build versatility across the saxophone family and related horns. Leeds' early influences were deeply rooted in R&B, , and , sparked by his brother Alan's extensive record collection, which exposed him to artists like , , and as a child. He has credited ' band, particularly saxophonist David "Fathead" Newman, as pivotal in inspiring his choice of instrument and overall musical path. In , he drew from icons such as Cannonball Adderley, John Coltrane, and Miles Davis' post-1969 fusion era, alongside the progressive sounds of Weather Report and Joe Zawinul; elements were informed by James Brown's rhythmic spontaneity and band dynamics. In his early teens, while living in Richmond, Virginia, Leeds played at private parties at age 13. Later, in his late teens and early 20s while based in Pittsburgh, he formed casual bands at Duquesne for informal university gatherings and pickup sessions. These experiences allowed him to apply his growing skills in jazz and funk contexts without formal compensation.

Career

Early professional work

Leeds began his professional career in Pittsburgh with freelance jazz gigs in the local scene during the 1970s, drawing on his saxophone training to perform in R&B and jazz circuits. He soon joined the band On the Corner, a Pittsburgh-based group active in the 1970s that blended funk, R&B, and jazz-fusion elements. The band continued as Takin' Names in 1977, maintaining its fusion style. In the band, Leeds played saxophone in a horn-led ensemble that included trumpet by Matt Blistan and a rhythm section of guitar, keyboards, bass, drums, and percussion, contributing to their energetic live sound. On the Corner quickly established itself as a successful bar band, performing frequently in venues and expanding to regional shows across the , often eight nights . A highlight came in when the group opened for Weather Report at the Syria Mosque, showcasing their progressive jazz-fusion style influenced by artists like Miles Davis. Managed by Leeds' brother Alan, the band recorded two independent albums, and Taking Names, which captured their fusion of danceable R&B grooves and improvisational jazz elements but did not lead to a major label contract. In 1979, Leeds left On the Corner to join Billy Price's Keystone Rhythm Band, a prominent Pittsburgh R&B outfit, where he continued performing and recording in clubs across the region for the next three years. These experiences solidified his reputation in the local and regional jazz and funk scenes, transitioning from small club dates to broader circuit work without achieving national breakthrough or major label support.

Collaboration with Prince and key bands

Eric Leeds was introduced to in 1984 by his brother, Alan Leeds, who was serving as 's tour manager at the time. This came during the of 's success following the of Purple Rain, leading to Leeds' first studio work with that on tracks intended for the debut by the newly formed The , including "High ," "," and . In 1985, Leeds officially joined The Family, a Minneapolis-based group assembled by featuring vocalists and , among others. He provided prominent parts on their self-titled debut album, released that August on , with his contributions adding a layer of jazz-inflected to the ensemble's . The , "The Screams of Passion," which Leeds helped shape through his horn arrangements, became a top 10 hit on the Billboard R&B chart, peaking at number 9 and highlighting the band's fusion of R&B, pop, and psychedelic elements. Leeds' involvement with Prince deepened later that year when he was recruited into The Revolution, Prince's core backing band, starting with the final leg of the Purple Rain Tour in February 1985. His addition brought a reed instrument presence to the group's live performances, enhancing tracks with improvisational saxophone and flute solos during shows at venues like the Los Angeles Shrine Auditorium. By early 1986, as preparations began for the Parade Tour supporting Prince's Parade album, Leeds recommended his longtime friend and trumpet player Matt Blistan—whom Prince renamed Atlanta Bliss—to fill out a new horn section, creating what Leeds dubbed the "Counter-Revolution" augmentation of the band. This expanded lineup, including Leeds on saxophone and Bliss on trumpet, debuted on March 3, 1986, at the First Avenue nightclub in Minneapolis, delivering dynamic brass arrangements that elevated the tour's global run through September. During this period, Leeds made his initial mark on Prince's solo recordings with overdubs for the Parade album, released in March 1986 as part of the Under the Cherry Moon film soundtrack. His saxophone work on songs like "Mountains" and "Girls & Boys" integrated seamlessly into Prince's eclectic palette, blending funk grooves with orchestral flourishes and marking Leeds' transition from side project contributor to essential collaborator in the studio. These efforts, often recorded in late-night sessions at Sunset Sound, underscored Leeds' role in broadening Prince's sound during the mid-1980s creative peak.

