Pete Christlieb and Bob Cooper at The Hyatt Newporter

Fred Eckstein
L.A. Jazz Scene

September, 1990

John Leitham's performance was impressive. He was all over that bass, with both hands. Walk? Hell, he made it talk.

Bob Cooper Quintet at The Hyatt Newporter

August, 1993

Bassist John Leitham is one of the new breed of jazz bassists who have developed an approach to improvisation which is very similar to front-line horn players. This, coupled with Leitham's uninhibited quest for interesting ideas, drew the deep respect and favor of the audience. Nearly upstaging Leitham's outstanding jazz playing was his multitude of very colorful facial expressions which was a show in itself.

First Annual West Coast Jazz Party

November, 1995

John Leitham led a session with Tom Ranier, Jake Hanna, Jack Sheldon and Pete Condoli. John's work on "Scrapple From The Apple", "Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most", and "What Am I Here For", showcased his remarkable ability to get more out of a bass than you ever thought possible.

On "You Don't Know What Love Is", we heard Red Holloway's alto sax with so much soul, it was like hearing Hank Crawford or John Handy play while feeling down and out. … The rhythm section of Tom Ranier, John Leitham, and Grady Tate were actively percolating, with John up high on the neck of the bass for a mandolin effect.

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