Adventures of Leonid: Home
WELCOME TO AOL, THE ADVENTURES OF LEONID
Leon Muhudinov is an eclectic Guitarist/Composer/Teacher from the NJ/NYC area. Described as "an artist of some well earned name recognition" and "one of the most versatile guitarists around" by 20th Century Guitar Magazine, his musical explorations include beautiful classical guitar repertoire, exotic world music, progrock, as well as cinematic scores for film/tv. He is also founder of progrock group The Adventures of Leonid featuring veteran drummer Mad Mike Cullens (Chuck Berry, Mick Taylor). His music can be found on iTunes, CDBaby, and most other stores.
Formed in 2004, The Adventures Of Leonid is a group which features a rotating lineup of friends and great musicians on various projects in the NJ/NYC area.
AOL’s self-titled debut was released in 2005 on Mad Hands Records. The album was acclaimed by fans and critics alike for its eclectic composition, exciting virtuosity, romanticism and quirkiness. Journalist Dmitry Epstein called it “a highly enjoyable record of rare elegance.”
Leon is also prolific composer, writing in a wide range of styles including classical guitar, orchestral, chamber music, and progrock. In 2011, he was featured as a segment composer for the series Project Oliver. An arranger and transcriber of popular songs and piano music for classical guitar, most recent transcriptions include the Beatles’ Eleanor Rigby, as well as Debussy’s Clair de Lune, transcribed for two guitars.
Recently, Leon was selected personally by Roger Taylor, drummer of Queen, as a semi-finalist for their Queen Extravaganza Tour. He is also featured on the upcoming Van Halen Tribute album which includes current/former members of Aerosmith, Journey, Black Sabbath, Dio, and Yngwie Malmsteen band released on Versailles Records 2012. Leon will also be featured on their Guitar Wizards compilation which will be out 2013.
An active performer and recording artist/session musician, Leon's music has been featured internationally on numerous radio stations, podcasts, and film. His versatility as a session guitarist has led to a wide range of studio work and collaborations with some great musicians/projects.
As an experienced and dedicated guitar teacher, Leon keeps a busy schedule of students of all ages and levels.
Leon is an active advocate for animal welfare/rights, environmental, and humanitarian causes to help raise awareness, respect, and compassion for all of the creatures with whom we share this planet.
"Guitar trip into the unknown of the great wide open. Not afraid to touch and embellish classic material from the likes of The Fabs and Duke Ellington on his 2003's debut, "Tasty Guitar Lines", this time New Jersey resident Leonid Muhudinov walks his own way with a variety of stringed instruments on his back. Running in with a streamline rock 'n' roll with Beethoven lurking in the shadows, there's a filigree technique on display with no sign of showing off, especially when electricity breaks down into acoustic reverie. But if jazz, country and classical guitar pieces can be expected from the master, the jangly twangy beat of "Ghost Town" comes on as delicious surprise: Hank Marvin has never been so cimenatic - and there's more to the composition, much more! And there's much humor in here, be it Hendrix-cum-Hazel-Hackett transmutations in "Funky Bitch", lush but playful guitar pile-up in "Leonid's Return" or electric sitar of "Samadhi". Highly enjoyable record of rare elegance."
***** - Dmitry M. Epstein, Journalist/DME Music Site www.dmme.net
"An artist worthy of some well-earned name recognition."
- 20th Century Guitar Magazine
What makes of Leonid a cooler cat than those guys is his eclecticism. The tracks included here variate in shade, hue, heaviness and level of exposition; he seems destined to switch moods because that’s his mission. He can play the guitar, but can he hold out attention? This stuff says Yes, and that’s more than most guitar albums can sound off with a straight-note."
- Hansel Mercher
Hi, I have your CDs and I love your music, special “Bi-Polar Sunshine” –- Rosie, MD
"I was always a fan of Leon's work in his band, and each album left me wanting more. There was a certain style to all the songs. And now with this album, I can see where that style comes from. This is a wonderful technical/heavy/light/classic/contemporary kind of thing, but its not just limited to those adjectives. The moods change in a natural flow, and there is a perfect blend of piano, guitar, and other instruments. The tracking may be a bit strange, but even that adds the beautifully contorted themes. the bottom line is that it is inspirational and compelling." -- Demi, NJ
“The varied experimentation and delivery of the album is wonderfully unpredictable, evokes a multitude of moods for a mulitude of experiences, like any adventure should” --Gokhan, Bulgaria
“The music on this CD shifts from shred, surf, rock, fusion, and experimental styles in a series of smooth transitions. Just when you think you know what to expect from Leon's music, he'll throw in a curve and surprise you with a fresh new idea” –- Rob
“Listen up….and learn something. A journey that is exotic, erotic, and electronic, this album takes you around the world in Magellan-like fashion. The sea is absolutely ferocious at times but as dawn approaches, a beautiful sunrise develops and the waters are as calm and soothing as the Mediterranean Sea, as the listener goes to shore, puts on some sunglasses, and drinks a margarita on the beach - Philips, NJ