Post-1980s projects and solo endeavors

Following the disbandment of The Revolution in 1986, Eric Leeds continued his close collaboration with Prince through the Madhouse project, an instrumental jazz-funk venture that highlighted Leeds' saxophone prowess alongside Prince's multi-instrumental production. The debut album, 8, released in March 1987 on Paisley Park Records, featured eight tracks of fusion-oriented grooves, with Leeds providing lead saxophone and flute over Prince's bass, keyboards, and drum programming. This was followed by 16 in November 1987, expanding to 16 tracks of similar experimental jazz-funk, again led by Prince and spotlighting Leeds' improvisational horn lines, which evoked influences from Miles Davis and 1970s fusion acts. Leeds remained a key contributor to Prince's albums throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, delivering signature saxophone and flute parts that infused funk, pop, and jazz elements into the recordings. On Sign o' the Times (1987), he played saxophone on tracks like "Housequake," "Slow Love," and "Hot Thing," adding layered textures to the double album's eclectic sound. His involvement extended to The Black Album (recorded 1987, officially released 1994), where saxophone featured on "Le Grind," "Cindy C.," and "Rockhard in a Funky Place," emphasizing raw, psychedelic funk. For Lovesexy (1988), Leeds' saxophone enhanced the spiritual and upbeat vibe on several cuts, including live-infused sessions. This pattern continued into the 1990s, with Leeds providing horns for Prince's cinematic and band-oriented works. He contributed saxophone to the Batman soundtrack (1989), notably on "Trust," blending it with trumpet from Atlanta Bliss for a gritty edge. On Graffiti Bridge (1990), his saxophone appeared on "We Can Funk," supporting the film's collaborative ensemble feel. Leeds added flute to "Gett Off" on Diamonds and Pearls (1991), aiding the New Power Generation's debut. His saxophone solo graced "Blue Light" on the Love Symbol Album (1992), a reggae-tinged interlude, while his contributions appeared on compilations such as The Hits/The B-Sides (1993). Although Leeds' direct album credits taper by 1994's Come, his foundational role in Prince's horn sections persisted through this era. In 1991, Leeds released his debut solo album, Times Squared, on Paisley Park Records, compiling unreleased tracks from Prince's vault with fresh horn overdubs by Leeds on saxophone and flute. The 11-track set, produced primarily by Prince, fused jazz improvisation with pop and rock structures, as heard in originals like "Lines" (co-written by Leeds) and reimagined vault pieces such as "One Man Band," showcasing Leeds' versatile phrasing across electric and acoustic contexts. This "accidental" solo effort stemmed from sessions intended for a third Madhouse release, highlighting Leeds' emergence as a bandleader. Leeds followed with his second solo album, Things Left Unsaid, in 1993 on Paisley Park, shifting toward smoother jazz contours with nine tracks emphasizing tenor and soprano saxophone leads. Recorded at Paisley Park and New York studios, it featured bassist Alphonso Johnson and co-writes like "Aguadilla" with Prince, blending contemplative ballads ("Two Sisters") with upbeat fusions ("Isla Mujeres"), prioritizing melodic flow over dense production. The album underscored Leeds' jazz roots while maintaining ties to his Prince-era sound. During the 1990s, Leeds extended his work beyond Prince through side projects, including contributions to bassist Brownmark's (Mark Brown) solo endeavors and reunions with The Time, where his saxophone supported funk-driven sessions rooted in the Minneapolis scene. These efforts reinforced Leeds' role in the extended Paisley Park collective.

Later career and legacy

Reunions and recent activities

In 2000, released his third , Now & Again, on the Nouveau Records label, shifting focus toward with contributions from pianist Ricky Peterson. ' collaborations with became more sporadic after the , including and work on the 1996 triple Emancipation and the 2003 instrumental N.E.W.S., marking the end of his major involvement with 's projects around that time. In 2007, Leeds reunited with original members of Prince's side project The Family—St. Paul Peterson, Susannah Melvoin, and Jellybean Johnson—reforming as fDeluxe, which released the studio album Gaslight in 2011, followed by the covers collection AM Static and live recording Live & Tight As a Funk Fiends' Fix in 2014. During the , formed the LP with bassist , culminating in the 2017 crowd-funded album No Words, which blended and . Following , has maintained a lower , participating in occasional reunion , such as the 2012 First Avenue show and select dates in the late , while contributing to tributes after Prince's 2016 death, including guest spots on jazz projects. In a 2025 interview, he discussed his early career and current semi-retired status, focusing on select LP endeavors without major new solo releases as of that year. In 2025, he continued performing with LP , including a show at Paisley Park on January 24 featuring guest Stokley Williams.

