Leon Garner on Jazz and his 'Ripple' Stripe Lazyman Set
It was in 2018, the song ‘I Love You Baby’ that was whimsically rearranged caught Buzz (our cofounder)’s attention while sitting at the bar of The Ned. Leon and his gig were performing. The twist (both the song and the movement), the gesture, the liveliness of the Art-Deco inspired New York/London metropolitan-fuelled interior and ambience — it was genuinely a memorable night. They always say ‘art brings people together’. Mutual art forms attract, like magnets, and that was how Leon and Buzz became friends.
Four years later, Leon and his gig returned from their temporary residence at St. Moritz, performing for some of the finest sites in the area and are now cooking up their first full album. The like-minded creators met up once again and decided to run this launch together as Leon is the perfect embodiment of this special Lazyman ‘suit set’.
The Navy/White ‘Ripple’ Stripes clearly reminds us of riviera life. It was, undeniably, part of the design inspiration. However, art interpretations can constantly vary based on a person’s exposure, upbringing and interest. The other significant inspiration came from a conversation between Leon and the team, where we explored his profession a little more, as well as his personal quirks and affinity.
You mentioned you enjoy a good striped suit. Why is that?
Striped suits, despite their decline due to the formality crumble in the workplace, would always remain a cultural phenomenon of its time. They are, in my opinion, one of the most handsome suits I see and would consider wearing. I have always wanted to explore the realms of striped suits, but I am no banker or lawyer, so a striped suit is not something on my priority list although I always adore the look.
But a striped Lazyman Jacket? Or even a set?
Absolutely. Debunking the fallacy that striped suits are only for professional occupations is great. Striped suits back in the 50s and 60s were never just for business. With the structure and silhouette of the Lazyman Jacket, the fabric and texture of the garment, this ‘reinterpreted’ striped ’suit set’ is definitely far more appealing in the modern context. I can certainly see myself wearing this while I travel, or even when I perform. It’s a good mimicry of a striped suit that has no constrictions or boundaries. I can move so freely on stage.
That’s very good to hear. We are pleased to know that people from creative industries also see the appeal of stripes. Okay, since you are in the limelight of your jazz gig, mind sharing with us more about yourself and how you got into Jazz?
I grew up in a steel town up north. My mother and father worked all hours back then so I spent a lot of my time with my grandparents, which was great. My grandfather was a musician and an avid record collector. He had thousands of LPs, I was responsible for cleaning the records which gave me great exposure to some wonderful artists at a really early age. When I first hear the likes of Nat King Cole and Mel Torme I was transfixed and they kicked off my lifetime obsession.
As Jazz lovers, we all know Ronnie’s Scotts in Soho, London. Where else would the insider recommend if one was to enjoy good live Jazz music?
The Ned is a great place to catch live music, especially jazz, and my local haunt, ha! Johnny Seymore and Dom Chung have given a platform to so many young artists as well as established artists. One night you might see the likes of Sister Sledge or Gary Barlow and the next night you might catch great emerging artists like Cherise or Ego Ella May, it's the variety that makes it so special.
606 Club is also a good place for it. However, this may surprise you — Pizza Express in Soho is actually a spot for up and coming talents, but what you may not have expected, is Tony Bennett’s presence! You can enjoy pizza and dough balls without breaking a bank to enjoy top-class jazz music. Having the luxury to enjoy good music does not necessarily require just club memberships and hefty dinner bills!
That’s very interesting, really never would’ve thought places like these would offer such great music. Okay, music at home, as an avid jazz lover, what's your pick? Show us your 'anthology'.
Village Gate - 1961
I’m a massive fan of Nina Simone. She is the greatest deliverer of lyric I've ever heard along with being an astonishing pianist. The first time I heard her as kid was her version of Love Me or Leave me. I heard it many times before but the lyrics from her mouth seemed completely genuine, my jaw hit the floor, then she plays an incredible Bach inspired solo and that started my deep love for her. She has an incredible body of work, there's just so much to enjoy and discover. I found this album (earlier release) it's more folky than jazz but what today is folk was I suppose the popular music of her youth. It's astonishing. Another thing I learnt from her is play the songs you want to play, she could have gone on that played her hits, but she didn't mind challenging her audience. She followed her instincts.
Chet
I discovered Chet’s horn playing first. This album is great, he has completely unique sound. He also has a really moving voice - inventive. Haunting in a way but he can also be playful.
Sammy Davis Jr
Sammy was my first love. He was in the business from the age of Four. He started doing movies. Back then they had films for black audiences by black artists and films for white audiences with white actors. Sammy was the first black star. He could do everything astonishingly well. An amazing tap dancer, singer and movie star. Just super cool. I love this album, it was from his show in London. He loved playing in London, at one point he would come to the Pigalle club in London and play 4 shows a night. His energy was legendary and he was known as the world’s greatest entertainer and was a major influence for a lot musicians later down the line including Michael Jackson who called him his inspiration. I really recommend his autobiography Yes I Can.
And the last one. This is like a tailor's tape measure or fine needle. What's this microphone about?
Naumann makes the best microphones in the world. I love this mic, not only does it make me sound better than I am, it's also sturdy as hell. I couldn't get on stage with another mic now. This thing has been through every performance good and bad, been with me through victory and defeat. it's not an inanimate object to me, it's a trusted friend.
And the book you’re reading…
Pour Me: A Life, by A. A. Gill. He physically couldn’t write. He is a food critic that couldn't drink and a journalist that couldn’t write. He dictated everything, which gave him a unique voice. However, his perspective is enlightening. It's like the Will Smith (smacking Chris Rock at the Oscars) incident, some say it’s just a joke, while the others think it’s a terrible act. It has got polarising views. People normally see things in two ways, but late Gill would always find the third way to approach that. He was also a television critic for a while too. Wish he was still alive to witness this, haha! His solitary view is like breaking the fourth wall, always refreshing. The way he talks about little things, even like lampshades, and mundane stuff, his approach is ever so idiosyncratic but eye-opening. Part of my writing now is heavily influenced by his writing.
I also feel an infinity with Gill as a recovering alcoholic. Most people who write about alcoholism are pretty serious. He was the first alcoholic I heard talk about the joy of drinking. He said it's like jumping off a very tall building, it's fantastically fun until you hit the ground. He also described it as a fantastic depression and an amazing boredom. I love him for that.
Special thanks to Leon and wishing him all the best with his new album. Also many thanks to The Laslett for providing the suite for the shoot. Photography by James Holborow.