Musical style, influence, and recognition

Eric Leeds is renowned for his signature style that seamlessly blends improvisation with the rhythmic grooves of and pop, often incorporating and woodwind elements to add lyrical depth and texture. Influenced by hard bop pioneers like David "Fathead" Newman and the energetic fusion of and , Leeds' playing emphasizes melodic solos that integrate organically into ensemble arrangements, drawing from his early club experiences in where he performed , R&B, and . Leeds significantly shaped Prince's sound by introducing sophisticated horn sections that bridged rock, funk, and jazz elements, particularly elevating albums such as Sign o' the Times (1987) and Lovesexy (1988) through his improvisational saxophone and flute work. His contributions provided a jazz-inflected counterpoint to Prince's dense productions, making solos an essential narrative component rather than ornamental additions. In the Madhouse project, co-led with Prince, Leeds channeled these influences into instrumental jazz-funk albums 8 and 16 (both 1987), serving as a creative outlet for Prince's jazz explorations while showcasing Leeds' leadership in live horn performances during the Sign o' the Times tour. Beyond , Leeds' innovations inspired horn-heavy arrangements in and pop and , contributing to the evolution of the with its fusion of genres and live brass integration. His work on tracks like "6," which reached No. 5 on the Black Singles chart, exemplified this hybrid approach and garnered admiration from contemporaries such as for its cult status in circles. Leeds extended his reach through collaborations, including on an unreleased track for ' Tutu (1986), further embedding his style in broader landscapes. While Leeds has not received major solo awards, he is credited alongside Prince in the artist's 2004 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, recognizing his pivotal role in the band's sound. Interviews, such as those in The Quietus (2015) and Steelers Takeaways (2025), underscore his enduring influence, with Leeds reflecting on how his jazz background enriched Prince's oeuvre. His legacy endures in the Pittsburgh jazz scene, where he honed his craft through local gigs and mentorship under saxophonist Eric Kloss during his Duquesne University years, and as a prolific session musician who recorded numerous sessions with Prince and collaborated with artists like George Clinton.

Discography

Solo albums

Eric Leeds released his debut solo studio album, Times Squared, on February 19, 1991, through . Originally compiled in September 1989 as the third album (titled 26), the project was repurposed as Leeds' debut at 's suggestion, with writing or co-writing nine of the tracks and performing most instruments alongside Leeds' work. The album features nine tracks on vinyl and cassette (ten on CD, including the bonus "The Dopamine Rush"), blending , , and elements recorded across studios like and Sunset Sound. Key tracks include "," a melodic -driven piece, and "," noted for its experimental ; the album did not chart. It received positive user ratings, averaging 4.2 out of 5 on Discogs based on 66 submissions. Leeds' follow-up, Things Left Unsaid, arrived on February 16, 1993, also via , emphasizing with sophisticated horn arrangements led by Leeds on , , and . The nine-track album, recorded at Studios and New York facilities, showcases Leeds' maturing compositional , with minimal Prince involvement limited to co-writing "Aguadilla" (which reuses elements from Prince's unreleased "Desire"). Highlights include the title track "Things Left Unsaid," a reflective , and "Isla Mujeres," evoking influences; the album runs 52:51 and earned a 4.2 out of 5 average rating on from 16 users. In 2000, Leeds issued Now & Again on the independent Nouveau label, marking his first fully self-directed release post his primary collaborations and focusing on instrumental and . The eight-track album, produced and arranged by Leeds with contributions from musicians like bassist Gordon Johnson, totals approximately 65 minutes and features extended improvisational pieces dedicated to family influences. Standout tracks are "To Whom It May Concern," a contemplative feature, and "Rio Diamante," highlighting rhythmic Latin undertones; it garnered an 8 out of 10 editor on and a 4.0 out of 5 average on from eight users, praised for demonstrating Leeds' artistic .

Prince and related contributions

Eric Leeds joined 's musical in , providing and throughout numerous and tours, often enhancing the , , and elements with his work. His contributions began prominently with the in 1986, where he played on multiple tracks, including overdubs on "A Couple of Miles," and supported the subsequent as part of the expanded lineup. On the 1987 album , Leeds delivered solos, notably on the "" and "I Could Never Take the Place of Your ," adding improvisational flair to the record's eclectic ; he also contributed to tracks like "Play in the Sunshine," "Housequake," "The of ," " Thing," "It's Gonna Be a Beautiful Night." He further supported the Tour in that year, performing live arrangements. Leeds continued his horn work on The Black Album (1987), providing saxophone throughout the unreleased project before its eventual vault status. For Lovesexy (1988), he added saxophone layers that complemented the album's spiritual and funky vibe. On the Batman soundtrack (1989), Leeds handled horn arrangements, including contributions to "Partyman" with its exuberant brass sections and "Scandalous," where his playing underscored the track's seductive groove alongside Atlanta Bliss on trumpet. In 1990's Graffiti Bridge, Leeds played saxophone on several cuts, bridging the film's narrative with instrumental color. The following year, on Diamonds and Pearls (1991), he featured prominently with flute and saxophone on variants of "Gett Off," including the "Flutestramental" mix that highlighted his soloing over the song's infectious bassline and percussion. Leeds provided additional saxophone overdubs for the Love Symbol Album (1992), The Hits compilation (1993), and Come (1994), refining the horn sections on tracks that blended Prince's pop sensibilities with jazz influences. A significant side project was Madhouse, Prince's instrumental jazz-funk outlet co-led by Leeds. The 1987 EP 8 featured four untitled tracks (numbered 1 through 4), all instrumental, with Leeds on saxophone and flute leading the sessions while Prince handled most instruments, drums, and production; the release showcased fusion elements drawing from Miles Davis and Weather Report. Later that year, the full-length 16, which contains eight tracks numbered 9 through 16, again instrumental and jazz-funk oriented, with Leeds' baritone and tenor saxophone driving the complex improvisations alongside minimal input from Dr. Fink on keyboards, Levi Seacer Jr. on bass, and others. Leeds' involvement tapered in later years but included sparse horn parts on Emancipation (1996), where his saxophone appeared selectively to accentuate the triple-album's soulful ballads and grooves. He returned briefly for N.E.W.S. (2003), recording saxophone overdubs that added texture to the news-themed instrumental tracks.

Other collaborations and appearances

Leeds contributed saxophone to the 1985 debut album by The Family, a short-lived Minneapolis sound ensemble that included Paul Peterson on bass and vocals, Susannah Melvoin on vocals, Jellybean Johnson on drums, and Jerome Benton on percussion and vocals. His horn parts appear prominently on tracks such as "The Screams of Passion," where they add a funk-jazz texture to the R&B balladry, and "Nothing Compares 2 U," enhancing the emotional depth of the slow-tempo composition originally written by Prince. These performances marked Leeds' introduction to the Paisley Park scene, blending his jazz influences with the group's pop-funk style. In the 2010s, Leeds reunited with former members as fDeluxe, a rebranded of focused on original and covers. The group released Gaslight in 2011, featuring Leeds on and across tracks that revisited their with contemporary production, including reinterpretations of songs like PJ Harvey's "We Float." This was followed by the studio album AM Static in 2014, where Leeds' work supported the ensemble's blend of R&B, , and , highlighted by vocalists and tracks like "Fight the Power." That same year, fDeluxe issued the live recording Live & Tight As a Funk Fiends' Fix, capturing performances from their 2012 Dakota Jazz Club residency in Minneapolis, with Leeds delivering extended solos on classics such as "High Fashion" and "The Screams of Passion." These reunions underscored Leeds' ongoing role in preserving and evolving the Minneapolis sound through collaborative live and studio efforts. Leeds partnered with Paul Peterson in the jazz fusion duo LP Music during the 2010s, launching a crowdfunding campaign via PledgeMusic in 2017 to fund their debut album. The resulting No Words, released digitally in October 2017 for backers and on CD in December 2017, features the pair's instrumental interplay—Leeds on saxophone and flute, Peterson on bass—across ten tracks emphasizing improvisation and groove-oriented fusion, such as the title track's modal explorations and "Where Be the Bassline's" rhythmic drive. The project drew on their shared history from The Family, prioritizing live-feel sessions without vocals to highlight their woodwind-bass synergy. Beyond these ensembles, Leeds made guest appearances on recordings by associated artists, including saxophone on Sheila E.'s self-titled 1987 album for tracks like "One Day (I'm Gonna Make You Mine)" and "Pride and the Passion," infusing Latin-tinged pop with jazz phrasing. He also contributed to the 1992 soundtrack for the Canadian film Giant Steps, composing and performing original jazz pieces alongside trumpeter Matt Blistein and pianist H.B. Bennett, with themes evoking urban introspection to complement the story of a young saxophonist's journey. In terms of singles and compilations, Leeds featured on the 1991 remix "Gett Off (Flutestramental)," providing an extended flute solo that reimagines Prince and the New Power Generation's funk hit as an instrumental showcase, appearing on the Gett Off EP and later anthologies.

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